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Miami Dentistry News: Snakes and Spiders and Dentists, Oh My!

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

miami-dentistry-news-snakes-spiders-dentists-oh-myFear can be debilitating.  It can consume the imagination, building a strong case for avoiding a certain person, place, or action.  This process is helpful at times.  Fear of getting a speeding ticket, for example, may impact your behavior and cause you to drive with caution.  Other times, fear can be misplaced and extremely hazardous.  Fear of health problems, hospitals, or health professionals represents just three instances when fear may cause individuals to compromise their long term health, causing more harm than good.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentists often face the problem of dispelling the fears that many patients hold when it comes to present day dentistry.  The biggest problem that arises out of irrational fear is the behavior it produces.  Fear is a strong motivator that leads individuals to avoid that which they perceive to be uncomfortable or unknown.  As we will explore, it is this avoidance that leads to prolonged periods away from the dentist office and corresponding health concerns.

Dentists:  More Feared than Snakes, Spiders, and Heights

The British Dental Health Foundation conducted dental health study last month, polling over 1,000 individuals and asking them to rate several listed items in terms of the fear and anxiety they produce.  That list included snakes, spiders, heights, and of course, dentists.

 

The results are staggering.  Nearly 1 in 5 adults indicated that visiting the dentist evokes more fear and anxiety than any other item on the survey (i).  Most interestingly, individuals were 10 times more likely to fear the dentist than their general doctor (ii).  At first glance, these numbers may seem inaccurate.  After all, general doctors administer injections, blood tests, and other procedures that inflict a considerable amount of pain.  The results of the British survey are sensible, however, when one considers the nature of the mouth.  Home to thousands of highly sensitive taste buds and nerve endings, the mouth is a very personal and intimate area that many individuals feel obligated to protect with greater resolve, both consciously and unconsciously.

Miami Dentistry and Education

The primary reason for these misguided fears about the visiting the dentist date back to early dentistry.  In early times, dental professionals lacked many of the advanced tools and anesthetics that add comfort to nearly all procedures in the present day.  One of the most common misconceptions is the pain associated with dental procedures.  Many patients fear that excruciating amounts of pain will be inflicted on the teeth and gums during procedures.  In reality, however, most procedures inflict only a slight pinch from locally administered anesthetic.  After the anesthetic circulates through the gums, the area is effectively numbed and void of sensation.

 

The best way for dental professionals to combat these long held fears about dentistry is to promote dental education and awareness with patients.  As it stands, many patients lack the knowledge to properly care for and preserve their teeth.  To make matters worse, many patients avoid even simple dental checkups for fear of discovering a cavity or another condition that may require a corrective procedure.  This keeps patients from visiting dental professionals regularly, increasing the likelihood that plaque will spread, tooth enamel will be compromised, and serious corrective procedures will be necessary.

 

To reverse this process, patients must first be educated on the technology available to dentists today.  Leading tools like Waterlase dentistry, for example, pair water and laser technologies to effectively remove plaque while inflicting only a mild vibrating sensation.  Minimally invasive plaque detection techniques are becoming more common, as well, and tools like the DIAGNODent Laser are making it easier for professionals to conduct nearly painless examinations. Additionally, anesthetics like Novocain are extremely effective in numbing soft gum tissue to eliminate the sensation of pain during most dental procedures.

 

Many professional organizations recognize this problem and have made strong commitments to spreading dental awareness.  In general, these organizations aim to use dental education as a means of reducing the fear and anxiety most individuals have in regard to most procedures.  The American Association of Endodontists, for example, recently concluded Root Canal Awareness Week, an national outreach program geared towards reversing the misconception that root canals are painful procedures.

Dental Appointments:  More is More

Dentists must help patients overcome their fears and keep regular appointments to maintain oral health.  Ongoing dental education is key in helping patients overcome their dental fears, and Assure a Smile takes pride in building patient relations to achieve this end.  The Miami Dentist Blog is just one means we use to keep patients informed on the latest dentistry news and issues.  Patients may also interact with the Dentist305 Twitter account to submit questions, follow new articles, and stay up to date on current dental news and research!

 

Most importantly, patients must schedule regular dental appointments to stay on top of their oral health and address problems before they lead to serious illness.

 

(i) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/222953.php

(ii) See above.

