The U.K.’s Daily Mail recently spoke with several people who have odontophobia, or a severe fear of dental work. Although more than one-third of people are moderately anxious about visiting a dentist, according to one survey, about 12% are so fearful that they said they would avoid a dentist visit at all costs or require sedation.

“Fear of the dentist often leads people to avoid visiting one, even if they’re in pain or suffering from problems such as decay,” Julie Cook writes for the Daily Mail. 

The Daily Mail found people who have not been to a dentist in decades. That includes a 38-year-old woman who stayed away from a dentist for nearly two decades until severe pain and swelling in the back of her mouth forced her to seek treatment. A dentist told her she had an abscess under one of her molars.

Don’t Skip Checkups and Cleanings

Whether the idea of seeing a dentist makes your blood run cold or simply has you feeling a little nervous, it is important to understand that regular checkups and cleanings are a vital part of overall well-being. Skipping dentist visits can lead to serious and even life-threatening oral health issues.

Gum disease has long been linked to heart health problems, for example. Regular checkups and cleanings give dentists the chance to address plaque buildup before it leads to more serious issues like gum disease. They also allow professionals to spot other issues, the Daily Mail points out.

“Dental phobia also means there is a risk that the oral cancers — which are on the rise and which dentists look for — aren’t being picked up early, when they are more treatable,” Cook writes.

The good news is that there are a number of options for helping people feel more comfortable about dentist visits. At Pearl White, we are pleased to be able to offer sedation for patients who are nervous about a visit. We offer two sedation options – oral medication and nitrous oxide – to help patients relax and ensure that they get the dental care that they need.

Our Fort Lauderdale Dentist Can Help

If you are overdue for a checkup, are experiencing mouth pain or discomfort or simply want to brighten your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.

We have been helping people throughout South Florida keep their mouths healthy and their smiles shining for more than 15 years. Our patient reviews speak for themselves: people love the Pearl White experience! Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

Many Floridians and people across the country have taken a hiatus from regular dental checkups in the nearly two years since the coronavirus first reared its ugly head in the U.S. As infection rates fall and people return to some semblance of normal, many are not sure what to expect when they schedule their first dentist visits since the “before times.”

A recent article from the Washington Post highlights much of what we have seen from returning patients at Pearl White: Plaque and tartar buildup that can be fairly easily removed but which poses a serious risk to oral health if not addressed and teeth cracking and other damage caused by stress.

“The pandemic has altered people’s routines in ways that have negatively affected their teeth,” the Post’s Ashley Fetters Maloy reports. “Working from home, many are snacking more, forgoing brushing in the morning and falling asleep before brushing at night.”

Dentists also told the Post that they are also seeing more patients coming in with broken or damaged teeth. That may be because of stress stemming from the pandemic, which often results in teeth clenching and grinding. 

“It’s just, like, a perfect storm,” one dentist said.

That many people chose to forgo regular dentist visits during the pandemic is completely understandable. The sooner you come in for a checkup and cleaning, however, the more likely we can prevent long-term damage whether it is from plaque buildup or teeth grinding.

Some patients who have not seen a dentist in multiple years may need a deep dental cleaning to address decay and combat gum disease. This is a more extensive process than a standard cleaning, in which we focus below the gum line to root out harmful bacteria. 

For patients who have experienced damage to their teeth, we are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dental services to help improve your smile. 

That includes porcelain veneers, a popular option for addressing tooth discoloration and gaps. A veneer is an extremely thin layer of porcelain that is placed on top of your natural. They are custom-made for size, shape and color.

At Pearl White, we are also pleased to offer Botox treatment to patients who want to brighten their smiles by improving the skin around their mouths. This is a natural extension of the various cosmetic dentistry services that we offer to patients, including our at-home teeth whitening treatment and Invisalign to help straighten teeth.

See a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you are overdue for a checkup, are experiencing mouth pain or discomfort or simply want to brighten your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist today.

Fluoride is a natural mineral regularly used by dentists to help support tooth enamel. It is commonly found in toothpaste and often added to public water sources to help people ward off dental decay.

