Dr. Mary Gharagozloo, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her Orlando, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is committed to the well-being of her patients, particularly those 65 years and older. General dentists play a vital role in the overall health of older adults, providing comprehensive oral care, managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Dr. Gharagozloo's extensive background, including her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and her 30 years of experience in the medical and dental fields, combined with her advanced training at prestigious institutions like the Kois Center and the Seattle Study Club, ensures that her patients receive the highest quality care.
Dr. Mary Gharagozloo understands the unique needs of seniors and strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for each patient. Her approach emphasizes personalized oral health care, tailored to individual needs and goals. She is committed to a preventative, restorative, and cosmetic approach, helping patients achieve their smile goals while prioritizing their comfort and understanding. She is passionate about empowering her patients with knowledge and ensuring they feel well-informed about their treatment options. Dr. Gharagozloo is currently welcoming new patients and encourages them to call (407) 648-3688 to schedule an appointment. Consultations are primarily conducted in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mary Gharagozloo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Gharagozloo is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, addressing age-related concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach. This personalized care prioritizes comfort, independence, and a positive experience for every patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mary Gharagozloo can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mary Gharagozloo provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Occlusal Disease: If your teeth don't meet properly, it's called occlusal disease, causing pain and potentially damaging your teeth over time; a dentist can diagnose and treat this with adjustments, splints, or other therapies to protect your teeth and improve your quality of life.
- Sensitive Teeth: Experiencing discomfort or pain in your teeth when exposed to temperature changes or certain foods is a sign of sensitive teeth, a condition easily addressed by your dentist through various treatments that can restore comfort to your daily meals.
- Tooth Demineralization: As we age, our teeth can lose essential minerals, leading to weakening and increased risk of cavities; however, regular dental checkups and treatments can help maintain strong and healthy teeth.
- Crossbite: If your teeth don't meet properly, causing one or more upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth, it's called a crossbite; your dentist can help improve this with treatment options for easier chewing and a more confident smile.
- Edentulism (Toothlessness): Edentulism, or toothlessness, is the complete loss of teeth, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall confidence, but thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions like dentures or implants to restore function and improve quality of life.
- Dental Disorders: Maintaining good oral health is crucial for seniors as it significantly affects overall well-being, and addressing dental disorders can improve your diet, confidence, and overall quality of life.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of cavities and infections, but your dentist can help manage it with simple strategies and treatments.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Mary Gharagozloo offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- Dental Cleaning: Through a thorough cleaning, your dentist can assess the health of your mouth, identifying potential problems early for effective management and treatment.
- Dental Crown: A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance, helping maintain your smile and ability to eat comfortably.
- Dental Examination: Regular dental examinations are essential for managing gum disease and other oral health issues, ensuring your smile stays healthy and functional.
- Dental Implant: To address missing teeth and enhance your quality of life, dental implants provide a secure, natural-looking replacement that improves your ability to eat and smile with confidence.
- Dental X-Ray: Dental X-rays help your dentist see hidden cavities or infections beneath the surface of your teeth, ensuring early detection and treatment.
- Fluoride Treatment: As part of your routine dental checkup, fluoride treatment is a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of developing cavities and improve oral health.
- Root Canal: A root canal helps save a severely infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the root to prevent further infection and pain.
- Teeth Extraction: Tooth extraction is the removal of a severely damaged or infected tooth, helping to prevent further oral health problems and improve overall comfort.
- Teeth Whitening: Incorporating teeth whitening into your dental care can help you maintain a beautiful smile throughout your senior years.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Mary Gharagozloo is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With occlusal disease under control, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of sharing meals together without the persistent jaw pain that had been a barrier for years.
- A senior woman, previously hesitant to eat ice cream or enjoy a cold drink, regained her enjoyment of these simple pleasures with the help of a compassionate dentist. Her family was thrilled to see her renewed zest for life and comfortable meals.
- With regular dental checkups and treatments, a senior couple regained the ability to enjoy their favorite foods without discomfort, and felt more confident smiling and laughing with family.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Mary Gharagozloo:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining both oral and systemic health.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it's a dental problem. Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Gharagozloo can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis if untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Gharagozloo can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Dr. Gharagozloo's practice understands that changes in the jawbone and gums over time can affect the fit of dentures. A relining procedure can reshape the denture base for a better fit, or a new denture can be created if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in seniors is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root, which lacks the protective enamel. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Gharagozloo can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that may be causing the sensitivity.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To keep your dentures clean and healthy, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, cemented to your existing teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to fill in the gap(s).
338 N Magnolia Ave Ste A
Orlando FL 32801
Phone: (407) 648-3688
Dr. Mary Gharagozloo, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1144429259
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Mary Gharagozloo are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.