Dr. Seraphim Moreira has been a member of the Arizona dental community for decades. After studying dentistry in Brazil and running his own practice in Rio, Dr. Moreira and his family made the move to the U.S. to build a brighter future. In 1994, after completing the rigorous licensing exams, he began practicing in Arizona. Dr. Moreira has built a thriving practice at Litchfield Smiles and has helped improve the smiles of countless patients. We sat down with Dr. Moreira to learn a little more about him and get his take on some fun oral health topics.
Do you brush and floss as much as you recommend?
Yes, I definitely practice what I preach. Brushing and flossing are key to maintaining good oral health.
What is your favorite flavor of floss?
I prefer a basic floss—something like Oral-B Super Floss because it gets thick and works well. No particular flavor though, just the floss itself!
Electric or manual toothbrush?
Electric all the way! It’s more efficient and does a better job.
Q: Which celebrity has the best smile?
Julia Roberts comes to mind—she’s known for her smile. But honestly, so many celebrities have beautiful smiles that it’s hard to choose just one.
If you could tell your patients to stop doing one thing, what would it be?
I’d say stop consuming so many sugary soft drinks. They’re incredibly damaging to your enamel due to the high sugar and acidity levels.
What is the best dental advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice was to “brush and floss the teeth you want to keep.” It’s simple but important!
What is the best thing about being a Delta Dental dentist?
I love being a Dental Dental dentist because it allows me to reach so many patients. Its coverage makes dentistry more affordable, which is crucial because dental care can be expensive for most people.
How would you describe oral health’s impact on your patients’ overall health and well-being?
Oral health plays a huge role in overall health and well-being. A lot of people don’t realize how connected the mouth is with the rest of the body. In the past, dentistry was focused on just removing diseased teeth, but now we focus more on preventive care. We’ve come a long way from pulling teeth, and today we know how important it is to take care of your teeth to avoid diseases overall.
March is National Nutrition Month. What is your favorite tooth-healthy snack and what makes it so good for your smile?
Vegetables are the best for your smile! Just be sure to avoid soda; it’s the real killer.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
Well, I’d definitely bring a big knife. A rope would come in handy too, and a lighter for making fire. Tooth care might be secondary in that situation, but I think I’d manage to brush my teeth with my fingers and some leaves!
