Palm Beach Smiles - Cosmetic Dentistry & 6 Month Braces
This blog is a source of current information about cosmetic dentistry written by Dr. Michael Barr, Boynton Beach dentist and founder of Palm Beach Smiles. Palm Beach Smiles is located in Boynton Beach, Florida, in the center of Palm Beach County's coast.
Plaque is that soft, sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth over time. It contains legions of bacteria. Left untreated it will eventually lead to gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss. Frequent brushing and flossing are required to keep plaque at bay. But it's virtually impossible to remove all plaque without the skills of your professional dental hygienist. In other words, you're going to need some help. Call our office today to schedule your next routine teeth cleaning to receive help with your plaque removal!
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Sounds a bit silly or far-fetched, doesn't it? However, recent medical research is revealing some startling news about gum disease. It appears that heart attacks, strokes, premature birth, and even cancer may be more related to chronic inflammation in the body than the usual suspects. The most common source of chronic inflammation in the human body is, you guessed it: Gum Disease! Does this mean that gum disease causes these medical issues? So far, the answer is no. Even if there is a "correlation," it doesn't mean there is "causation."
The newly suspected relationship between gum disease and heart disease and strokes is still being studied, but we expect to hear more and more about it.
Other studies have linked gum disease with low birth weight babies.
Again, we cannot yet say that gum disease causes any of these "systemic" medical problems. Of course, more study is needed, but I believe we'll be hearing more about these relationships in years to come.
An infection anywhere in your body is not a good thing and needs to be treated. The mouth is no different.
Here is a more recent news story about the relationship between Gum Disease and heart disease (and diabetes):
Periodontal (Gum) Treatment
The easiest thing to do is to PREVENT gum disease with good home care and regular preventive professional care. However, when gum disease is present, the sooner it's treated, the better.
Non-surgical gum treatment is offered at Palm Beach Smiles in Boynton Beach. Oftentimes a thorough cleaning of the roots of your teeth (while you're completely numb) will yield remarkable improvements. After initial treatment, more frequent cleanings may be recommended: every 3 - 4 months rather than every 6 months.
For the most advanced cases, referral to a Periodontist (gum specialist) may be indicated.
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse. The above article is from: WebMD.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes? Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane. Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?" More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss. American Academy of Periodontology She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!" To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "Why Do Teeth Darken?". Dr. Michael Barr of Palm Beach Smiles says that in addition to age and staining food and drinks, injuries or blows to the teeth can cause a tooth to turn dark, even years later. For more information on options for patients who want a whiter, brighter smile, click the links below:
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong. Multitasking while you brush Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep. Overcleaning your toothbrush Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose. Using social media as your dentist The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Do you feel comfortable with your own smile? Do you have to consciously alter your natural smile to avoid embarrassment – every day? Do you keep your lips together when you smile?
Now, visualize how liberating it would be to NOT have to think about it anymore. See yourself with your new smile, your new attitude, your new self-confidence, and your NEW LIFE.
Dentistry has evolved dramatically in recent years. You may have old dentistry that was done in bits and pieces. Much of it may be worn, resulting in collapsed bites, flat teeth, and difficulty with chewing or bite problems. This wear and patchwork quilt of old dental work creates an appearance that can age you beyond how you feel. Furthermore, a poor bite can cause jaw joint problems, muscle tenderness, and even headaches. Your chewing and speech may be affected, as well.
Full mouth reconstruction, also known as "smile makeover" or "smile rejuvenation," is a demanding area of cosmetic dentistry that often requires a combination of many disciplines. Most importantly, it requires planning and advanced skills on the part of the dentist.
Dr. Michael Barr has been performing Smile Makeovers in Boynton Beach for patients from all over Palm Beach County, out of state, and even overseas for years. Every photo you see on this website is a real patient at Palm Beach Smiles. Perhaps it's your time to get that "Palm Beach Smile" you've always wanted.
To see photographs of actual reconstruction cases performed by Dr. Barr, click on the photos above or on Smile Makeover Photos.
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home. The above article is from: WebMD.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked. It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well. And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be. To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Normally we think of a teeth cleaning as just that. Our tongues love the smooth and clean feeling we get after visiting our dental hygienist. But there's another huge benefit to regular teeth cleaning. Hygienists spend time in your mouth. That give them the opportunity to spot suspicious tissue or other possible signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer has a fantastically high cure rate - but only if it's detected early. Another reason to love your dental hygienist! And, all our patients at Palm Beach Smiles love Kim! She's the best!
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth. If you have poorly controlled or high blood sugar, your risk increases for dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, and fungal infections like thrush. Since infections can also make blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar. The above article is from: WebMD.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Maybe you remember that TV show, Extreme Makeovers? They took people who were unhappy with their appearance and let surgeons and dentists perform cosmetic miracles on their bodies and teeth. If you watched that very popular show, you may remember that the smile makeovers had a far greater and more immediate impact on not just their appearance, but their confidence! Complete smile makeovers like those on the TV show are routinely done by Dr. Michael Barr at Palm Beach Smiles. And, if often takes only two visits!
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:
Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
Loose teeth
Chronic bad breath
An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well
The above article is from:WebMD.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The Go These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser. A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth. If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space. Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel. The above article is from: OralB.com Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
At Palm Beach Smiles, we are excited to announce that we now offer Invisalign™Orthodontic Treatment. Dr. Barr has been performing cosmetic orthodontics in his Boynton Beach practice since 2007. Dr. Barr's vast experience in cosmetic dentistry, spanning over 25 years, makes the integration of Invisalign™ Treatment a perfect match.
We are proud to offer Invisalign™ - The Clear Alternative to Braces™ at our Boynton Beach office.
Are you looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth?
Invisalign Treatment is as close to a "dental magic wand" as we can get. Invisalign treatment uses a series of invisible, clear plastic trays, also known as "aligners," to straighten your teeth comfortably and efficiently.
Invisalign aligners are truly invisible when worn. You'll wear each aligner for two weeks before changing to the next aligner. You can go about your normal daily activities while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Only you will know, unless you want to tell your friends and coworkers.
If you live in Boynton Beach or the surrounding Palm Beach County area, come see us for Invisalign treatment.
Advantages of Invisalign Treatment:
Truly invisible - No brackets or wires visible in your smile during treatment.
More comfortable - No brackets or wires to irritate your lips and cheeks. Invisalign aligners will not alter your speech. Nobody will know!
Removable - Invisalign clear aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. You're flossing, right? ;-)
No worries about brackets or wires coming loose at inconvenient/embarrassing times. Invisalign Treatment is perfect for patients in high profile or public positions or those who just would rather keep it a secret.
Did we mention Invisalign aligners are INVISIBLE? ;-)
Palm Beach Smiles Michael Barr, DDS COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY 650 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 1- Boynton Beach, FL 332426 (561) 736-2377 http://palmbeach-smiles.com/
Plaque is that soft, sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth over time. It contains legions of bacteria. Left untreated it will eventually lead to gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss.
