Our cosmetic dentists offer patients, young and old, excellent general, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments, including dental crowns, composite fillings, and dental implants. We are especially proud to offer the Invisalign® teeth straightening system, Zoom!® teeth whitening and LUMINEERS® porcelain veneers. These treatments can beautifully remedy cooked, stained or flawed teeth. https://images.plurk.com/2jaxiyizMdKFwkQtY7kvcC.jpg

SMILE !!

Dental Tips: Sesame seed oil is good for your gums and teeth.

Smile!!

What does your toothpaste say about your personality?

Give yourself a big hug!

Keep calm and keep on brushing!

Dr. Shrager & Associates Serving Central Florida With a Walk-In, One Stop Dental Experience!

At Orange Dental Associates, Dr. Joe Shrager and our entire team believe strongly in offering all our patients superior care and an unmatched standard of personal attention. Our entire dental staff is committed to treating each patient in as complete and customized a manner as possible.

Our cosmetic dentists – serving Orlando, Kissimmee and Central Florida patients – offer general and restorative dental treatments, including dental crowns, composite fillings, and dental implants. We are especially proud to offer the Invisalign® teeth straightening system, Zoom!® teeth whitening and LUMINEERS® porcelain veneers. These treatments can beautifully remedy cooked, stained or flawed teeth. Indeed, we can dramatically improve the appearance and health of your smile.

To learn more about how you can achieve a smile makeover, contact a cosmetic dentist at Orange Dental Associates’ Orlando office today. We can help you obtain the brilliant smile that you deserve.

Restorative Dentist Lets You Smile

Dreading to face the world after losing your teeth due to any reason? Consult a restorative dentist and smile your way to the world despite being toothless. Restorative dentistry has come a long way since its inception and these days any type of tooth defects can be corrected with the advancement of technology. Dental problems are becoming increasingly common these days. In today's world of looking smart and presentable it has become all the more important to have healthy teeth and gums to look good.

Teeth loss can happen to anybody at anytime. Aging is one of the major reasons for teeth loss. As a person starts, aging teeth becomes weak and starts showing signs of decay and damage. Teeth loss can also occur due to unavoidable accidents. Some people can experience tooth loss due to neglect in their dental care. However the good news is that there is help for you to deal with the condition. Restorative dentists can help patients in solving almost any type of dental defects these days.
There are many restorative dentists who will help you in getting relief from any type of dental condition. All you need to do is look around and find out a dentist who is properly trained and experienced to help you. The internet is a good source for you to find out the best restorative dentist in the city. You can consult people who have already undergone restorative dentistry procedures to get an idea about the success rate of the dentist.

Using a dental bridge is one of the most effective ways of getting relief from tooth loss. Bridge is a dental device which can be used for replacing one or more of the natural teeth which are missing in a person. Dental bridges can both be removable as well as fixed. Dental bridge is the ideal means to fill up the gap which occurs due to missing teeth. If you follow a good dental hygiene, dental bridges can easily last you for about 10 years.

Tooth color fillings are another restorative dentistry method used by a restorative dentist to help patients who are suffering from dental problems. A person may have an amalgam of silver and mercury in his tooth filling. This makes the teeth look really ugly when the person smiles broadly. In fact there are some countries which have entirely banned the use of this amalgam for teeth filling as it is considered to be harmful. To undergo tooth color fillings restoration you will need just a single visit to your restorative dentist.

Dental implants are another means for replacing missing or decayed tooth with a new tooth or a set of new teeth. Anyone having a good dental health is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Implants can be made depending on the size and the type of the implant. Dental implants are ideally titanium root forms which can be placed in the jawbone in the place of missing tooth of a person. Titanium roots can be used by a restorative dentist to create either a single tooth or a set of teeth as required by a patient.