At Pearl White Dentistry, we are often asked whether fluoride is safe for growing children. The short answer is “yes.”

Fluoride is a natural, and inexpensive way to fight cavities and other problems associated with tooth decay. Although the name makes it sound like some sort of invasive chemical to some people, the truth is that fluoride is a mineral. It has been endorsed by the American Dental Association, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.

Oral hygiene is an important part of proper health care for growing children. Dr. Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry treat patients in a wide variety of age groups, offering a full range of dental services. That includes everything from routine checkups and cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental services.

The Importance of Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is a thin, hard shell that serves a vital purpose in protecting the teeth. Although enamel is translucent – meaning you can see through it – it is one of the hardest parts of the body, stronger than most bones.

Enamel can be worn down over time, however, as a result of contact with acidic foods and beverages, as well as acids created by plaque. Signs of wear and tear often come in the form of yellowing or shiny teeth, increased sensitivity to cold, hot, or spicy substances and rough tooth edges.

Once the enamel is completely eliminated, it cannot be restored. That’s why it is vital to bolster enamel through tooth care and oral hygiene.

How Fluoride Works: A South Florida Dentist Explains

Fluoride comes to the rescue by making tooth enamel more resistant to acids and other causes of tooth decay. It is particularly important for children and young adults under the age of 16 because fluoride aids in tooth development, building enamel resistance early on.

That’s why fluoride is often added to toothpaste and tap water in low doses. Dentists use fluoride in routine cleanings, including by applying it in gel form. These treatments involve much higher levels of fluoride that are applied for a few minutes at a time.

Fluoride can also be used as a helpful tool in combating certain issues, such as dry mouth, gum disease and frequent cavities. An experienced Fort Lauderdale dentist can help people dealing with these issues consider the benefits of fluoride treatment.

Visit a South Florida Dentist Today

If you are looking to prevent dental issues or address specific problems, contact Dr. Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry. We are experienced dental professionals who are dedicated to assisting our patients and brightening their smiles. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to discuss the various patient financing options.

Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812 or email us to schedule an appointment with a dentist today.

Although chronic bad breath can wreck a person’s confidence and signal certain health problems, many people are too embarrassed to properly address the issue. The truth is that roughly one-quarter of Americans suffer from what dental professionals call halitosis. Fortunately, this relatively common condition can be treated with the help of an experienced dentist.

At Pearl White Dentistry, Dr. Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team of dental professionals have been helping people throughout South Florida treat chronic bad breath and maintain happy, healthy smiles for more than a decade. We are pleased to offer patients a wide range of services, from cleanings and regular checkups to teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and dental implants.

Our patient reviews speak for themselves. We have a solid reputation for providing comprehensive and personalized dental services in and around Ft. Lauderdale.

Causes of Chronic Bad Breath

Halitosis can be caused by a number of factors, from diet to disease and many things in between. Poor dental hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, infections and gum disease are regularly the culprit. A number of other serious health conditions may also be to blame, such as:

• Acid reflux
• Allergies
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Respiratory issues

Because the sources of bad breath can vary, consulting a dental professional is key to addressing the issue.

Is it Chronic Bad Breath?

Some people wrongly believe that they are suffering from chronic bad breath.

The occasional morning breath or bout with bad breath after certain meals does not rise to the level of halitosis. Some 5 percent of Americans are said to suffer from “pseudo-bad breath,” or the mistaken belief that they have halitosis.

It is important to consult an experienced dentist if you think you are suffering from chronic bad breath.

Treating Bad Breath: Contact a Fort Lauderdale Dentist

Although there is no cure for halitosis, there are a number of effective steps that people can take to manage and reduce bad breath. An experienced dentist can help.

It all starts with good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings can go a long way in combating plaque and gum disease. Routine checkups can also help you and your dentist catch any issues and start addressing them early.

There are a number of other remedies that may be worth exploring. That includes avoiding smoking and tobacco products, drinking eight glasses of water a day to avoid dry mouth and using a tongue “scraper” to help remove bacteria.

