Posts Tagged ‘holistic dentist’

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Creating the Smile of Your Dreams with Digital Precision

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Creating the Smile of Your Dreams with Digital PrecisionAssure A Smile announces the full integration of two leading dental technologies:  Invisalign Invisible Braces and The iTero Scanner – a new digital impression system. Together, this new technology is helping South Florida residents create beautiful smiles like never before.

 

Miami dentist Theodore Herrmann, DMD, explains, “Smiling has long been associated with low levels of stress, and lower stress levels lead to lower blood pressure, improved digestion, regular blood sugar levels, and reduced anxiety.  It’s a ‘domino effect.’”

 

The American Institute of Stress (AIS) contests that stress is the #1 health problem faced by Americans.  Many health professionals support the correlation of smiling and better mental and physical health. Dr. Stibich, a Columbia University consultant and behavior change expert, reports that smiling regularly, even when it is “forced,” may significantly curb anxiety and lower blood pressure.

 

Incorporating iTero with Invisalign gives Dr. Theodore Herrmann the most advanced digital technology to straighten your smile!  The iTero Scanner uses digital imaging and laser light technology to create a 3-Dimensional map of the patient’s oral anatomy.  Assure A Smile is utilizing the iTero system for almost all of the procedures that require impressions. These new “digital impressions” are much more comfortable for patients. That bad tasting liquid or gel type impression plaster, or “goop” is no longer needed.  Digital images are also much more precise than traditional impression material. This precision allows Assure A Smile to create the smile of your dreams that will last and may even improve you over all heath.

 

With nearly 3 out of every 4 Americans embarrassed to smile, it is clear that many are missing out on the health benefits of smiling regularly. Assure A Smile hopes to help patients lead healthier lives filled with healthy – bright smiles, laughter, and low levels of stress.

 

This winter, the practice is focused on promoting affordable Invisalign treatments for Miami residents who want to improve the appearance and heath of their smile. The current Valentines’ Day Sale offers great discounts on Invisalgn as well as on Zoom Whitening! Also, interest free financing is available to those who qualify.

 

We invite you to schedule an appointment with “South Florida’s Home of Holistic Dentistry”, to learn of the many ways Assure A Smile uses the holistic approach and technology to enhance smiles.  Call our front desk directly at 305-274-0047 or request an appointment online at www.assureasmile.com!

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Holistic Professionals Recommend a Sweet Breakfast Scramble

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Holistic Professionals Recommend a Sweet Breakfast ScrambleBreakfast is the most important meal of the day!  Miami dental professionals encourage patients to take a moment to cook breakfast each morning, as doing so may cause a cascade of positive health benefits.  Those who eat breakfast put a strong foot forward by starting their day with an arsenal of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates that do more than provide sustained levels of energy.

 

The most important thing to consider when cooking at home is variety, and this Blog article is here to help!  There are specific sets of macronutrients (listed below) that will satiate hunger while also priming the body with the vitamins and minerals needed to conquer Monday morning fatigue.

 

We will begin with a brief overview of these breakfast macronutrients.  Then, we will see how each can be combined to create a delicious breakfast.

The Building Blocks of Breakfast

The following macronutrients are the building blocks of a healthy breakfast (you may also find ways to incorporate many of these food items into lunch, dinner, and mid-day snacks):

 

1) Egg Whites

2) Sweet Potatoes

3) Cilantro

4) Garlic

5) Blueberries and other anti-oxidant rich fruits

Power Play:  The Sweet Potato Scramble

This recipe combines several of the macro-nutrients listed above into one delectable dish that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.  You will need:  1 sweet potato, 3 whole eggs, cilantro, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, 1 cup blueberries, and low fat vanilla yogurt.

 

Preparation

To begin, prepare the following ingredients:

1) Clean sweet potato.  Place on side and slice in to circular discs about ¼ inch wide.

2) Place 1 whole egg into a mixing bowl and add 2 egg whites.  Mix well.

3) Wash blueberries and set aside in separate serving bowl.

