Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Why You May Need To See The Dentist More Frequently

GOING TO THE DENTIST TWICE A YEAR, while a good rule of thumb, is not necessarily fitting for everyone. Depending on certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions, some people need to see their dentist even more frequently.

Fifty years ago, there were really no instructions as to how often you should see a dentist. Back then, dentistry was more about fixing existing problems rather than preventing them from occurring. When dentists began recommending biannual check-ups and cleanings as a preventive measure against oral disease and infection, the American population’s dental health vastly improved. However, that doesn’t mean that this twice a year recommendation is a “one size fits all” umbrella.

Who Needs To Go More Than Twice A Year?

There are a number of conditions and circumstances that may require more frequent dental visits. Listed below are people who should talk to their dentist about going more than twice a year:
  • Diabetics
  • Smokers
  • Pregnant women
  • People with gum disease
  • People who have dry mouth
  • People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
  • People who are more prone to cavities or plaque buildup
  • People who do not keep up with their dental hygiene very well
  • People whose diet is rich in sugary foods and/or drinks

Some people may need to go biannually one year and, due to changing circumstances, need to go more frequently the next. For example, as we get older and start to accumulate more health issues, we might be more prone to damage that bacteria can cause to our teeth and gums. Furthermore, many medications can cause dry mouth which makes it easier for bacteria to grow.

How often you need to make a dental visit is determined by your dentist and hygienist and is based on the health of your gums, as well as how committed you are to a good oral hygiene program. More frequent visits, especially for high-risk patients, can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. The preventive care we provide will save you time, stress, and money.

You Are Unique

You are a unique individual! Keeping your smile healthy means addressing your unique needs. We are not interested in a “one size fits all” mentality. Our practice is devoted to providing you with the best and most specialized care.

Thanks for being our valued patients and friends!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyMWuSE7Isc?rel=0

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Cavities All Of A Sudden?

SOMEONE CAN GO THEIR WHOLE LIFE without having a cavity, and seemingly out of nowhere find themselves at the dentist for a filling or two. How does this happen?

Here are some reasons your dental status might be in sudden flux:

Changes In Your Daily Routine

The stress of changes in your daily routine, like starting a new job, starting school, or starting a new habit, can adversely affect your health—oral health included. It may even be the reason for the sudden appearance of a cavity.

Stress affects us all differently, but a common side effect is experiencing a dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, there is an absence of saliva, which helps neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities. If you're experiencing some of these changes or exercising more than usual, make sure you’re getting enough water to drink throughout the day to prevent a dry mouth.

A New Diet

Another reason for unforeseen cavities may be a change in diet. Are you consuming more acidic foods or drinks? Some common culprits are citrus fruits, tomato sauce, and sports drinks. What about more frequent consumption of sugar or soda? The amount of sugar you eat matters less to dental health as the time of exposure does. Sipping on soda all day can be worse than eating a large chocolate bar all at once.

Illness

If you have a sore throat or the flu, sucking on cough drops all day long can easily cause cavities. Chemotherapy is also a common offender and in many cases results in dry mouth, making one more prone to cavities.

Changes In Dental Habits

Are you brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and with the proper technique? This one goes without saying. Make sure your home hygiene routine is up to par.

Avoid overbrushing as it can damage your teeth and may result in cavities. If you brush more vigorously than necessary, you risk cutting away the protective enamel of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to decay.

Gum recession is also a result of overly aggressive brushing. Receding gums expose the root of the tooth that is usually below the gumline. The root does not have the enamel covering like the rest of your tooth, which protects it from cavities.

Additionally, if you’ve recently gotten braces, you may have noticed that it’s harder to floss and brush than it used to be. Talk to us about how you can improve your technique so that braces don’t interfere with your dental hygiene.

We’re Here To Help

Getting to the root of the problem is the most important thing when it comes to your dental health. We’re here to work with you in treating and preventing tooth decay, so that you can have a healthy life and a cavity-free smile!

Thank you for being our valued patient and friend!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA0yON5bdAU?rel=0

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

What You Should Know About Your Child's Loose Tooth

DO YOU REMEMBER losing your baby teeth? For children, it is an extremely important milestone that symbolizes becoming a “big kid!” Losing their first tooth—and every tooth after that—is a special moment, not only because they’ll be receiving a visit from the tooth fairy, but also because it is a sign they are growing up.

Here’s some information to help you and your child get through this phase with a smile!

Let It Happen Naturally

Many parents wonder if they should be trying to get their child’s baby teeth out as soon as possible after they become loose. A child’s baby teeth fall out naturally and oftentimes painlessly if we simply let nature take its course. Usually, a baby tooth becomes loose while a permanent tooth starts coming in. This causes the roots of the baby tooth to dissolve until the tooth is loose enough to fall out painlessly.