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Assure a Smile Celebrates Awareness Week

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

miami-dentist-celebrates-root-canal-awareness-weekThe American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and holistic dentists share an important philosophy:  Tooth preservation is of the utmost importance.  We are given only a certain amount of teeth, and they only last for so long.  Once gone, they are gone for good.  Join this Miami dental practice in this exclusive look at the AAE, national Root Canal Awareness Week, and the importance of holding on to your teeth for as long as you can.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Assure a Smile is excited to share the AAE’s National Root Canal Awareness initiative with our patients!  As a holistic dental practice, we value patient education and place health awareness at the forefront of patient interaction.

Root Canal Awareness Week

The Root Canal Awareness initiative began on March 27th.  Though it is over, we feel it necessary to spread awareness of the AAE’s initiative.  The goal of the public outreach program was to unite Endodontists, general dentists, and patients in spreading awareness for the importance of keeping teeth for as long as possible.  The AAE seemed to have a two-pronged approach for accomplishing this goal.

 

First, to encourage general dentists to collaborate with Endodontists in referring patients in need of intensive procedures to preserve their teeth.  Such procedures may include root canals, however, are typically reserved for instances where oral surgery may be required.

 

Second, the AAE’s initiative seeks to spread awareness about root canals to help alleviate patients of some long-held misconceptions about the procedure (see Myths below).  Advances in modern dentistry make the procedure nearly painless.  This is evidenced by a previous study conducted by the AAE, finding nearly 90% of patients reported feelings of satisfaction after having a root canal (i)

The Root Canal:  More Terrifying than Taxes and Public Speaking

According to the AAE, patients are not eager to have a root canal.  In fact, survey respondents say their desire to avoid a root canal outranks their desire to speak in public or pay taxes (ii).  This is quite alarming, as historical survey data indicates that most individuals are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death!  So, can we infer that patients fear root canals more than death?  Perhaps.  More importantly, we must recognize that fear of root canals is deep, very real, and debilitating.  Fearful patients are troubled patients, as a tooth that needs a root canal may become a very serious health concern over time.

Holistic Dentistry and Root Canals?

Holistic dentistry practitioners seldom recommend removing teeth, both in part and in entirety.  The reason:  Once a tooth is removed, it is gone for good.  Instead, holistic dentists employ awareness and education to prevent tooth decay and preserve teeth for as long as possible.  At times, however, tooth decay may become so pronounced that a root canal is necessary to remove damaged tissue, prevent the spread of decay, eliminate toothache, and preserve the main foundation of the tooth.

 

What is a root canal?

A root canal is the name of an Endodontic therapy that removes infected, decaying tissue from the inside of a tooth.  This tissue is the tooth’s pulp, and its removal ensures that infection does not spread to the gums and cause serious illness.  Unfortunately, the procedure has a bad perception among patients, particular in the U.S.  To dispel these dated myths, we turn to the American Association of Endodontists:

 

Myth 1: Root Canals are Painful

This myth dates back to the early 1900s when dental technology and instruments were crude relative to today.  In reality, most dental treatments were painful in those times.  Today, technological advances have made most dental procedures nearly painless, and root canals are no exception.

 

Still not convinced?

 

Recent research shows that individuals who have had a root canal are 6 times more likely to describe their experience as painless, versus those who forego having the procedure (iii).  Moreover, root canals extract infected tissue from the tooth.  This actually eliminates toothache and pain.

 

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Spread Illnesses

This myth has come to fruition based on the dated research of Dr. Weston Price between the years of 1910 and 1930 (iv).  Dr. Price claimed that root canals could trap bacteria in the teeth and cause a range of diseases including heart disease, kidney disease, and others.

 

In short, attempts to recreate Dr. Price’s experiments have been largely unsuccessful.  Instead, recent research indicates the direct opposite:  Properly conducted root canals prevent the spread of infection and do not cause illness.

 

Myth 3: Forget the Root Canal—Pull That Tooth!

Tooth extraction should be avoided at all costs.  Nothing can replace the feel of a natural tooth, even if that tooth has had a root canal treatment.  Moreover, the cost of a root canal is typically much lower than the cost of extraction and replacement.

Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry

Have you had a root canal recently?  Message the Dentist305 Twitter account and share your experience with our practice!

If you or a loved one suffer from persistent toothache, schedule a dental appointment with Assure a Smile online.  Our professional team will be happy to conduct a comfortable and thorough examination to better identify the source of your discomfort.