4) Crush 2 cloves of garlic, slicing into smaller pieces if necessary.  Note:  Using a garlic press to crush cloves into a paste is preferable.

5) Set aside ¼ cup cilantro.  Dice thoroughly.

 

Cooking Instructions

1) Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to frying pan.  Raise stove top burner to low to medium-low heat.

2) Add crushed garlic.  Increase heat slightly to sauté garlic.

3) Add sweet potato discs to garlic and olive oil.  Sauté until tender.

4) Sprinkle with diced cilantro.  Mix thoroughly.

5) Add egg mixture.  Fluff with spatula.

6) Season lightly with salt and black pepper, as desired.

7) Serve sweet potato scramble as main dish.  Serve blueberries with low fat vanilla yogurt as dessert.

Breakdown:  Health Benefits of the Sweet Potato Scramble

This hearty breakfast will fill you up and keep you full well into lunchtime.  This means fewer high-sugar “snack” bars, prolonged energy, and a more stable blood sugar index.

 

Egg Whites: Egg whites are one of the leanest sources of protein you can find.  Their makeup is dominantly casein, a special type of protein that is digested more slowly compared to the protein found in chicken, meat, fish, and soy.  This means a more slow and steady deliver of nutrients that will keep you feeling fuller, longer.

 

Sweet Potatoes: Miami dentists are usually against sweets.  Well, here’s an important exception!  A 7-ounce sweet potato delivers 65% the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, as well as hefty servings of Beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and fiber (i).

 

Olive Oil & Egg Yolk (from single whole egg): Combined, these two ingredients deliver a healthy portion of unsaturated fat.  Unsaturated fat is a fundamental building block of health, with leading research indicating that unsaturated fat can greatly reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol.

 

Cilantro: This simple herb helps to flush toxins from the body.  For more information, please visit our article titled Hello Cilantro, Goodbye Heavy Metals (article also features a delicious recipe for Cilantro Pesto Sauce!).

 

Blueberries: Blueberries are high in the antioxidants and natural sugars needed to promote spikes all-natural energy production.  Readers are encouraged to visit our article, Miami Dentist Exclusive:  Free Radical Damage Part II, for more on the health benefits of antioxidants and a list of the most antioxidant-rich foods available at your local grocery store.

Holistic Dentistry at Assure a Smile

Assure a Smile is committed to delivering the highest quality of service with an emphasis on patient education and overall health awareness.  Our team is proactive and helps each patient to learn more about their unique self.  We focus on “big picture” ideas, like promoting healthy eating habits that help patients create healthy teeth and gums for life.

 

Miami residents are invited to contact Assure a Smile online or call 305-274-0047 to schedule an appointment with South Florida’s leading holistic dentistry office.

 

(i) http://www.naturalnews.com/034135_sweet_potatoes_nutrition.html

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Assure a Smile Explores Holistic Dentistry

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Assure a Smile Explores Holistic DentistryHolistic dentistry is a field  that emphasizes alternative approaches to dental care that take into consideration the dental health of the patient involved and the overall effect of this on the whole body. There is also a body that was formed on this called Holistic Dental Association that provides guidance to holistic practitioners and other alternative dentistry. The body also informs the public on the benefits of going for holistic dentistry for their overall health and well-being.

Holistic Dentistry and Health Care

Holistic dentistry practitioners have the very same educational background and license as traditional dentists.  Holistic practitioners exceed traditional realms of thought by also learning of more general physical and mental fields of health.  This may include a diversity of subjects ranging from general nutrition to basic psychology.  An extended body of knowledge makes holistic dentists cognizant of the “big picture” of health.  Practitioners understand that a cavity does not merely need filled; rather, the underlying cause of the cavity must be found and alleviated to prevent future decay from occurring.

 

In this way, holistic practitioners have a view of contemporary dentistry that is refined by larger principles of physical and mental wellness.  A few noteworthy differences include the following:

 

Amalgam fillings

Holistic dentistry is strongly against the use of amalgam as a material in dental fillings as this is known to contain mercury and some other potentially toxic materials. Although the mercury is enclosed into the filling, it is found that mercury vapor escapes and this is then absorbed into the body. This is mostly the case when consuming hot foods and this increases due to the friction involved in chewing.