If you want your teeth to be in a good healthy condition for a long time, try to follow some basic oral health rules. Brushing your teeth twice a day and eating a balanced diet goes a long way in keeping your teeth in proper working condition for a long time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/220489

Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

Take the following steps to prevent tooth decay:

• Take good care of your own oral health.
• Take good care of your baby's teeth.
• Birth to 12 months. Keep your baby's mouth clean by gently wiping the gums with a clean baby washcloth. 
  After the first tooth appears, ask your child’s doctor if your baby is getting enough fluoride. Use a just a smear of fluoride toothpaste (or an amount about the size of a grain of rice).
• 12 to 24 months. Brush your child's teeth at least 2 times a day. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste on the brush (or an amount about the size of a grain of rice). The best times to brush are after breakfast and before bed. Since the fluoride found in toothpaste is clearly meant to be swished but not swallowed, make sure to help or watch the child while brushing. When she is old enough, tell her to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.​
• Never put your child to bed with a bottle or food. Not only does this expose your child's teeth to sugars, it can also put your child at risk for ear infections and choking.
• Give your child a bottle only during meals. Do not use a bottle or sippy cup as a pacifier or let your child walk around with or drink from them for long periods.
• Check to see if your water is fluoridated. If your tap water comes from a well, your child's doctor or dentist may want to have a water sample tested for natural fluoride content. If your tap water does not have enough fluoride, your child's doctor or dentist will prescribe an appropriate fluoride supplement if your child is at increased risk for tooth decay.
• Teach your child to drink from a regular cup as soon as possible, preferably by 12 to 15 months of age. Drinking from a cup is less likely to cause the liquid to collect around the teeth. Also, a cup cannot be taken to bed.
• If your child must have a bottle or sippy cup for long periods, fill it with water only. During car rides, offer only water if your child is thirsty.
• Don't let your child eat sweet or sticky foods, like candy, gummies, cookies, or fruit roll-ups. There is sugar in foods like crackers and chips too. These foods are especially bad if your child snacks on them a lot. They should only be eaten at mealtime. Teach your child to use his or her tongue to clean food immediately off the teeth.
• Serve juice only during meals and limit it to 4 to 6 ounces per day. Also, juice is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months.
• Make an appointment to have your child see the dentist before age 1 if you have any concerns, see any problems, or need more information.

 http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Preventing-Tooth-Decay-in-Children.aspx

3 Things I Have Learned While Wearing Braces

 

Flossing

I never use to floss at all. I thought it was a waste of time and to me, my time is precious. Now that I have my braces on, I floss every single day. I cannot believe the amount of gunk that gets stuck in between your teeth that does not come out with regular brushing. When the dentist who filled my cavities talked to me about why I needed to floss, I began to see the importance of it.

Flossing keeps that yucky stuff from turning into plaque, which is what causes tooth decay in the first place.

I keep floss sticks in my purse so anytime I am out somewhere, if I need to floss I can. If you were like me before hand, don’t skip flossing. It is super important for the health of your teeth, and for your braces.

Eating the Right Foods

One thing I have come to realize is that sugary foods are not good for me physically or internally. The sugar not only makes you gain weight and is disgusting to your body, but it also breaks down on your teeth as well. Since getting my braces on I have cut out almost all of what I eat that is sugary. I don’t think I will ever go back to eating those types of foods either — for the health of my body, and for the health of my teeth.

Going to the dentist regularly

All my life I have been scared of the dentist. Now that I have faced that fear, I make it a point to go to the dentist on a regular basis. Once my braces come off, I am going to continue that trend. I want to really care for my teeth so that I can have a beautiful smile the rest of my life.

Taking care of your teeth is essential. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take care of you — and you can start that by taking care of your smile. A smile can light up the world, but if you are not happy with your smile, then you will probably be like me and hide it from the world. Don’t do that.

Do something about it. If you need orthodontic treatment, check into it. Braces are SO much more affordable now than they were 10 or 20 years ago. Braces are not just for kids and teens anymore. More and more adults are getting them on NOW because they are ready for that boost of confidence to return. A beautiful smile can do that for you.