 

(i) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220954.php

(ii) See above.

(iii) http://www.aae.org/Patients/Endodontic_Treatments/Root_Canals_Myths.aspx

(iv)  See above.

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Miami Dentistry News: Government to Phase Out Dental #Amalgam

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

miami-dentist-dentistry-news-dental-amalgam-phase-outAssure a Smile is excited to announce the news that the United States Federal government has officially called for the phasing-out of dental amalgam.  The U.S. is aiming to reduce the use of this highly toxic metallic element in cooperation with the World Mercury Treaty, the newest of global environmental initiatives headed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and Miami dental professionals are spreading the news to patients that amalgam is getting phased out.  This announcement is the latest development in the debate over dental amalgam, the silver metallic mixture that has been used for years in a variety of different dental procedures.

 

The concern over the use of dental amalgam stems from its high concentration of mercury.  When it comes to naturally occurring non-radioactive materials, Mercury is undoubtedly the most poisonous for human beings.  Banning of the substance has been the topic of many public health and safety campaigns; glass-and-mercury based thermometers and canned tuna fish receiving the most public attention in recent history.  Like these consumer products, dental amalgam contains potentially hazardous amounts of mercury that.  Some silver amalgam fillings may contain upwards of 50% mercury, leading the World Health Organization to issue a warning stating that dental amalgams contribute more to mercury accumulation and toxicity in the human body than all other sources combined (i).

 

The announcement that the U.S. government would support a phasing-out­ of dental amalgam was recently shared with health professionals from around the country at the Health Freedom Expo held in early March in Long Beach, California.  Specifically, the government calls for a “phase down, with the goal of eventual phase out by all parties, of mercury amalgam,” (ii).  The announcement of the phase-out is a move to support the World Mercury Treaty, a global initiative lead by the UNEP and supported by a diverse collection of some 140 countries.

World Mercury Treaty

The Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) began a world-wide campaign to reduce the use and emission of mercury in early 2009.  Over 140 countries have joined the movement, pledging to reduce the harm inflicted by this toxic metal on the natural world and developed communities alike.  UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner sums the need for the campaign best:

 

Today the world’s environment ministers, armed with the full facts and choices, decided the time for talking was over—the time for action on this pollution is now.  […] Today we are united on the need for a legally biunding instrument and immediate action towards a transition to a low-mercury world. (iii)

 

You may read a full press release on the UNEP World Mercury Treaty here.

Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

 

Several Miami dental practices offer safe mercury amalgam removal procedures for patients who have silver fillings.  Patients are cautioned, however, that mercury removal must be done safely to minimize exposure to vapor and fragments that may be harmful if ingested.

 

Assure a Smile has over 20 years experience as a Miami dental practice and is lead by a team of professionals who engage in ongoing dental education and training.  Most notably, Assure a Smile is on the forefront of dental amalgam research, education, and removal procedures.  Our experts are here to help, and we encourage patients with silver amalgam fillings to contact our practice to learn more about safe mercury removal.

 

Did you know? The disposal of mercury is also an issue that needs environmentally friendly consideration.  Assure a Smile uses only the highest standards of care and precaution when removing and disposing of mercury-rich dental amalgam.

 

(i) www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/…/mercurypolpaper.pdf

(ii) http://mercuryexposure.info/environment/unep/item/540-us-government-calls-for-the-phase-out-of-dental-mercury-amalgams

(iii) http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=562&ArticleID=6090&l=en

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Debridement Definition: What is Debridement?

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

miami-dentist-debridement-definition

Do you visit the dentist for a teeth cleaning every 6 months?  Chances are good that you do not.  Many adults take up to 12 months or more to visit the dentist for an exam or cleaning.  Significant amounts of plaque tend to accumulate along the gum line, even though you may be brushing and flossing regularly.  Extended absences from the dentist only increase the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.  Eventually, a process called debridement may be necessary to remove hard-to-reach plaque and restore general oral health.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

As a Miami dentist, I see a diverse range of clients.  Miami is truly melting pot of different individuals, and I have come to learn a great deal about various cultures through the patients whom I treat.  Regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, or any other variable, the one thing each of my patients has in common is this:  Longer periods of time between scheduled dental appointments almost always means more plaque accumulation.

 

This is hard for most individuals to grasp.  However, consider:

 

1) The chewing surfaces of teeth contain minute cracks, fissures, and pits.  These areas collect food particles and may be difficult to clean, depending on their depth.