 

The mercury released then accumulates in some organs and this can also find its way into the maternal milk of a lactating mother. The accumulated levels will be low at first but these will increase with time and this eventually leads to some health problems more so when the immune system is compromised. Some of these health problems include:

1) Decreased kidney function

2)  Increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria present in the intestines

3) Muscle aches and dizziness among others

 

Root canal therapy

Inside a tooth is a dental pulp and this contains the nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. This is a very major part of the tooth and when it is injured, the body tries to repair it but failure for the pulp to heal will see it die. This can happen if your tooth is fractured or if it has a deep cavity as this will expose the pulp to the bacteria found in the saliva. Root canal therapy is used to remove the affected nerve and the pulp from the tooth through drilling.

 

Holistic dentistry argues that after drilling out the affected nerves, there are some microscopic tubules that are left and these are impossible to fill. The bacterial in these tubules therefore continue to survive after the root canal therapy and they can escape from the tooth to other parts of the body where they can cause infections. This is why holistic dentistry recommends tooth extraction as an alternative to canal treatment.

 

Fluoride and fluoridation

Many toothpaste companies will advertise about the wondrous health benefits of fluoride in their toothpaste but holistic dentists are very much against this. They argue that there are no studies supporting this and also say that fluoride is a toxic substance that can cause harm to the body.

 

Generally, there are other dental practices that holistic dentistry is against and all these are meant for the general body health of the human being. One should also understand that the condition of your teeth and gums greatly affects your body health. Ensure that you have regular dental exams, brush and floss at least twice every day more so after meals.

Learn More About Holistic Dentistry with Assure a Smile

Assure a Smile encourages Miami and South Florida residents to make an appointment online or schedule an appointment over the phone at 305-274-0047.  We welcome new patients and offer a New Patient Cleaning Special to those who schedule online!  Visit the holistic professionals at Assure a Smile, and see firsthand the difference between holistic and traditional dentistry.

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Assure a Smile Celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Assure a Smile Celebrates National Dental HygieneWhat does it take to create healthy teeth and gums for life?  New research suggests it may not be as easy as brushing and flossing twice daily.  Leading medical professionals are excitedly sharing new research that illustrates a strong connection between thoughts, emotions, and the physical structures of the body.  In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, our Miami dentist office would like to encourage South Florida residents to consider the “big picture” of holistic wellness.

Holistic Dentists Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

Holistic dentists believe that overall wellness is reflected through the health of the oral tissues.  In other words, the condition of an individual’s teeth and gums may be indicative of their mental, physical, and emotional health.  To illustrate, consider the following mind-body connections that modern medicine has thoroughly documented in recent years:

 

1)  NYU School of Medicine clinical professor, Charles Goodstein, MD, reports that thoughts and feelings may trigger chemical reactions in the brain.  This shows a connection between the non-physical [mind] and the physical [chemical secretions in the brain] (i).

 

2)  University of Pennsylvania professor Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D. reports that negative emotions like stress, sadness, and worry cause a spike in Cortisol, which in turn suppresses the immune system (ii).

 

Holistic dentist professionals embrace these “big picture” connections by encouraging patients to consider at least 3 realms of wellness:  diet, exercise, and perspective.  Taking simple steps to eat well, exercise daily, and maintain an overall positive outlook may directly impact the body’s resiliency and ability to heal (iii).

 

So, how does holistic dentistry relate to National Dental Hygiene Month?

 

It is important to consider the concepts of holistic dentistry and wellness because the body is a large and intricately interconnected system.  For example, one cannot hope to effectively fight tooth decay without also taking steps to better their diet.  Moreover, one cannot effectively prevent disease without staying cognizant of the ways our emotions may weaken our immune system (as documented by Dr. Seligman above).  In short, those individuals who proactively concern themselves with all areas of wellness—and not just the oral tissues—are positioned to preserve their teeth and gums for life.

