Palm Beach and Boynton Beach Cosmetic Dentistry – Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Jon Glaser is devoted to patient education because he believes that only an informed patient can make the best choices for his or her own dental health and maintain a strong, healthy smile for life. Below you will find brief answers to some questions we often hear at our Palm Beach and Boynton Beach-area practice regarding cosmetic dentistry and general and restorative dentistry treatment at Glaser Dental, along with some suggestions for maintaining your family's general oral health.
- How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
- What is tooth decay?
- How can I prevent tooth decay?
- Should adults be concerned about cavities?
- How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
- Is tooth loss preventable in the later years of life?
- How does diabetes affect oral health?
- New Patient Forms
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Most patients should have a regular teeth cleaning once every six months, though we may recommend that patients whose oral health has severely deteriorated schedule more frequent cleanings. Glaser Dental uses the latest dental technology, techniques, and tools to clean your teeth properly. Having your teeth cleaned at Glaser Dental will prolong the health of your teeth, prevent bacteria and tartar buildup, and help avoid periodontal disease. Removing stains and polishing tooth enamel will help keep your teeth looking and feeling their best.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth enamel and dentin. Tooth decay is caused when food debris containing carbohydrates is not removed from the teeth. The bacteria that live off these carbohydrates create plaque and produce acids which destroy the enamel that protects the teeth as well as the underlying dentin. If gums have receded away from the teeth, the roots of the teeth are also exposed to plaque. These roots are more susceptible to decay because they are not covered with enamel, causing these teeth to become more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures as decay sets in. Dental fillings, crowns, and other restorations can also fracture over time, allowing bacteria to get into weakened areas and causing tooth decay around the edges of the filling or restoration.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
- Brush twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste
- Floss between your teeth daily
- Decrease snacking and eat nutritious meals
- Talk to your dentist about supplemental fluoride and sealants
- Have regular teeth cleanings and oral exams
Should adults be concerned about cavities?
Tooth decay is not only a childhood issue — adults of all ages also develop cavities. The causes of tooth decay are identical for all people, though as men and women grow older, the problem of decay does change slightly: adults are likely to have more fillings if they grew up without fluoridated water, and older fillings are more likely to develop decay around their edges. Decay of the tooth root is also common among older adults as the gums recede, exposing the softer root surface, which decays more easily than tooth enamel.
Adult tooth decay can also be exacerbated by dry mouth, or xerostomia, as saliva is essential to counteract the acids produced by plaque. This condition can be caused by numerous types of medications, including antihypertensives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, as well as radiation treatment to the head or neck. If unchecked, dry mouth can lead to severe tooth decay.
How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
Cracks in teeth occur for a number of reasons, including severe tooth decay, stress from biting forces, facial trauma or injury, and parafunctional habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth. Common symptoms of cracked teeth include sensitivity to hot or cold foods and pain when biting or chewing. Glaser Dental can help properly diagnose cracks in teeth using a variety of methods, including use of a high intensity light, a staining solution, and an explorer or other dental instrument. If you suspect your teeth may be cracked, schedule an appointment at Glaser Dental. Should we locate cracks in your teeth, we will recommend a course of treatment to restore proper oral health and mouth function. Our Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach-area practice also excels at performing cosmetic dentistry procedures to restore an attractive appearance to cracked teeth.
Is tooth loss preventable in the later years of life?
Yes! Today, older adults are maintaining their natural teeth longer into life thanks to scientific developments and preventive dentistry. A study released by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that among persons between the ages of 55 and 64, the rate of tooth loss has decreased by 60 percent since 1960. Regardless of age, patients can avoid dental problems, preserve teeth and gums, and save time and money by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and visiting Glaser Dental regularly for dental exams and professional teeth cleaning.
How does diabetes affect oral health?
Approximately 15.7 million Americans currently have diabetes, and each year over 750,000 new cases are diagnosed. Diabetes can cause or exacerbate many oral problems, including tooth decay, lack of saliva, ulcerated sores, fungal infections, problems with taste, periodontal infections, and gum disease. Because diabetes slows the process of healing and decreases the body's resistance to infection, please inform Dr. Glaser if you have been diagnosed with diabetes and of whether or not your diabetes is under control.
New Patient Forms
Save time during your first appointment by downloading, printing, and filling out the following forms prior to your visit at our Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach-area office. This will enable cosmetic dentist Dr. Jon Glaser and the Glaser Dental staff to serve you more quickly.
- Click here for Clinical Questionnaire
- Click here for Medical History Form
- Click here for Office Policy Form #1
- Click here for Office Policy Form #2
Schedule an Appointment at Glaser Dental
If you have additional questions which are not addressed on this page, schedule an appointment at Glaser Dental. Dr. Glaser or another staff member from our Palm Beach and Boynton Beach-area practice will gladly answer your questions about cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, or any of the advanced dental treatments we offer.
Schedule an appointment at Glaser Dental's Palm Beach and Boynton Beach-area practice to learn more about cosmetic dentistry treatment and restorative dentistry procedures performed by Dr. Jon Glaser.
1700 West Woolbright Road., Suite 2
Boynton Beach, Florida 33426
Phone: (561) 327-4727