 

2) Gaps between teeth often collect food particles, and most individuals neglect to floss daily.  Instead, the only brush and assume they are completely cleaning all surfaces of their teeth.

 

3) Trapped food particles lead to plaque production.  This is particularly true of carbohydrates like sugar and starches.  (Plaque is the sticky and colorless film that forms over the surface of teeth.)

 

4) Bacteria feeds on plaque buildup.  More plaque inevitably causes more bacteria to fester.

 

5) Bacteria produces acid that eats away at tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.

 

6) Bacteria may eventually seep into the gums, spreading tooth decay to the root of the tooth and causing gum disease.

 

As you can see, the path towards tooth decay is a slippery sloop.  Leftover food particles cause plaque accumulation, plaque fuels bacteria growth, and bacteria create an acid that destroys tooth structure.  In this way, untouched plaque accumulation in hard-to-reach places can eventually snow ball into a significant problem if left untouched for long periods of time.

Visit a Miami Dentist!

Professional dentists and hygienists are your best bet for giving your teeth the comprehensive, 360 degree cleaning they need after months of plaque accumulation.  Additionally, dental professionals are able to see and diagnose problems before they start.  This often leads to reactive procedures that stop tooth decay and preserve as much tooth structure as possible.  What’s more, holistic dentists are able to identify underlying causes for oral hygiene deficits that are typically rooted in everyday life.  Things like stress and poor nutrition contribute to tooth decay just as a lack of brushing and flossing does.  Holistic dentistry professionals are skilled in identifying the signs of these problems and recommending lifestyle changes that allow patients to gradually reduce their impact over time.

 

However, many patients wait too long before seeing a dentist.  Excessive plaque buildup around the gum line may cause gums to become swollen, bloody, or bleeding.  At this juncture, a more serious treatment may be necessary.

A Dental Definition:  What is Debridement?

In medicine, the term debridement refers to a process that preserves healthy tissue by removing the dead and decaying tissue surrounding it.  Patients with heavy plaque accumulation around the gum line may benefit greatly from having a debridement cleaning.  A debridement treatment usually encompasses the following:

 

-Local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue and keep the patient comfortable.

 

-Removal of thick plaque via laser dentistry techniques and tools.

 

-At-home care to help gums heal and regenerate healthy tissue.

 

For at-home care, the professionals at Assure a Smile recommend the Perio Protect system.  This treatment consists of two custom made mouth trays that fit over the upper and lower jaw.  Each tray has a channel that runs around the perimeter of the teeth, just along the gum line.  When using Perio Protect, the patient fills the channel with a prescription solution proven to aid in the debridement process.  Perio Protect trays are worn as directed by the dentist, and the solution is held against the gum line to deliver a steady stream of medication to nourish and rebuild the gums.

 

Remember:  Schedule a dental appointment every 4-6 months to receive a professional teeth cleaning and combat excessive plaque buildup.  If you suffer from swollen, bleeding, or agitated gums, contact a Miami dentist immediately.  These are signs of serious plaque accumulation and, in serious cases, gum disease.

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Miami Dentistry: Eat Healthy for Healthy Teeth

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

miami-dentist-eating-for-healthy-teeth

Growing up you always heard about all of the things to avoid eating to keep your teeth healthy.  Candy will rot your teeth.  Gum is bad for your teeth.  Soda destroys your enamel.  Well, there is a flipside to the conversation.  Have you ever heard about what to eat for better dental health?  Today this Miami Dentist is going to continue coverage of National Nutrition Month with some insight on foods that will help create healthy teeth and gums for life.

 

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

As a holistic dentistry practice, it is our belief that certain lifestyle changes increase oral health.  By adjusting our diet, we can reduce tooth decay and give our mouths a fighting chance of retaining our teeth throughout our lives.  Take a moment to review the following foods, and note how they benefit the teeth and gums in particular.

As always, please message feedback to our @dentist305 Twitter account!

What to Eat for Healthy Teeth

Citrus Fruits: You should be consuming lots of fruits that are high in vitamin C.  Vitamin C is extremely important for your dental health because it holds together the collagen network of your gums.   When this network falls apart, your gums become tender and vulnerable to periodontal disease.  Look for foods like strawberries, kiwis, and oranges.