Parents:  Setting the Example

The foundation for strong oral hygiene is built during infancy.  According to recent research from the University of Illinois, “The soft tissue in the mouth appear to serve as reservoirs for potential pathogens prior to tooth [formation],” (iii).  It is now evident that gum tissue may house the bacteria that causes both disease and, later, tooth decay.  In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, Assure a Smile has prepared the following tips to help parents teach their children about holistic oral hygiene and care:

 

1) Stay conscious of diet. Preventing tooth decay starts with smart food choices.  Things like simple sugars and starches can accumulate on the enamel of the teeth, forming the plaque and bacteria that cause decay.  Limiting sugar and starches is a step in the right direction.

 

2) Exercise! Exercise may dramatically increase the overall health of the body, even in sessions as short as 15 minutes long.  Exercise increases blood flow, oxygen delivery, and reduces stress.  Each of these benefits has a positive impact on mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

 

3) It’s all about perspective. Encouraging children to keep a positive perspective on day-to-day life may lay the bedrock for other positive habits.  A positive perspective encourages healthy food choices, daily brushing/flossing, and other habits that substantially reinforce overall wellness.

Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry

Assure a Smile takes pride in providing only the highest quality of service to each of our patients.  We are committed to ongoing patient education, because educated patients are empowered to make healthy decisions that create lifelong healthy habits.  We call this holistic approach “people dentistry,” because it’s all about the person.  Everyone is unique, and each patient deserves unparalleled attention.

 

You may schedule an appointment online with Assure a Smile to learn more about holistic dentistry.  We also invite Miami residents to contact our front desk at 305-274-0047.

 

(i)  http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/connecting-dots.aspx

(ii) http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/bio.htm

(iii) http://www.medicaldaily.com/news/20110819/7047/cavities-early-childhood-caries-infant-saliva-tooth-decay-kelly-swanson-dental-caries-bacteria.htm

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Miami Holistic Dentists Recommend Invisalign

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Miami Holistic Dentists Recommend Invisalign Miami Invisalign treatments are becoming popular among both holistic dentists as well as the patients they treat.  Invisalign has gained support from the holistic dental community primarily for its minimally invasive method of straightening teeth.  These revolutionary “removable” orthodontic braces effectively straighten teeth without disrupting the normal eating, brushing, and flossing habits of the patient.  As a result, patients are able to comfortably straighten their teeth while minimizing the chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease!

Invisalign:  Minimally Invasive Orthodontic Technology

Invisalign is considered “minimally invasive” because of how the technology goes about straightening teeth.  Invisalign uses clear surgical-grade plastic aligners that slip over the teeth and gently shift them into alignment.  By contrast, traditional metal braces require permanently affixing metal brackets to each tooth that needs shifting.  A wire is then threaded through those brackets, and an Orthodontic professional periodically tightens the wire to pull the brackets, and teeth, closer together.

 

Invasive is a medical term used to describe the extent to which a procedure penetrates the body cavity.  A minimally invasive procedure, then, is one that performs a specific operation while penetrating bodily tissues to the lowest degree possible.  Invisalign is considered minimally invasive because the patented Invisalign aligners are smooth, comfortable, and removable.  They incur very little damage to the inner cheek and gum areas, whereas traditional metal braces commonly scratch, cut, and irritate those tissues.

Choose Invisalign and Prevent Tooth Decay

Invisalign comes with a second advantage:  minimized risk of tooth decay.  To better understand this concept, let  us first review how tooth decay forms:

 

1. Food particles get stuck in the cracks and fissures of the teeth, as well as deep between teeth and along the gum line

2. Particles that are not removed during brushing and flossing form plaque on the surface of the tooth

3. Bacteria begins to fester, feeding on plaque to grow

4. Bacteria spreads and produces an acidic byproduct that eats away at the surface of the tooth

5. As this process continues, the tooth literally begins to decay and cavities start to form

 

The foundation for tooth decay is built by food particles that are left in the teeth after meals.  Patients with traditional metal braces cannot remove their orthodontic devices before meals or prior to brushing and flossing.  It is very easy for food particles to get tangled in the brackets and wires of metal braces, making it very difficult for these patients to thoroughly clean their teeth on a daily basis.  This causes patients with metal braces to experience a higher incidence of tooth decay during treatment.