Make an Appointment With a South Florida Dentist

If you are grappling with chronic bad breath and are ready for help, contact Dr. Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry. We are experienced dental professionals who are dedicated to assisting our patients and brightening their smiles. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to discuss the various patient financing options.

Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812 or email us to schedule an appointment with a dentist today.

As experienced dental professionals, we often stress to patients the importance of regular checkups and cleanings. Basic oral care and routine dental visits can keep your mouth healthy and help ward off a variety of health problems. That includes heart disease, new research once again shows.

Researchers in Sweden previously found that people who have had a heart attack are more likely to suffer from gum disease than others. In a follow-up study, they also found that people already diagnosed with gum disease were more likely to develop new heart problems.

“Our study suggests that dental screening programmes including regular check-ups and education on proper dental hygiene may help to prevent first and subsequent heart events,” Dr. Giulia Ferrannini of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said in a statement announcing the results.

The researchers tracked nearly 1,600 study participants, each of whom had at least one dental exam between 2010 and 2014. They followed up with the patients over the next few years, through 2018. Those who had gum disease at the beginning of the study were 49% more likely to have suffered from a heart attack, stroke or other conditions.

“We postulate that the damage of periodontal tissues in people with gum disease may facilitate the transfer of germs into the bloodstream,” Ferrannini said. “This could accelerate harmful changes to the blood vessels and/or enhance systemic inflammation that is harmful to the vessels.”

Why Checkups are Important

Regular checkups are not only essential to oral and overall health, they are also relatively quick and painless. With sedation dentistry and other options, that is true even for people who are nervous about seeing a dentist.

The primary benefit of a checkup is that it gives your dentist an opportunity to take a look inside your mouth and scan for early signs of trouble. The sooner those signs are spotted, the easier it is to treat them.

During the checkup, a dental professional will also thoroughly clean your teeth, removing harmful plaque and tartar that often builds up over time.

How a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Can Help

If you are due for a checkup, experiencing mouth pain or discomfort or simply interested in improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help. 

Dr. Natalia has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive and personalized dental services for people across South Florida. Do not just take out word for it: Pearl White patients often glow about their experience.

Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about cosmetic dentistry options, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to assist with patient financing.Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

Toothaches are a fairly common occurrence that can be caused by a number of different factors. They are often the sign of oral health issues that should be addressed promptly before they get worse.

That means going to see a dentist. Do not be like the British woman who reportedly tried to remove her own tooth with a pair of pliers. Let an experienced dental professional help.

At Pearl White Dentistry, we have been brightening smiles in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida for more than a decade. We provide a wide range of services, from regular checkups and cleanings to cosmetic work and emergency response.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in South Florida, call Pearl White at (954) 491-8812. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you address the emergency and restore your smile.

Common Causes of Toothaches

Most people have experienced at least minor tooth pain or discomfort at some point. If the pain is severe or does not subside, it is vital to seek treatment from a dentist.

Some of the most common causes of tooth pain include:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped or broken tooth
• Abscessed tooth
• Gum disease or infection
• Teeth grinding

In addition to sharp and persistent pain, toothaches may also come with swelling around the tooth and gums, a headache or fever, and foul odors from the site of the pain.

Is it an Emergency?

It is important to consult a dentist for any tooth pain that does not immediately subside. There are also some steps you can take at home to temporarily treat the pain.

Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water to remove any debris and treat inflammation. Take over-the-counter medication for the pain and apply a cold compress to the area where you are experiencing pain. 

If your mouth is bleeding, the first step is to try to stop the bleeding. After rinsing, apply pressure to the bleeding site. Go to an emergency room if the bleeding does not stop or significantly slow in about 10 minutes. If the bleeding stops, apply a cold compress to the area to keep swelling down and contact an emergency dentist.

Make an Appointment with a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain, due for a checkup, or want to explore options for improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about teeth whitening solutions, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We are experienced dental professionals who work with a wide range of insurance plans. We are also happy to assist with patient financing. Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

The Covid-19 pandemic has done a number on the health and wellbeing of people around the globe, including those who have not been infected with the virus. Add teeth damage from grinding to the increasingly long list of secondary impacts of the pandemic.