A small amount of time with Damon System braces is absolutely worth it for a lifetime of white pearly beautiful teeth that everyone will fall in love with!

http://www.5minutesformom.com/74672/3-things-i-have-learned-while-wearing-braces/

Invisalign® Teeth Straightening System

Invisalign® is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment system that works to straighten teeth through the use of a series of virtually unperceivable aligners. Invisalign® clear braces eliminate the metallic smile that is characteristic of traditional orthodontic braces.
Treatment consists of a series of aligners, switched out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign® system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you’ll end up with a smile that truly fits.

Benefits of Invisalign®

The most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® is that patients can straighten their teeth without anyone knowing. Most adults would rather live with crooked teeth than spend two or more years with unsightly metal braces.
The Invisalign® system also boasts improved hygiene over traditional braces. Because the aligners are removable, patients can brush and floss as they normally would. Food and drink choices are less restrictive, as well. If patients wish to eat sticky candy or drink soda, they can simply remove their aligners and enjoy.

Is Invisalign® for Me?

Invisalign® treatment can help to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues. Several common issues below that an experienced Invisalign® doctor can work with you to correct include:

• Overly crowded teeth
• Widely spaced teeth
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite

Oral cancer awareness is key to prevention!

Smile More, Feel More Confident

A white smile doesn’t just indicate healthy teeth and gums; your dental health also plays a significant role in how confident you feel. Think about it -- if you’re self conscious about your smile you’re not going to feel very good about interacting with others. With that in mind, we turned to psychologist Ann Demarais, Ph.D., and dental hygienist Kristy Menage Bernie, to get the scoop on why having a great smile matters – and how to get your pearly whites looking their brightest.

Great smile = confidence

Research shows that the better you feel about your looks, the better you feel about yourself, explains Demarais. "When your teeth look white and sparkly, you can relax, be in the moment and laugh. You are more confident and radiant," she says, adding that the mere act of putting your mouth in the shape of a smile changes the blood flow to the brain and actually makes you feel happier. The fact that smiling itself boosts your mood has a further positive impact because smiling has a contagious effect. "When you smile, others are more likely to smile back, and are more drawn to you, thereby increasing your confidence and happiness even more."

Smiles and perception

You might not realize it but whether or not you're smiling can have a significant impact how others perceive you. Having a radiant smile sends a huge positive message to those around you, Demarais explains. It tells people that you are happy to be in their presence, and it creates an optimistic feeling in others. When you smile, people are more likely to assume you have positive qualities -- they perceive you as more sociable, trustworthy and intelligent, compared to when you aren't smiling. So whether you're at a party, in a job interview or simply walking down the street, the fact that you're smiling will work to your advantage.

Poor smile confidence

Being unhappy with your smile usually means you don't do it very often – which means you aren't reaping the benefits outlined above. People who avoid smiling usually do so because they are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth. They may feel that their teeth aren't as white as they'd like, or that their teeth have lost their youthful sheen, which can make them feel ashamed about the appearance of their smile. When this happens people fall out of the habit of smiling or they do a closed-lip grin, which comes across as awkward or not genuine. "Most people are not aware of how important a smile is in how others perceive them or in how they feel about themselves," says Demarais.

Best whitening options

There are really only two options for optimal, long-lasting tooth whitening – and both are achieved by seeing a dental professional, explains Bernie. The two options are in-office whitening with a light (such as Zoom!) or laser treatment, or professionally dispensed whitening gels for use in custom trays. It is critical to consult a dental professional before any whitening process, for a few reasons. Whitening agents can only work when external stains, plaque and tartar have been thoroughly removed (which your hygienist can do), and a visit to your dental hygienist and an examination by your dentist will assure that your teeth and gums are healthy, as well as provide you the best options to whiten your smile.