 

Apples:  The tart flavor of apples causes an increased flow of saliva.  The saliva rinses away bacteria and keeps your mouth moist.

 

Vegetables:  Most vegetables are high in vitamin A.  This vitamin is responsible for the formation of tooth enamel.  This is obviously important to you dental health.  You can find a good amount of vitamin A in carrots, brussels sprouts, peas, pumpkins, spinach, and broccoli.  The crunchy vegetables have an added benefit of cleansing and stimulating your gums.

 

Dark Chocolate:  I’m sure you’ve always been told to avoid sweets for the sake of your dental health.  However recent studies have shown that dark chocolate has chemicals in it that fight plaque buildup.  If you are going to eat dark chocolate, do so in small portions and opt for at least 80% cocoa.

 

Milk and Yogurt: Getting enough calcium is important for strong teeth and bones.  Unsweetened milk and/or yogurt can boost your calcium levels for healthy teeth.  The low acidity and low sugar properties of milk and yogurt help to slow tooth decay as well.

 

Cheese: Another milk product chock full of calcium.  Cheese balances the pH levels in your mouth, fights bacteria in your teeth and gums, rebuilds tooth enamel, and produces saliva.

 

Green Tea: Green tea contains substances called catechins that kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath and is responsible for turning sugar into plaque.  Some green teas even contain fluoride which prevents tooth enamel decay.

 

Sesame Seeds:  These seeds help by naturally scrubbing the plaque off of your teeth and contain high amounts of calcium.

 

Water:  Water keeps your gums hydrated, washes away food particles stuck in your teeth, and helps stimulate saliva.  Saliva is your body’s strongest defense against the bacteria that threaten your dental health.

Foods That Are Bad for your Teeth

Just as a refresher, let’s review the most harmful foods for teeth and gum health:

 

Sugary Candies:  The bacteria that forms plaque uses sugar as its energy source.  Don’t feed this bacteria!  If you are going to have a sweet, avoid candies that last a long time in your mouth (caramels, cough drops, lollipops).

 

Starchy Foods:  Foods like breads and potato chips have a habit of getting stuck in the back of your teeth.  Bacteria in your mouth can use these carbohydrates as an energy source as well.

 

Soft Drinks:  Soft drinks are almost always loaded with sugar.  The phosphoric and citric acids also do a number on your tooth enamel.

 

Lemons:  The acidity in a lemon is known to erode tooth enamel quickly.

 

Alcohol:  Alcohol has plenty of sugars and also dries out your mouth.

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Miami Dentist Exclusive: Free Radical Damage, Part II

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

miami-dentist-exclusive-free-radical-damage-II

 

In honor of National Nutrition Month, The Miami Dentist blog is happy to share part II our free radical article series.  Today, I’d like to spend a little time following up this week’s guide to free radicals.  In this article we’ll dive into how to implement simple dietary and behavioral changes to both prevent free radical damage, as well as reverse some of the effects.

 

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Let’s keep it simple.  To summarize my earlier article on free radicals I’d just to say this:

 

Free Radicals = Bad; Antioxidants = Good.

 

Free radicals are known to be responsible for age related health problems, cancer, and damage to the brain, immune system, cardiovascular system, and  skin/other organs.

 

An all too common free radical related ailment comes in the form of mercury poisoning.  One way people get this is from “silver” (mercury-amalgram) fillings used by their dentists.  If you have silver fillings it’s recommended that you find a dentist who performs safe amalgam removal procedures.  As a preventative measure, check with a dentist to make sure they are a mercury-free dental practice before scheduling a visit.

 

Antioxidants job is to hinder the oxidation effects of free radicals.  They are comprised of different vitamins, minerals, and multi-purpose substances.  Common antioxidants are vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, copper, manganese, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene (i).

 

The roles of each antioxidant are each targeted toward combating different types of free radical damage.  The health benefits of antioxidants range from preventing Alzheimer’s disease to increasing immune system efficiency and preventing free radical damage associated with certain cancers.

 

Some antioxidants are naturally formed in our bodies.  Other antioxidants can be ingested in a variety of ways.  Supplements in the forms of pills and liquids contain high doses of specific antioxidants.  Although it is easy to take in antioxidants through supplement form, professionals believe whole natural foods are the best option.  Not only do whole foods contain thousands of antioxidants, but researchers believe that the antioxidants that you find in food form a direct network with the our own cellular and genetic mechanisms (ii).