ABC News recently reported that dentists across the country are seeing a rise in bruxism, jaw clenching and teeth grinding that can cause long-term harm to people’s oral health. They blame the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, along with an increase in alcohol use by people trying to cope with the situation.

“While the causes of bruxism are largely unknown, some experts believe this behavior is related to sleep patterns and processes within the central nervous system,” Jacinta Leyden and Stephanie Widmer report for ABC. “There are a few risk factors that are associated with increased rates of bruxism, including anxiety, highly stressful life circumstances and heavy alcohol use–all things that have increased across the population this year.”

Teeth grinding often goes hand in hand with problems sleeping, but it can also have a variety of other harmful consequences. It can damage enamel, the thin, hard shell that coats and protects the teeth. That damage, in turn, often results in tooth pain and sensitivity and makes people more vulnerable to decay and cavities.

Bruxism is commonly treated by using a mouthguard for sleeping and addressing the underlying stress and anxiety that may be at the root of the problem.

The Importance of Dental Care During the Pandemic

The rise of bruxism is yet another reminder of how crucial it is that people continue to regularly see a dentist, even during the pandemic.

Regular cleanings and checkups are a cornerstone of proper oral care. These visits can help ward off tooth decay and nip a wide range of problems in the bud.

At Pearl White, we are taking various precautions to ensure the health and safety of our patients when they come in for checkups and other treatment. New research shows that dentists can continue to provide much needed services during the pandemic while keeping people safe.

Make an Appointment with a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you are due for a checkup, dealing with mouth pain or discomfort or interested in improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.

We have been assisting people in Ft. Lauderdale and throughout South Florida who want to brighten their smiles and keep their mouths healthy for more than 15 years. Dr. Natalia has been cited for “Excellence in Clinical Achievement” because of her professional achievement and personalized approach. 

Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about cosmetic dentistry options, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to assist with patient financing.Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

Gain a child, lose a tooth? The old saying is getting a new look after a recent study explored a possible link between pregnancy and dental issues.

The more times a woman gives birth, the fewer teeth she is likely to have, a trio of researchers from Yale University and New York University recently concluded. The group cautioned, however, that the notion that this is somehow related to calcium depletion during pregnancy remains a common misconception.

“Logically, that’s not what happens,” NYU’s Stefanie Russell recently told The Atlantic. “A fetus does require calcium, but that calcium comes from the bones and gets replenished. Teeth cannot leach calcium.”

Instead, Russell pointed to a number of possible factors, including stress, the physical toll that pregnancy takes on a woman’s body, and a de-emphasis on dental health for pregnant mothers and those with new babies.

“Dentists used to be taught not to treat pregnant women unless it was an emergency,” Russell said in an interview with The Atlantic’s Rosie Colosi. “They were afraid of being blamed or sued if something happened to go wrong with the pregnancy.”

Don’t Delay Getting Your Checkup

At Pearl White Dentistry, we suggest that patients who are pregnant come in for checkups more frequently than the typical twice-a-year visits. This helps ensure that our patients’ oral health remains intact during this important time in their lives.

Understandably, running to the dentist for a quick checkup may not be at the top of the to-do list for women expecting a child or who have recently given birth. A survey from insurance company Cigna concluded that some 43 percent of pregnant women wind up skipping their regular checkups. 

The problem, however, is that missing a dentist visit can impact both your oral and overall health. Checkups are key to nipping problems in the bud and avoiding more serious issues down the road.

Nearly half of all adults ages 30 and older have some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It often starts as inflammation of the gums, which can get much worse if it goes untreated. Periodontitis, a more severe inflammation, can cost you your teeth. 

Oral health problems have also been linked to cardiovascular disease, not to mention muscle loss, weakness and diabetes in older people. 

Make an Appointment with a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you are due for a checkup, are experiencing mouth pain or discomfort or are interested in improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and Pearl White Dentistry can help.

Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about cosmetic dentistry options, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. At Pearl White, we are happy to work with a wide variety of insurance plans and to assist with patient financing. Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

Gleaming white teeth are not only a source of confidence for many people, but they can also be a sign of good oral and overall health. 