Daily smile care

Research has shown that using sonic power toothbrushes can maintain whitening results and keep surface staining from forming, Bernie says. And it turns out we need all the help we can get. Studies have confirmed that we tend to spend 24 to 60 seconds on our oral hygiene and a mere 10 to 20 percent of us floss regularly and effectively. "With those statistics, it is clear that power brushes will dramatically improve daily plaque removal," she says.
It's also important to avoid habits that will stain your teeth such as tobacco use and consumption of coffee, cola or other foods and liquids that cause the teeth to pick up stain. Bernie also stresses the importance of routine visits to your dental hygienist to remove hard tartar or stains, which will ensure that you not only have a white smile but also a healthy smile. Your hygienist will also be able to recommend an optimal whitening option for you.
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/838185/a-healthy-smile-means-healthy-self-esteem

How much FLUORIDE should your child get?

Tooth Friendly Drinks

Most kids can’t resist a cold can of sparkling drink; and the occasional one isn’t going to do too much harm. However, most kids drink more than the occasional can of soft drink and what’s more, they drink it throughout the day, which makes it more damaging.

Drinking soft drinks, sports drinks and even fruit juice coats your mouth with sugar for bacteria to feed on and produce acid that attacks tooth enamel.

Limiting these acid plaque attacks during the day is a great way to give your teeth a break. This means only drinking these drinks at meal times when your saliva is working at its hardest to wash away food particles and bacteria. Or, better still, drinking tap water which not only rinses out your mouth, but doesn’t contain any acid and, in many parts of Australia, has the added benefit of containing fluoride.
Teach Your Child Tooth-Friendly Eating and Drinking

Remember these simple guidelines and maybe even choose a day to devote to tooth-friendly eating and drinking.

•     Cut out all snack foods between meals. If your child has to have a snack to keep them going before dinner, make sure they eat only foods that will be kind to their teeth like cheese, nuts or fruit and get them to wash it down with a glass of water immediately after eating. Acid plaque attacks can last up to 20 minutes after you’ve eaten (even if you’ve just had a nibble). The more times you eat during the day the longer your teeth are going to be exposed to acid plaque.
•     Also try and cut out all fizzy, sugary and sports drinks, at least between meals during the day. Even better, try and cut them out completely and drink tap water instead.
•     Only eat sweet things at the end of a meal when your saliva is working at its best to wash away food particles and bacteria. Better still, stick to cheese or fruit after a meal.
•     After every meal wash food down with water (not sugary carbonated or sports drinks) and chew sugar free gum for 10 minutes to stimulate saliva flow. All this will help to quickly get rid of food particles and bacteria instead of allowing them to sit there causing damage to teeth.

- See more at: http://www.dentalhealthweek.com.au/Parents/Kids/tooth-friendly-drinks.html#sthash.Ejv3edZS.dpuf

Most kids can’t resist a cold can of sparkling drink; and the occasional one isn’t going to do too much harm. However, most kids drink more than the occasional can of soft drink and what’s more, they drink it throughout the day, which makes it more damaging.
Drinking soft drinks, sports drinks and even fruit juice coats your mouth with sugar for bacteria to feed on and produce acid that attacks tooth enamel.
Limiting these acid plaque attacks during the day is a great way to give your teeth a break. This means only drinking these drinks at meal times when your saliva is working at its hardest to wash away food particles and bacteria. Or, better still, drinking tap water which not only rinses out your mouth, but doesn’t contain any acid and, in many parts of Australia, has the added benefit of containing fluoride.

Teach Your Child Tooth-Friendly Eating and Drinking

Remember these simple guidelines and maybe even choose a day to devote to tooth-friendly eating and drinking.