It may take a few months for the baby tooth to become loose enough to fall out. You can encourage your child to wiggle the tooth to loosen it, but don’t try to force it. For example, don’t pull the classic “tie your tooth to the door knob” stunt. If the root is only half dissolved, and therefore not ready to fall out yet, it could break and become infected if yanked out abruptly.

Knocked Out Baby Teeth Require Special Attention

If your child’s baby tooth was knocked out long before it would have fallen out, it may be a good idea to visit us to get it checked out. When a tooth is prematurely knocked out, there is a risk of infection and damage to the permanent tooth.

We Want The Best For Your Child’s Smile

This is an exciting time for your child! Getting presents from the tooth fairy as well as having their permanent teeth grow in are special moments for them. As your trusted dental practice, we are here to make these experiences as positive as they can be for both you and your child!

Thank you for reading our blog and being a valued patient and friend! We appreciate you.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=628&v=Z6W5jCvS7Wg

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

How To Make Brushing More Fun!

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH twice a day for two minutes is an important practice that helps keep your smile bright and healthy. But, does it have to be boring? We certainly don’t think so!

Brush For A Full Two Minutes

Using proper brushing technique for at least two minutes is necessary to ensure that all tooth surfaces are properly cleaned.

Sometimes we may be tempted to speed through our morning routine and brush a bit more vigorously to make up the difference. Brushing too aggressively, however, can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, or more serious oral health concerns. So, how do we make brushing for the full two minutes more fun?

Fun Tips To Make The Time Fly By
  • Brush to the beat! Brushing your teeth to your favorite song can help those two minutes fly by.
  • Use an app. The Oral-B™ brushing app, for example, times your brushing for you while letting you scroll through the news.
  • Exercise. (Yes, exercise!) Some people choose to stretch, do calf raises or even squats while they brush.
  • Read, watch television or stream videos. Taking your mind off of watching the clock helps brushing go by more quickly.

What About The Kids?

Making brushing fun for you is one thing, for kids it can be even harder. So, what can we do as parents to help our kids enjoy those two minutes of brushing in their morning and nightly routine?
  • Participation. Having your kids push the button on the timer or put the toothpaste on the toothbrush are small gestures that make it more fun for them.
  • Make it a game! Help your kids use their imagination while brushing.
  • Offer a reward. For example, give your child points every time they brush. When they reach a certain amount of points, they can earn a special prize!
  • Brush with them! Kids love following the example of their parents and if they see you doing it, they will likely want to do it themselves.

We Love Helping You Care For Your Smile

In the end, it’s all about doing something you enjoy while brushing. Whether it’s reading the news, watching your favorite TV show, or listening to music, brushing those teeth can be quick, beneficial and fun!

If you have any questions about ways to make your oral health routine more enjoyable, feel free to ask! We are committed to providing you with all the tools you need to enjoy a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles.

Thank you for reading our blog and being a valued patient and friend!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_mgHakWC1g?rel=0

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Give Your Baby A Head Start On Oral Hygiene

IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE healthy teeth and gums at any age, but how early should you start to think about your child's oral health? It may be sooner than you think!

Proper Oral Health Care Starts At The Beginning

Infants usually begin teething between six and twelve months old, and caring for your child’s teeth should begin immediately when their pearly whites become visible. Even baby teeth can develop early childhood caries (cavities), and treatment can often be an uncomfortable experience.

This is why it’s important to get your child started on a good oral health regimen before their teeth fully erupt.

No Teeth Doesn’t Mean No Bacteria

Even as his or her first little teeth begin to sprout, oral bacteria begins to settle around their teeth and gums. An infant’s currently erupting teeth do not need a toothbrush, but they do still need to be cleaned. This can be done simply by wiping their gums with a wet washcloth or moistened gauze. Wiping the gums is enough to knock off stubborn plaque and keep their incoming teeth clean.

Choose The Right Toothbrush When The Time Is Right

Once your baby’s first teeth have erupted completely, it is time to introduce an appropriate toothbrush. When choosing your child’s first toothbrush, you should be sure it’s…
  • soft,
  • small-headed,
  • and wide handled.

Children younger than three should use only a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Once they are a little older, a pea-sized amount may be introduced. If your child has trouble spitting out their toothpaste after brushing or if you’re concerned with them swallowing too much, there are plenty of fluoride-free options you can use until they are ready for fluoridated toothpaste.

We’re Here To Help!

Whether you’re wiping their gums or helping them use their first toothbrush, cleaning your child’s teeth should still take place twice per day—especially after eating and before bed. This will help them develop good dental hygiene habits that will help support a lifetime of good oral health.