Oral health is considered an important window into overall well-being. Problems that start in the mouth can contribute to various diseases and medical congestions, studies suggest. 

That is why it is important to maintain a bright smile through daily brushing and flossing and regular trips to the dentist. People can also go a long way in keeping their smiles healthy and sparkling based on what they eat and drink. 

Here are some foods and liquids that are far more likely to stain teeth and cause decay than others. 

7. Sodas and Carbonated Beverages

These drinks are highly acidic and can stain and damage the enamel, a thin, hard shell that coats and protects the teeth. Decay often leads to cavities, the permanent and tiny holes that open up in teeth and can cause serious damage if not treated.

6. Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are a common source of Vitamin C and part of a healthy diet. People who eat a lot of these fruits, however, may be vulnerable to cavities as the acids wear down enamel. 

5. Potato Chips

Starch-heavy snacks like chips are loaded with sugar and can easily get caught between teeth, leading to bacteria.

4. Alcohol

Whether you are wrapping your teeth around a couple of cold ones at the end of a long day or having a glass of wine with dinner, booze can do a number on your smile. Alcohol dries out the mouth, removing saliva that otherwise prevents food from sticking and combats decay.

3. Ice

Having a drink on the rocks? Just make sure the ice stays in the glass. Chewing on ice can damage your enamel and even crack or chip teeth.

2. Coffee, Tea

Frequent consumption of coffee or tea can stain teeth. Many coffee and tea drinkers also add sugar to their drinks, increasing the risk of decay and cavities.

1. Sugary Candies

Sense a theme here? Candy often packs a big sugar punch that can wreak havoc on your mouth and get stuck between the teeth. 

See a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you are due for a checkup or want to explore options for improving your smile, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, are considering Invisalign to address crowded teeth or are thinking about teeth whitening solutions, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to assist with patient financing.

Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.

Life was put on hold in many ways over the last year, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses shuddered, cars stayed off the road and many people simply stuck around the house as infection rates spiked and daily activities ground to a halt.

Visits to the dentists were one of the many things that people put on hold during the pandemic. That could have a significant impact on the overall health of dental patients.

“Dentistry is not an elective procedure,” Purnima Kumar, a professor of periodontology at Ohio State University, told the Washington Post all the way back in 2020. “They’re important to your mouth health, as well as to the health of the rest of your body.”

Fast forward to one year later: About 61% of dentists across the country reported seeing a normal volume of patients over the week of May 17, according to the American Dental Association. That was the highest level since before the pandemic began in March 2020, when those reporting normal patient volume plummeted to a mere 5%.

People are heading back to the dentist in particular in Florida. About 70% of dentists in the Sunshine State told the ADA that they are seeing 86% or more of the weekly patient volume that they experienced before the pandemic.

That is good news. Research shows that oral health is an important component of overall well-being. The sooner that plaque, bacteria, cavities and infections are spotted and treated, the better.

Nearly half of all adults ages 30 and older have some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What starts as inflammation of the gums can get much worse if it goes untreated, turning into harmful periodontitis that could cost a person his or her teeth. 

Poor oral health has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, as well as muscle loss, weakness and diabetes in older people. 

Make an Appointment with a Fort Lauderdale Dentist Today

If you have been putting off a checkup, are experiencing mouth pain or discomfort or simply want to brighten your smile before you return to work, Fort Lauderdale dentist Natalia Benda-Celenski and her team at Pearl White Dentistry can help.

We have been assisting people in Ft. Lauderdale and throughout South Florida with keeping their mouths healthy and their smiles sparkling for more than 15 years. Dr. Natalia has been cited for “Excellence in Clinical Achievement.” Our patient reviews speak for themselves: people love the Pearl White experience! 

Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning, are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth or are thinking about cosmetic dentistry options, we will take the time to understand your situation and walk you through your options. We work with a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to assist with patient financing.

Contact us online, call us at (954) 491-8812, or email us at dr@pearlwhitedentistry.com to schedule an appointment with a Fort Lauderdale dentist.