 

Invisalign aligners are fully removable, however, allowing patients the convenience of removing their orthodontic devices to eat, brush, and floss like normal.  As a result, Invisalign patients are able to maintain cleaner smiles during treatment, which decreases the chance of developing tooth decay.

Speak to a Miami Invisalign Professional Today

Are you interested in learning more from a Miami Invisalign professional?  Assure a Smile is a holistic dentistry practice with over 20 years experience providing superior quality of services to the Miami area.  Our team takes a genuine interest in the well being of our patients and provides only the best quality holistic health services to our patients.

 

Assure a Smile invites all South Florida residents to schedule an appointment online to learn more about the Invisible Braces System that has created “over 1 million smiling faces!”  South Florida residents may also call Assure a Smile directly at 305-274-0047.

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Holistic Dentistry News: Cognitive Therapy Helps Patients Overcome Dental Fears

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Holistic Dentistry News: Cognitive Therapy Helps Patients Overcome Dental FearsMiami dentists and other health care professionals are looking at a new, all-natural way to curb patient anxiety.  According to the August issue of British Dental Journal, a single session of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, could significantly aid those who suffer with doctor related phobias and anxiety.  Holistic dentists are embracing these findings, pointing to the fact that CBT is a minimally invasive way to get patients to visit health care professionals in comfort, confidence, and a timely manner.

More on the British Health Journal

The mission of the British Dental Journal (BDJ) is to inform readers of the ideas, opinions, developments, and key issues in dentistry (i).  A dental industry standard, the BDJ draws a professional audience of dentists, dental undergraduates, and dental team, hospital, academic, and general practitioners.

 

The publication released its most recent study on the subject of dentistry and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in late August, detailing the many benefits CBT may offer to patients with mild to severe dentist-related phobias.

 

The study was based on a survey of 60 patients who routinely relied on intravenous sedation before all dental procedures.  Half of the patients were then offered CBT to alleviate their fears, while the remaining half were left untreated.  Of the 30 patients offered CBT, 21 accepted the treatment.  Of those 21 patients, 19 returned to the dental chair to receive procedures without the use of intravenous sedation.  What’s more, these patients were reviewed 10 years later and none had returned to sedation dentistry after having embraced CBT to explore their medical fears.

Holistic Dentistry and CBT

This discovery is important to holistic dentistry professionals for at least two reasons.  First, it exemplifies a common problem:  patients are afraid to visit health care professionals.  Most of these fears are buried deep within the subconscious, rooted in reasons we may not understand.  CBT is just one method of overcoming these fears, and it may help patients find the optimistic courage needed to keep healthy through routine check-ups with medical professionals.

 

The study also indicates that all-natural means of overcoming fear and anxiety are effective.  As illustrated by the study, the patients treated by CBT were able to steer-clear of sedation dentistry for at least 10 years.  While sedation dentistry helps get fearful patients in the dentist chair, it nevertheless represents a maximally invasive and unnecessarily dangerous means of performing simple procedures.  Alternatives to sedation dentistry are considered relatively lower in risk, and CBT is poised to become the front-runner in viable options for patients with dental phobia.

Holistic Dentists:  Miami

Holistic Miami dentists offer minimally invasive procedures to patients, emphasizing the importance of overall wellness in achieving oral health.  To learn more about holistic dentistry, schedule an appointment with the holistic professionals at Assure a Smile!

 

Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry:  Helping Miami Residents Create Healthy Teeth and Gums for Over 20 Years.

 

(i) http://www.nature.com/bdj/about/index.html

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Over 3,000 American Health Professionals Opposed to Fluoride

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

3000 Professionals Opposed to FluorideThe Fluoride Action Network (FAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness for the toxicity of fluoride and the health impacts of current exposure.  Over 3,000 American health professionals have signed an official statement with FAN, supporting the group’s efforts to educate the public about the potentially harmful affects of fluoride.  Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry stands by FAN in spreading awareness for fluoride toxicity and educating patients on ways to avoid this readily available mineral.