 

A Guide to Antioxidant-rich Foods

Although most natural foods contain a good amount of antioxidants, the following list of commons foods are known to contain the greatest quantity/quality of important antioxidants per serving (iii):

  • Small Red Bean (dried)
    • 13, 727 antioxidants per serving
  • Wild blueberry
    • 13,427 antioxidants per serving
  • Red kidney bean (dried)
    • 13,259 antioxidants per serving
  • Pinto bean
    • 11,864 antioxidants per serving
  • Blueberry (cultivated)
    • 9,019 antioxidants per serving
  • Cranberry
    • 8,983 antioxidants per serving
  • Artichoke (cooked)
    • 7,904 antioxidants per serving
  • Blackberry
    • 7,701 antioxidants per serving
  • Raspberry
    • 6,058 antioxidants per serving
  • Strawberry
    • 5,938 antioxidants per serving

 

In addition to fighting free radical damages, you can also make certain lifestyle changes to prevent certain free radicals from entering and destroying your cells.  Certain measures you can take include stopping smoking, avoiding over training while exercising, and wearing sunscreen when going outside.

As with any dietary or lifestyle change, it is recommended that you speak with a licenses healthcare professional before making these changes.

 

(i) http://www.livestrong.com/article/352794-antioxidants-the-immune-system/

(ii) http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2009/jun-05b.html

(iii) SOURCE: The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 9th edition, June 2004. Ronald L. Prior, PhD, chemist and nutritionist, USDA’s Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center in Little Rock, Ark.

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Miami Dentist Exclusive: Free Radical Damage, Part I

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

miami-dentist-blog-free-radical-damage-part-I.

 

Dentists in Miami are becoming increasingly concerned with free radical damage.  Free radicals are malicious, unbalanced atoms that gradually destroy cellular structures over time.  Eventually, the cell becomes dysfunctional and dies.  A growing body of research is beginning to link free radicals damage with serious illness, causing physicians and health care professionals to educate patients on staying healthy with antioxidants.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Free radicals are truly one of the most malicious byproducts of cellular activity.  These unbalanced atoms destroy body cells on the molecular level, slowly accruing damage until the cell becomes deformed and unable to function properly.  Leading scientists and research institutions are beginning to link this process of free radical damage with previously inexplicable diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease (i).  In honor of National Nutrition Month, the Miami Dentist Blog presents this guide to free radical damage.  Why?  Because the best way to prevent free radical damage is to make simple dietary changes.

Miami Dentist Blog Presents:  Introduction to Free Radicals

Recall from high school science class that matter, like our skin and body organs, is made of thousands of tiny particles called atoms.  In the center of the atom is the nucleus, and revolving around the nucleus is a cloud of electrons.  As you may remember, the electron cloud consists of pairs of electrons.  When the electron cloud consists of an even number of electrons, and respective electron pairs, it is balanced.

 

However, certain bodily processes cause the electron cloud to lose a single electron.  This happens most often in the mitochondria of the cell during energy production.  Once an electron is lost, the atom becomes unbalanced.  This unbalanced atom is called a free radical, and it cannot remain in an unbalanced state for long.  The atom attacks neighboring atoms in search of an extra electron, eventually inflicting damage to the cells that those neighboring atoms compose.  The damage worsens as free radicals multiply, causing more and more damage to the cells of the body.

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Free radical production cannot be stopped.  Much like the exhaust of a car, free radical production is simply a byproduct of energy production.  Other lifestyle habits can increase the production of free radicals, including smoking and sunbathing to name a couple.  Free radicals may be neutralized, however.

 

Antioxidants represent the yin to the free radical yang.  Antioxidants are simply extra electrons—the one thing for which a free radical actively searches.  Individuals can substantially limit the damage caused by free radicals by ingesting a large quantity of antioxidants to proactively neutralize them as they are produced.  In theory, if one were to ingest a single antioxidant for every free radical produced, they would incur little or no free radical damage.  However, free radicals are produced at a much faster rate than antioxidants may be ingested.  Still, consuming substantial amounts of antioxidants is the best way to limit the damage caused by free radicals.

Miami Dentist Reflects on National Nutrition Month

The Miami Dentist Blog has released this guide to free radicals and antioxidants during National Nutrition Month to increase awareness of the foods we eat.  In the next installment of this article series, we will examine foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants.  Making simple dietary changes to eat more antioxidant-rich foods may substantially lower the risk of developing serious illnesses that result from free radical damage.  Antioxidants help to combat the aging process as well, adding an extra benefit to this healthy dietary change.