If you have questions about when to get your baby started with their first toothbrush, feel free to schedule an appointment! We’d love to talk with your about your child’s particular dental needs and help them on their way to a lifetime of excellent oral health.

Thanks for being a part of our practice family!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-3a-r5yBhM?rel=0
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Thursday, October 1, 2015




Today is a special day, a day when we celebrate our 1st awesome year in business taking care of the dental needs of our amazing patients. Congrats to us and congrats to our patients, we appreciate all of you!

Monday, September 28, 2015

40 under 40

You would be proud to know that your dentist is awarded and highlighted in the Incisal Edge magazine for 40 under 40... check it out!!!

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/9975d83d#/9975d83d/32

Wisdom Teeth: Why Do We Have Them?

WHEN DENTISTS SEE emerging wisdom teeth are going to cause dental problems, wisdom tooth removal is likely in the cards.

Wisdom teeth–also known as the third molars–received their nickname because they emerge during young adulthood, when a person has a little more wisdom. But why do we wait until the late teenage years to address the issue? In fact, if wisdom teeth so often cause complications, why has nature given them to us at all?

Wisdom Teeth Have Ancient Roots

The most widely accepted theory behind wisdom teeth suggests we look to our ancestors in the distant past for answers. Early humans had a much different diet than we do today: roots, raw meat, tough plants—foods that would have required a lot of grinding. Big, wide molars were the perfect teeth for the job, and that third set of molars would have helped them immensely! They also had larger jaws to accommodate these extra teeth.

Today, we have smaller jaws and eat much softer foods, but our genes still produce third molars! When they don’t have enough room to emerge properly, wisdom teeth can begin erupting at angles of 45 degrees or more—even horizontally! When teeth grow where there isn’t space for them, they cause a lot of problems.

When Is Removal The Right Decision?

Wisdom teeth emerging at bad angles or crowding other teeth can damage oral health. They might not even emerge at all, becoming impacted below the gum surface. In either case, they can cause constant pain and infection, weaken bone structure, and undo orthodontic work.

You might ask why wisdom teeth aren’t addressed in early childhood. It’s because they actually don’t begin forming until around age 10! All teeth (adult teeth included) begin forming in the jaws during fetal development—except for wisdom teeth.

We Treat Each Wisdom Teeth Case Individually

There are the lucky few that have no problems with their wisdom teeth. It is possible for them to emerge at the right angle, with enough space, and not have to be removed.

Each case is unique, and by getting to know your unique dental profile, we will prescribe the best dental health solution—without any unnecessary treatment. From diagnosis to wisdom teeth removal recovery, we’ll be there every step of the way to provide the best in advice and care.

Thank you for choosing us as your family’s lifelong dental health partners. We treasure the trust you place in our practice!


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

WHNZ 1250: Jamie Meloni interviews Dr Amir Daoud

Jamie Meloni from 'That Business Show' interviews Dr Amir Daoud about his dental practice Feather Sound Smiles.

Please click on the link below to listen to the recorded show.


Monday, March 23, 2015

Enhancing the Patient Experience with Laser Dentistry

The word lasers alone conjures up images of precision, speed, and accuracy. When applied to contemporary dentistry procedures, lasers can truly benefit the patient in terms of safety, health, and comfort. This reliable, multi-faceted technology can tackle any number of dental issues – tooth decay, gum disease, biopsies, lesion removals and even teeth whitening. And, it decreases the need for patients to endure the dental drill, which is great news for kids and adults, alike.

Laser-assisted dentistry also offers other advantages:

  • Procedures may not require stitches.
  • Aids in clotting and minimizes bleeding  
  • Lasers sterilizes infected soft tissue
  • May not require anesthesia
  • Precision minimizes damage to neighboring soft tissue.

A dental laser heats, cuts, and vaporizes, making it a safe and useful tool for multiple applications.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Through laser-assisted periodontal treatments, decaying, infected material can be cut and removed, minimizing the need for anesthesia and the drill. This technique can reduce a lot of discomfort and anxiety for all patients.

Root Canal Treatment: Lasers reshape gums, and remove bacteria in root canal therapies. The treatment provides a thorough and effective cleaning.

Laser-Assisted Tooth Extraction: The laser is used to cut away the bone around the affected tooth, allowing for a gentler extraction, which proves less stressful for the patient.

Biopsy: Laser-assisted biopsies involve removing a minute sample of tissue in order for a lab to examine for cancer; they can also remove lesions and help cauterize canker sores.

Teeth Whitening: The heat of a laser can be used to activate the active ingredients of a peroxide-based teeth whitening solution, which speeds up the bleaching process.