• Cut out all snack foods between meals. If your child has to have a snack to keep them going before dinner, make sure they eat only foods that will be kind to their teeth like cheese, nuts or fruit and get them to wash it down with a glass of water immediately after eating. Acid plaque attacks can last up to 20 minutes after you’ve eaten (even if you’ve just had a nibble). The more times you eat during the day the longer your teeth are going to be exposed to acid plaque.
• Also try and cut out all fizzy, sugary and sports drinks, at least between meals during the day. Even better, try and cut them out completely and drink tap water instead.
• Only eat sweet things at the end of a meal when your saliva is working at its best to wash away food particles and bacteria. Better still, stick to cheese or fruit after a meal.
• After every meal wash food down with water (not sugary carbonated or sports drinks) and chew sugar free gum for 10 minutes to stimulate saliva flow. All this will help to quickly get rid of food particles and bacteria instead of allowing them to sit there causing damage to teeth.

- See more at: http://www.dentalhealthweek.com.au/Parents/Kids/tooth-friendly-drinks.html#sthash.Ejv3edZS.dpuf

A fun brushing chart you and your kids can enjoy!

Foods That Stain Your Teeth

Tea and Your Teeth
Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Sauces May Stain Teeth
They may be delicious, but deeply-colored sauces -- like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce -- are also believed to have significant tooth-staining potential. Consider lighter cream sauces for less damaging options and rinse or brush soon after eating to reduce the potential for teeth stains.

Sports Drinks and Staining
Acidic foods and drinks can also lead to tooth discoloration. Recent research finds that highly acidic drinks -- like sports or energy drinks -- can erode tooth enamel, setting the stage for staining. When exercising, limit the intake of these drinks. Water may be a better choice -- at least for your teeth.

Wine and White Teeth
If a food or drink can stain a tablecloth, it has the potential to stain your teeth. Red wine, an acidic drink with intensely pigmented molecules called tannins and chromogens, is notorious for tooth discoloration. White wine is even more acidic and can lead to stains, too.

Tooth Stains and Berries
Intensely pigmented molecules stick to dental enamel. That's why blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other vibrantly colored fruits can stain teeth. Juices and pies made from those fruits can also cause stains. Fruits with less pigmentation -- like white grapes and white cranberries -- are less likely to stain teeth. But these acidic substances can still harm enamel, so be sure to brush and floss.

Soda, Cola and Other Carbonated Drinks
The acid and chromogens in these drinks can lead to serious staining of your teeth. Even light-colored sodas contain enough acid that they can encourage staining by other foods and drinks. The acidity in some carbonated drinks is so intense that it actually compares to the acidity in battery acid. Many of these beverages contain flavored additives that add to their erosive effects.

Candy, Sweets, and White Teeth
If your favorite sweet -- like hard candy, chewing gum, or popsicles -- makes your tongue change colors, it may contain teeth-staining coloring agents. Fortunately, unless you eat those goodies often they probably won't do much to stain your teeth.

Minimize Staining: Cut Back
You may not want to cut all teeth-staining food and drinks out of your diet. Many of those foods and beverages -- like blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce -- are rich in antioxidants. You want these beneficial nutrients in your diet. So keep eating them -- but in moderation -- or substitute other antioxidant sources such as cauliflower, apples, grapefruit, and melon.


Use a Straw to Fight Stains
Try using a straw to sip your favorite drinks -- like sodas, juices, and iced tea. This should keep teeth-staining drinks away from your front teeth and reduce your risk of unsightly stains.

Swallow Swiftly
Don't let stain-causing foods and drinks linger in your mouth for long. Instead, swallow them quickly to help protect your teeth from stains. To avoid choking, it's still important to chew your food well before swallowing and be sure not to gulp.


Rinse -- then Brush -- After Eating
Swish your mouth with water right after eating a stain-causing food or drink. For about 30 minutes after you consume something acidic, the enamel on your teeth is especially at risk of abrasion from tooth brushing. So rinse, then brush well after every meal. If you can't get to your toothbrush, chew a piece of sugarless gum as soon as you've eaten.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/slideshow-foods-stain-teeth