The Fluoride Opposition

Water fluoridation began in the 1930s as a way to deliver fluoride to the general public through drinking water.  At the time, fluoride was considered beneficial in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay.  Now, however, numerous studies suggest that fluoride is too readily available to the public and individuals are suffering from over ingestion.  One report released by the Center for Disease Control states that the rate of fluorosis, a condition whereby tooth enamel becomes overly hardened and discolored, has doubled among children since the 1980s.

 

New evidence further suggests that fluoride is readily available in highly concentrated forms.  Fluoride toothpastes, to illustrate, may contain up to 15 times the fluoride content of drinking water.  According to FAN, other common consumer items with high concentrations of fluoride include processed cereals, sodas, juices, and mechanically deboned chicken.  Regular contact with these items may cause fluoride to quickly accumulate in the body, setting the foundation for over exposure and toxic side effects.

 

Health professionals are actively fighting the practice of water fluoridation for several reasons.  First, it is important to let people know that water fluoridation is not the ‘norm.’ According to FAN, less than 10 countries in the world fluoridate a majority of their water supplies.  Of equal importance is spreading awareness for the fact that fluoride is not needed to prevent tooth decay.  There are a number of all natural gum care methods that will help to create strong and healthy teeth without risking the side effects of fluoride exposure.

 

Finally, professionals are standing in direct opposition to water fluoridation because of the side effects it may produce.  One such side effect is a phenomenon known as hidden caries.  Hidden caries are vertical pockets of tooth decay that are nearly impossible to detect through visual inspection or x-ray imaging.  Rather, special laser dentistry tools are needed to identify and treat these areas.

FAN Accomplishments

Though the campaign for a fluoride-free America is far from over, the Fluoride Action Network has several noteworthy accomplishments that have helped to spread awareness and impetus among Americans.  These include:

 

1. Successfully lobbied with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the “phasing out” of fluoride pesticides from the U.S. crop supply.

 

2. Worked with National Research Council (NRC), providing ground breaking information that led to the 2006 NRC report indicating that water fluoridation is “not protective of health and should be lowered.”

 

3. Convinced local municipalities to issue warnings about the dangers of using fluoridated water in baby formula.  In Burlington, VA, FAN successfully moved local government to convey this warning to the public, a full year before the American Dental Association issued the same warning to all Americans.

Miami Holistic Dentistry and Fluoride Awareness

Miami holistic dentists differ from traditional dentists in their concern for overall wellness.  It is this concern for overall, “big picture” wellness that has driven holistic health care professionals to actively protest the use of fluoride in water, dental products, and other consumable items.

 

Where do you stand on the issue?  Message the Dentist305 Twitter account to share your thoughts on water fluoridation, fluoride toxicity, and its overwhelming availability in most consumer products!

 

You may also schedule an appointment with the professionals at Assure a Smile to learn more about holistic dentistry and all-natural ways to create healthy teeth and gums for life!

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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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Smoking Hurts Your Teeth and Gums!

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

miami-dentist-smoking-hurts-teeth-gumsWe all know that habitual smoking harms your major organ systems.  Throat, lung, and heart cancer have each been linked with smoking.  Many other serious illnesses that have been linked to smoking include heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and other respiratory conditions.  But did you know that smoking may also increase your chances of developing plaque, cavities, and gum disease?


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentistry professionals see it constantly:  stained teeth and dry mouth associated with excessive smoking.  This is not surprising—according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 46 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes regularly.  The less-than-healthy habit does more than just stain teeth, however.  Cigarette smoke contributes to a condition called dry mouth (i).  This condition consequently leads to other oral health problems, including plaque buildup, tooth decay, and sometimes gum disease.