Efficiency and Precision

Laser-assisted dentistry reaps the rewards of decades of dedicated research – its flexibility, accuracy, and reliability make it an ideal solution for so many dental issues. For instance, specific laser technology, such as the built-in scanner-ready technology of the Fotana LightWalker Laser, can now be applied to dental fields such as dental implantology. The same laser is capable of procedures involving both hard and soft tissue, making it good for periodontic surgery, and endodontics.

If you are interested in laser dentistry for your next dental appointment, be sure to ask our Clearwater, FL dental office about the advantages of laser-assisted dentistry.

Monday, March 9, 2015

TMJ Disorder – Causes and Side Effects

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is composed of ligaments and cartilage and connects the skull and jawbone. The TMJ allows the jaw to perform functions including talking, chewing, and swallowing motions.

For most people, the TMJ functions as it should, but some people experience issues like consistent joint pain, that makes every-day oral function difficult. TMJ pain can be controlled with medication, but to solve your TMJ problems permanently, your dentist is the person to see.

What Causes TMJ Pain?

TMJ problems don't always stem from the same cause. For example, in older patients, a bone disease like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis might be a contributing factor.

However, TMJ pain can also be caused by improper jaw alignment. When the jaw is misaligned, it is unable to properly support normal biting, chewing, and even the ability to open your mouth wide, which produces discomfort.

There are also stress-related factors that can influence TMJ pain and contribute to involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which often increase while sleeping.

Side Effects of TMJ Dysfunction

When jaw muscles and ligaments become overworked because they're not supported, as is the case for TMD sufferers, this leads to symptoms such as pain and tenderness, difficulty chewing and talking, and chronic headaches.

Muscle spasms related to TMD cause patients to clench and grind their teeth. These involuntary actions create other side effects of TMJ, including significant wearing down of teeth's biting surfaces of teeth. This frequent pressure on teeth can even cause cracking and other structural damage.

When the problem is caused by improper jaw alignment, the solution is a customized orthodontic device, called a splint, which is worn to support the jaw. In the case of teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching, the solution is a device called an occlusal guard. It's similar in appearance to a mouth guard, and while it doesn't actually prevent grinding or clenching, it does prevent the tooth damage that these stress-related behaviors cause.

Seek Treatment for Your TMJ Dysfunction

If you're experiencing TMJ pain, it's important to get treatment. Without care, TMJ problems can cause excessive wear and tear on the teeth and chronic pain. If you think you might be experiencing problems related to your TMJ, please call our Clearwater dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daoud. TMJ problems shouldn't be ignored, so make a commitment to getting treatment, ASAP.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Many people struggle with tooth loss; missing a tooth not only causes aesthetic concerns, but the absence of a tooth can cause health problems, like depleting jaw bone density, shifting teeth, and loss of oral function.

Missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, is a serious oral health issue, but dental implants have made replacing teeth a predictable process with plenty of benefits for patients.

Dental Implants vs. Traditional Restorations

The alternatives to dental implants are dental bridges or dentures. Both bridges and dentures can help fill in gaps caused by lost teeth, and some people may find these treatments budget-friendly, but neither can offer the benefits and long-term stability of dental implants.

Dental bridges do not replace natural tooth roots and therefore do not help support healthy jaw bone density. Getting a bridge also requires the dentist to buff down surrounding teeth so they can receive dental crowns and act as an anchor for the bridge.

Dentures, full or partial, do not solve the jawbone density problem either, and can be uncomfortable, unstable, and even slip out. Full dentures cause limitations when it comes to diet and can’t support ideal bite function.

Dental implants, however, look and act like natural teeth. They are long-term solutions to tooth loss that often last a lifetime with proper care. Implants are anchored into the jawbone, providing the stimulation needed to maintain excellent bone health. Surrounding teeth and tissues are not negatively impacted by implants, as they would be with bridges and dentures; implants are completely independent teeth replacements. People with dental implants do not have to follow a limited diet, as they can bite and chew with full strength and without worry.

If you are missing a tooth, or need to have teeth extracted due to gum disease or decay, please call our Clearwater dental office for an implant consultation. We believe in giving our patients the best dental implant care possible and use modern technology and the best materials available. Do the right thing for your oral health and call our implant dentist today.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Dr Amir Daoud interveived by Dr Randy Shuck Bay News 9 !

Dr Randy Shuck (left) and Dr  Amir Daoud (right)

We would like to share this interview that aired on BAY NEWS 9. The topic is 3D Technology in Dentistry and the impact it is having on improving the experience for our patients.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/video.html?clip=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.baynews9.com%2Fnewsvideo%2Fbn9%2Fweb_video%2Fid_3d_dental_tech.f4v

If you have any questions about how this Innovative technology can help you and your oral health please do not hesitate to contact us at 727-561-0800