 

(i) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/12/981209080830.htm

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Miami Dentist News: National Nutrition Month is Here!

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

miami-dentist-news-national-nutrition-monthThis month, Assure a Smile celebrates National Nutrition Month!  As a holistic dentistry practice, we urge patients to consider how their oral health is intricately related to other parts of their daily life.  Nutrition is often the first area we recommend patients evaluate, as the food we consume comes into direct contact with our teeth and gums.  Failing to eat well, along with poor oral hygiene, is the shortest path towards tooth decay and gum disease.  Oral health, as recent research indicates, is intimately linked with overall health.  In this way, eating well not only preserves your teeth and gums, but it also preserves your overall well being.

(Just for fun, visit our Meridian Tooth Chart to learn more about the long-held beliefs of Eastern medicine that relate each tooth to a specific part of the body!)

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Many Miami dental practices view dentistry as a reactive discipline.  A patient visits the dentist with a problem, and the dentist fixes it.  At Assure a Smile, things are handled differently.  Our team is a holistic dentistry practice.  We continually search for the underlying reason for certain conditions—both good and bad.  If a patient  visits with perfect teeth, we look for the causal factors that contribute to their exceptional oral health so it may be maintained.  On the other hand, identifying the causal factors of particularly bad oral health can help a patient learn better oral hygiene habits that will build a healthy smile that will last for years to come.

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is an educational initiative created by the American Dietetic Association focused on helping individuals to make informed food choices, develop good eating habits, and remain physically active.  In honor of this national campaign, Assure a Smile has developed the following list of tips to help parents and young people develop sound nutritional habits.  Please reference this list as often as necessary, and don’t forget to share it on Facebook and Twitter!

 

When it comes to meals, eat less AND more. Our bodies were not made with 1000 calorie meals in mind.  Instead of eating 3 large meals every day, try eating 6 or 7 small meals.  Eating less, more often, helps keep your metabolism high which in turn reduces weight gain.

 

Fruits or veggies, every time. Incorporate at least one serving of fruit or one serving of vegetables with each meal.  Fruit is most beneficial in the morning and afternoon, energizing you with naturally occurring vitamins and sugars.  Vegetables are great in the evening as they are low in calories and will help restore the minerals your body burns through daytime activity.

 

Drink plenty of water! This is often times the most overlooked component of proper hygiene.  Water is important for at least two reasons.  First, it is essential for most bodily processes.  You simply cannot live without it.  Second, it keeps you from developing dry mouth and cavities.

 

Antioxidants, antioxidants! Recent research shows that antioxidants may increase the lifespan of organisms by balancing malicious free radicals in the body (i).  If left unbalanced, free radicals slowly destroy healthy cells and may even trigger the onset of serious illness.

 

Have some nutrition tips of your own?  Share them with us by Tweeting to @Dentist305 on Twitter , or Share them on the Miami Dentist Facebook!  We love to hear from our readers, and we will re-Tweet your advice to our Followers and Fans!

 

(i) http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~wilkins/writing/Samples/shortmed/nelson/radicals.html

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Holistic Dentistry News: University Warns of Potential Zinc Hazards

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

miami-dentist-news-zinc warning Miami dentists warn patients this month to keep an eye out for zinc. The element is critical for most body functions, however, may be toxic in large quantities.  Most alarming is the element’s prevalence in a wide range of consumer dental products.  Patients who use certain mouth rinses, denture adhesives, and toothpastes run the risk of accidentally ingesting too much of this potentially toxic element


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The University of Maryland Dental School is the predominant provider of emergency oral services for individuals of all ages in the area.  The University has a long history of global research as the 4th most heavily funded entity by the National Institute of Health.  This March, the University has issued the following warning to dentists worldwide:  Zinc is toxic in large amounts, and patients may be receiving unhealthy amounts of this element.

Amar Patel, DDS, is a resident colleague at the University of Maryland Dental School.  Dr. Patel has studied the relationship between zinc, the human body, and the element’s prevalence in consumer dental products.  In his paper titled What Every Dentist Should Know About Zinc, Dr. Patel writes:


“Of direct concern to dental professionals[…] has been the recent discovery of neurologic disorders resulting from excessive use of denture adhesives, having high leachable zinc concentrates which can cause copper deficiencies.”