Dry Mouth:  The Basics

Dry mouth is exactly what it sounds like:  a condition whereby there is not enough saliva to maintain moisture in the mouth.  It is natural to experience dry mouth infrequently.  For example, dry mouth may result from heightened levels of fear, anxiety, or stress.  However, perpetual dry mouth may lead to serious oral health problems.  This is because those with dry mouth experience a deficiency of saliva which may lead to:

Inefficient digestion

Believe it or not, digestion begins before food reaches the stomach.  It begins as soon as our saliva comes into contact with the food in our mouth.  The enzymes in saliva help to break down food for further digestion.  When saliva is low, food particles are not breaken down completely.  They may then become stuck in between the teeth and gums, setting the stage for future tooth decay.

Tooth decay

Once food particles are trapped between the teeth, a culture of biofilm forms.  This is the plaque that causes tooth decay, and it is normal kept in check by saliva.  However, individuals with dry mouth have little saliva and, as a result, are predisposed to large levels of biofilm development.  This increases the rate at which teeth experience decay and cavities.

Gum disease

Biofilm does more than facilitate tooth decay.  The culture of bacteria may fester until it grows along the gum line.  Then, the bacteria is able to infect the gums, causing gum disease commonly known as gingivitis.

Treating Dry Mouth

Methods of treating dry mouth will vary, depending on the cause.  Holistic dentists will tell most patients, however, that there are lifestyle changes that will help reduce dry mouth.  These include avoiding caffeinated beverages, chewing gum to stimulate saliva flow, using a humidifier at night, and avoiding tobacco products.

If you or a loved one have symptoms like perpetual dry feelings in the mouth, trouble swallowing, difficulty chewing, mouth sores, cracked lips, or frequent bad breath, contact Assure a Smile and speak with a professional dentist today.

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Dental Amalgam 101

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Dental amalgam is the proper term to refer to the silver material that is used in dental procedures like fillings.  This material is actually a combination of mercury and at least one other metal, like tin.  Invented in France in the early 1800s, dental amalgam has remained a popular filling agent because of its strength.  However, experts at the World Health Organization have made a clear assertion:  Mercury from dental amalgam feeds more mercury into a person’s body system than any other source combined, prompting many to seek safe amalgam removal.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

We know that arsenic is a powerful poison, used for years by farmers as a toxin to kill insects, bacteria, and fungi.  We think of lead as a toxic poison as well, remembering the massive recall of nearly 1 million Mattel toys that were allegedly tainted with lead-rich paints.  There is a delicate balance to achieve when dealing with poisons and consumers.  In the case of arsenic, very low concentrations can prove helpful, killing only insects while helping to grow healthy crops.  In the case of Mattel, however, a massive recall was necessary because the concentration of lead was far too great.  Dental amalgam falls in the latter category; dental professionals from around the world agree that amalgams contain high concentrations of mercury that inevitably finds its way into your body tissue (i).

Mercury Absorption from Dental Amalgam

Mercury is an extremely toxic poison that can kill when ingested in large amounts.  Alarmingly, the dental amalgam used in silver fillings may be composed of up to 60% mercury or more.  With this in mind, Dr. Gary Null and Dr. Martin Feidman of New York set out to test mercury absorption with relation to dental amalgams.  Their results were astonishing:  the mercury from silver fillings is ingested at a rate of 10-50 times the level deemed “safe” by the U.S. Public Health Service (ii).  Variance in absorption is due to individual filling composition and the personal habits of the patient.  However, their study clearly reflects the dangerous nature of silver fillings.

Safe Amalgam Removal

Many patients are turning to safe amalgam removal to ride themselves of their highly toxic silver fillings.  For South Florida residents, choosing a Miami dentist to have your silver fillings removed requires due diligence.  Ensure the dental professional you seek takes the proper precautions when removing fillings.  For example, dental dams are necessary to cover the oral cavity and prevent inhalation of amalgam fragments and mercury vapor.  Assure a Smile is one of South Florida’s leading holistic dentistry practices that specializes in safe mercury removal.  To learn more, please contact Assure a Smile today!


(i) http://www.yourhealthbase.com/amalgams.html

(ii) See above.

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