Mark M. Makram, D.D.S. Blog

What are you thankful for this year? If you’re like most people, the first thing that may come to mind is that it’s almost over! It’s safe to say that 2020 won’t be missed, but if you continue to count your blessings amid a global pandemic, you might also say family, friends, and even good health. But what your smile? If you’re living with dental implants in North Naples, you have a lot more to be grateful for than you think. Read on to learn why you should also be giving thanks for this permanent tooth replacement solution.

Having optimal holiday oral health in North Naples is essential if you want to enjoy the foods you love, converse with family and friends, and feel confident when taking pre- and post-dinner photos. But if you want to avoid the potential for cavities, gum disease, or a serious dental injury this season, let a local dentist share a few tips that will ensure your smile remains in tip-top shape this Thanksgiving.

Learning you have gum disease in North Naples may not be the greatest news you’ll hear from your dentist. Depending on the severity, it is possible you can easily reverse the symptoms with regular cleanings and practicing good oral habits at home. However, if conditions are more advanced and resulting in gum pocket formations, weakening bone, loose teeth, you may be on the brink of a more serious problem that can negatively impact your health and weaken your immune system. As a result, you may be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. If you want to avoid bleeding gums and enjoy a healthier smile and body, learn why your six-month checkups and cleanings are crucial during this time.

Veneers in North Naples are one of the most popular and transformative cosmetic treatments available. Offering individuals a way to fully conceal some of the most unfortunate imperfections (i.e. stains, cracks, gaps, minor misalignments), this safe and effective solution is known to produce outstanding, beautiful, and natural-appearing results. While the process for placement is an investment in time and money, it’s no surprise that you want your new and improved smile to last as long as possible. So, what can you do? A dentist shares how changing your diet can extend the lifespan of your veneers for longer than you might think.

Do you have a compromised immune system? Are you over the age of 65? If you fall into either of these categories, you are considered to be most “at-risk” for contracting COVID-19. This highly contagious virus has caused a global pandemic, forcing people throughout the world to remain at home, wear face masks when venturing out for basic necessities, and practice the newly-coined term “social distancing” when around others. For months, dentist offices closed, seeing only patients with dental emergencies, but now that they’re open, you may be wondering, “Is it safe?” Read on to hear from a dentist in North Naples who is answering some of the most common concerns of at-risk patients like yourself.

With COVID-19 forcing everyone to rethink their current hygiene practices, it’s become more important than ever to take a second look at your handwashing habits as well as your use of hand sanitizers. Perfecting your technique when performing these habits and using these products matters for your overall health and can protect those around you. To make sure you are keeping COVID-19 at bay, both inside and outside your home, a dentist in North Naples is happy to explain the best tips to keep in mind and debunk common misconceptions about hand hygiene.

Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash is one of the most crucial aspects of any oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most forgotten. While brushing and flossing are designed to scrub and remove bacteria from the teeth and around the gum line, rinsing allows for thorough washing of the mouth, effectively flushing out anything left behind and reducing the potential for bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. If you are preparing for an upcoming dental appointment, learn why your dentist in North Naples is requesting that you perform a rinse before your arrival.

When it comes to performing any type of dental treatment, it requires close contact between the staff member and patient. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With this knowledge, how is your dentist in North Naples supposed to take care of you and other patients? Check out these new and innovative ways your dentist’s office is minimizing contact and maintaining a safe environment.

As dental offices begin to reopen across the country, you may discover various changes the next time you go in for a regular checkup and cleaning. No longer will you see dentists simply put on a mask and gloves before taking care of your smile. Instead, additional precautions will be taken to keep everyone safe and healthy. So what exactly are dental teams doing in preparation for this grand reopening? A dentist in North Naples shares what you can expect so that you feel confident and comfortable.

If you visit the website of your dentist in North Naples, you will find a notice stating that the office is closed and only seeing patients experiencing dental emergencies. This is common among almost all dental offices throughout the country, as COVID-19 has forced people into their homes for an unknown period of time. But as most dentists and healthcare professionals know, certain situations can arise that require immediate attention. So, what if you need to see your dentist but are afraid of contracting COVID-19? Spend some time reviewing the protocols and measures your dentist’s office is taking to ensure you are completely safe should you require emergency dental care.