Dr. Patel’s paper outlines an alarming trend in recent dental research that aims to link excessive Zinc intake with a corresponding decline in Copper.  If true, this connection poses a serious problem for dentists and their patients alike.

Zinc Poisoning

Zinc poisoning is likely to happen in patients who use a range of consumer products that contain high amounts of the element.  Alone, each individual product is safe.  When used together, however, the patient is exposed to an accumulated amount of Zinc that may be toxic.  Most susceptible to zinc poisoning are patients with dentures, as most denture pastes contain a significant amount of zinc.  Moreover, patients with dentures must continually reapply the paste, exposing themselves to an increasing amount of the element over time.

Copper Deficiency Symptoms

Studies indicate that an increased intake of copper seem to lead to a decrease in copper absorption.  In his paper, Dr. Patel explains that copper and zinc compete for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract after consumption.   Patients who ingest a large amount of zinc make that particular element more readily available than copper.  As a result, those patients end up ingesting almost entirely zinc while absorbing very little copper.


Copper deficiency symptoms are a telltale sign that you may be ingesting too much zinc.  Keep in mind, too, that zinc is readily available in a range of consumer dental products including dental adhesives, toothpastes, and mouth rinses.  Consult with your local Miami dental professional for more ideas on limiting your intake of zinc.


For more information on the University of Maryland and their recent studies on zinc toxicity, you may visit their article here:  Potential Zinc Hazards for Patients.

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Buxism: The Harmful Side of Teeth Grinding

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

miami-dentist-bruxism-harmful-side-of-teeth-grindingMiami dentists have seen an increase in the number of patients who grind their teeth regularly.  Children, especially, exhibit weakened tooth enamel and stress fissures along the molars.  These two telltale signs of teeth grinding are alarming for Miami dental professionals for several reasons.  Teeth grinding leads to poor oral health and larger health issues in both children and adults.



Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The signs of teeth grinding usually go unnoticed by parents because they are hard to notice without an up close and detailed examination of the teeth.  Dental professionals, on the other hand, are capable of seeing the signs of teeth grinding during dental cleanings and checkups.  These signs include stress fractures in the molars, fissures, and other damage to the outer enamel of the teeth.  Assure a Smile has seen an increased number of young patients whose teeth exhibit these signs of damage.  It is alarming to see the signs of teeth grinding in children for at least two reasons.  First, it means the child is grinding their teeth, either consciously or unconsciously.  Children who grind their teeth grow into adults who grind their teeth, and adults who grind their teeth increase their chances of developing mild to severe oral health problems.  Second, teeth grinding habits may be hard to break, especially when they are unconscious.

Assure a Smile has prepared the following as a reference for parents of children who grind their teeth:

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding.  Typically, the condition is characterized by a conscious or unconscious grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw.  Night Bruxism occurs at night while the individual is unconscious and sleeping.  Bruxism may also occur during the day, most often as jaw clenching.

What are the dangers of Bruxism?

Bruxism affects each individual differently.  Some exhibit very mild symptoms that last only a short period of time.  Others, however, exhibit severe teeth grinding habits for a long period of time.  In the case of the latter, the individual risks a heightened chance of chronic headaches, jaw disorders, and inflicting tooth damage.

How do I know if my child has Bruxism?

It is hard to tell if and individual has Bruxism because it most often occurs while they sleep.  However, be attentive to the following signs:

Dull and persisitent headache, especially in the morning hours.

Dull pains in the jaw.

Stress fractures or fissures in the molars.

Chipped teeth.

Overwhelming feelings of stress or anxiety.

Diagnosing and Treating Bruxism

Bruxism can be diagnosed by your dental professional.  Assure a Smile recommends you ask your dentist about Bruxism during your next cleaning or checkup.  Treatment of Bruxism varies, depending on intensity and individual needs.  However, it is a habit that needs to be broken through both technology and lifestyle changes.  Night guards, for example, may be worn to keep teeth from grinding into one another during the night.  To supplement this safeguard, however, the individual must also make efforts to break their teeth grinding habit.  Individuals may consider stress management, reduced caffeine intake, and consciously watching for clenching or grinding of the teeth during the day.  Engaging in each of these precautionary measures will help individuals to slowly break the teeth grinding habit.

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