Posts Tagged ‘Holistic Dentistry 305’

Miami Dentistry News: Government Recommends Less Fluoride

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

miami-dentist-news-government-recommends-less-fluorideIt’s nearly everywhere:  in our water, mouth rinses, and now toothpastes.  Fluoride has been the go-to chemical for cavity prevention for over 50 years.  Now, however, the Center for Disease Control warns that the chemical may be too prevalent.  Too much fluoride may lead to serious oral health problems including hidden caries and fluorosis.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentists have warned patients of fluoride overload.  Our Miami Dentist Blog wrote of this issue in late November.  The article is titled Warning:  Too Much Fluoride and it serves as a good information source for further details on the effects of excessive fluoride intake.


The warnings have gone national; this weekend’s installment of the Wall Street Weekend Journal features an article on the harmful effects of excessive fluoride.  The Federal government now warns Americans that the mineral may cause fluorosis in young children, a condition whereby the enamel of the teeth becomes streaked with off-white discoloration.  This news is in light of a recent Center for Disease Control study conducted between 1999 and 2004.  The study found that a whopping 41% of children ages 12-15 exhibit signs of dental fluorosis.  This rate has nearly doubled since 1986, when levels were only about 23%.


Miami Dentistry Fluorosis FAQ

The Miami dentists at Assure a Smile have created the following Frequently Asked Questions guide to assist parents in learning more about fluorosis prevention:

What is fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a discoloration of tooth enamel.

What causes fluorosis?

Fluorosis is caused by excessive ingestion of the mineral fluoride.  The mineral is most readily available in unfiltered tap water, however, is becoming widely applied to a variety of dental products.

When is my child most at risk?

Children are most at risk around age 8.  This is a critical moment in the child’s life, as the permanent teeth are developing below the gums.

Am I at risk?

Survey your smile.  Those at risk of excessive fluoride intake will notice that their teeth have developed vertical, off-white colored streaks.  Also consider the frequency with which you use or consume the following:  tap water, fluoride supplements, fluoride mouth rinse, and fluoride enriched toothpaste.

What may I do to prevent fluorosis?

Limit your intake of fluoride.  Consider purchasing a water filtration device to remove the fluoride from your tap water.  Also, avoid toothpastes, supplements, and mouth rinses rich in fluoride.


Holistic dentists have been aware of the potential for fluoride overload for some time.  If you are searching for a dentist in Miami, you may wish to find a professional who takes the holistic approach to dentistry. 

A Miami Dental Concern: Cookies and Cavities

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

miami-dental-concerns-cookies-cavities

The only thing worse than receding holiday cheer is discovering you have a cavity in February!  It is not as uncommon as you may think.  The holidays bring family, friends, and sweet treats together for days on end.  High spirits overshadow daily routine, and you may find yourself taking a nap with a mouth full of cookies!  Take a moment to review the basics with Assure a Smile, and make a cavity free start in 2011.



Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

There are many reasons to let your oral hygiene suffer during the holidays.  Whether you are traveling, napping  after dinner, or overwhelmed with activities, finding a moment to care for your teeth and gums may seem impossible.  So, keep it simple!  Follow these 3 basic guidelines and help your teeth and gums stay healthy this winter.


Opt for Healthy Cookies

More than likely, you will not make it through the holidays without indulging your sweet tooth.  This is fine, but should be done with tact.  Choosing a healthy alternative to sweets is tough, especially when you are the guest.  When attending a dinner party, save the cookies and other desserts for after dinner.  This will ensure you eat only a couple, instead of ravenously devouring a village of helpless gingerbread men.

When hosting, remember that not everyone enjoys healthy sweets.  Prepare plenty of options using both traditional recipes and low sugar alternatives.  To illustrate, consider making a dozen or so sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles.  Recreate that same recipe, but substitute applesauce for the sugar.  Lightly top them with non-fat vanilla yogurt, and enjoy!


Brush and Floss Regularly

It is all about the basics, especially when it comes to cavity prevention.  Brushing and flossing is the best way to remove the plaque from your teeth and protect from infection.  Flossing is particularly important; it takes only 48 hours for the food particles between your teeth to infect your gums.  Skip your nightly regiment twice in a row, and you may be in trouble.


Schedule a Dental Appointment for 2011

Start the new year with a dental appointment to make sure all is in order.  This should include a thorough dental cleaning, x-rays, and inspection by a licensed DMD.  Holistic dentistry practices may also include a TMJ scan, additional digital photographs, and additional dental education to arm you with the knowledge necessary to prevent future problems.


Don’t let your oral health suffer in the midst of this holiday season!  Be mindful of sugar intake, brush and floss as normal, and schedule a dental appointment with a local Miami dentist to make sure 2011 gets off to a good start!


