Ft Lauderdale Family, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentistry Blog | Dr. Thomas O'Neil

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Is Chewing Gum Good For Your Teeth?

It has been one of those old time myths that chewing gum is bad for your teeth. That is not true. Yep that’s right chewing gum is good for your teeth. If your about and about and don’t have time or access to a toothbrush or toothpaste, the next best alternative is gum. With the one reservation, and that is the sugar issue. If you only chew while the sugar lasts and then throw it away, you will get a sugar attack on the teeth and won’t see the benefits. But if you chew it for longer, it helps clean your teeth. For example, the gum mechanically cleans the surfaces of your teeth as you chew and secondly, possibly the most beneficial, is that it promotes saliva flow.

Saliva is great for several reasons. For one it has enzymes that digest carbohydrates, it has antibodies that fight tooth decay-causing bacteria. It also contains a buffer that neutralizes the acids that eat away at your teeth. In addition it also contains minerals that help rebuild parts of your teeth that have been attacked by decay acid. This repair process by your saliva is a very important part of fighting tooth decay. So, when your chewing your gum and stimulating flow of saliva, you will have all these good things happening in your mouth.

By: Brandee and Chelsi

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 5:04 PM

Monday, April 27, 2009

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, for temporomandibular joint.

People with TMD can experienced severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open you mouth wide
  • Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
  • Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
  • A tired feeling in the face
  • Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite - as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
  • Swelling on the side of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, and hearing problems.

If you are experiencing any of the these symptoms, please contact Dr. O'Neil and he will conduct a careful patient history and clinical examination to determine the cause of your TMD symptom.

Written by: Tracie and Brandi

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 10:37 AM

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tired of Going to the Dentist and Not Getting What You Want?

Well good news! Here at Dr. O’neils office located in Tamarac, fl. we cater to you. Our focus is you.

We do not only give our patients what they want, but we also allow them to choose their treatment as they wish to proceed. We never push unwanted treatment and our insurance specialist will try her best to get your insurance to pay for services rendered. Dr. O’neil will provide you with the best treatment possible and the most economical way to get your oral health back into good and functional condition. Our dream team looks forward to treating you, your friends and family. Come visit our office and let us give you a tour of our comfortable and friendly practice.

Written by Bernadette Charles and Linette Wilson.

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 9:17 AM

Thursday, April 02, 2009

COMMUNICATORS

If you have been in recently you may have noticed our new headsets. These are our new communicators. We can talk to and hear each other throughout the office. We are always doing our best as a team to improve the service we provide you. Ask any of us and we will be glad to show you at our centrally located office in Tamarac (Broward County).

BY Debbie and Stacy

posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 10:50 AM

Miami Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. O'Neil and Associates

7707 N. University Dr., Suite 201
Tamarac, FL 33321

Call Dr. O’Neil at 800-458-9140 or fill out an online contact form so we can get in touch with you.