Holistic Holiday Wellness with 5 Power Foods

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

miami-dentist-holistic-holiday-wellness

Are you eating enough power foods?  If you are feeling tired, sick, or unusually stressed, that answer may be no!  Eating power foods is easy, effective in boosting immunity to colds, and downright delicious!  Take a moment to review these power food recommendations from your local Miami dentist.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Staying healthy through the winter is usually lost in the midst of holiday planning, gift giving, and travel.  Nevertheless, the combination of cold weather, natural stress, and poor diet makes this time of year ripe with infection.  This season, take a holistic approach to the holidays.  Anticipate getting run down before it happens, and safeguard against sickness by incorporating these 5 power foods in your diet!

Garlic

Yes, it makes your breath smell.  But this cooking-essential is packed with antioxidants to help your body fight the free radicals that lead to sickness.  Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory, as well.

Suggested Use:  Chop garlic and sauté over medium heat in coconut oil.  Add onion, cooking until onion becomes clear.  Next, add broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or your favorite vegetables.  Cook until vegetables become tender.  And Voila!  This garlic vegetable medley goes well with chicken, beef, and pork entrees.

Broccoli

These tiny tree-like vegetables are a triple threat.  Loaded with naturally occurring vitamin A, C, and glutathione (a high powered antioxidant), broccoli is an absolute must this Holiday Season.

Suggested Use:  Sautee broccoli in garlic and coconut oil (see above).  Add egg whites, scrambling until all contents are cooked thoroughly.  The result:  a broccoli omelet with enough vitamins and antioxidants to power through the toughest December morning.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are more than just a great energy source.  These guys contain high concentrations of vitamin A and beta carotene, an antioxidant known for disarming malicious free radicals.

Suggested Use:  Rinse potato well in water.  Slice into thin circular disks.  Sautee in garlic and coconut oil (see above).  Serve as is, or combine with egg whites, peppers, and onion for a hearty potatoe-scramble.

Acai Berries

It’s hard to visit the grocery store without finding 101 different acai juices, nutrition bars, pills, or powders.  Acai berries are more than just a fad, however, containing overwhelming amounts of antioxidants per serving.  Opt for the whole berries, whenever possible.  This will give you the added benefit of consuming the berry’s skin and pulp, which is naturally rich in fiber.  If you cannot find whole berries, choose a quality Acai juice.

Suggested Use:  Consume 1 cup of whole berries, or a single 8 oz glass of juice, with breakfast and dinner.

Mushrooms

We saved the best for last.  Mushrooms are a necessity when it comes to building a strong immune system because they naturally have high amounts of B vitamins, niacin, and riboflavin.  Moreover, the selenium in mushrooms helps the immune system fight off viruses and bacteria.

Suggested Use:  Sautee mushrooms in garlic and coconut oil (see above).  Add your favorite vegetables, and serve over brown rice.

Don’t let the hectic Holiday Season get you run down.  Simple additions to your daily diet can fuel your body with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to ward off infection and keep you healthy.  Happy Holidays, from this Miami dentist and Assure a Smile team!

Miami Dentist Urges Patients to Think Holistic

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

miami-dentist-urges-patients-to-think-holisticIt’s that time of year!  Jingle bells, gingerbread cookies, and the turning of another calendar year are on the horizon.  As we reflect on the passing year, let us look towards the next with enthusiasm, hope, and dedication to better health.  When it comes to pursuing better oral health, Assure a Smile would like to take a moment and urge patients to think Holistic.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

What better time to reflect on personal health and well being than right before the start of a new year?  Whether you have a dozen cavities or zero, it is important to consistently reevaluate the way you think of your teeth, gums, and local dentist.  Take a moment to familiarize yourself with holistic dentistry, a proactive approach to creating healthy smiles that last a lifetime.


Diet and Holistic Dentistry

Holistic dentistry seeks out the causal factors that contribute to dental conditions.  One of the most common contributing factors to poor oral hygiene is a corresponding poor diet.  Holistic dentistry differs from traditional dentistry in the belief that simple dietary changes can help create healthy teeth and gums for life.  For example, traditional dentistry’s answer to fighting cavities and gum disease is to brush and floss regularly.  This approach is reactive, focusing on plaque removal instead of the plaque itself.  Holistic dentists, by contrast, want to help patients prevent tooth decay not only through proper hygiene, but also through proper diet.

When armed with the proper knowledge, patients can make minor adjustments to their diet to help prevent plaque accumulation before it starts.  Limiting sugar intake, for example, is one of the best ways to prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth.


Proactive Teeth and Gum Care

Of course, proactive teeth and gum care is an essential part of long lasting oral health.  Making dietary changes will help to limit the damage caused by eating food, however regular brushing and flossing is still required to remove the food particles that cause disease.

It is important to consider flossing a major component of oral hygiene.  Though tedious, flossing removes the food particles that become lodged deep between teeth and near the gums.  If not removed regularly, these food particles can infect the gums in as little as 48 hours.  Once infection occurs, gums may become swollen, painful, and bleeding, eventually leading to gum disease.


Miami Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Regular dental checkups and cleanings round out the holistic approach to dentistry.  Even the most educated and proactive patients develop occasional problem areas, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.  However, minor problems become major problems when left undiagnosed and treated.  Scheduling an appointment with a local Miami dentist will ensure your oral health plan gets off on the right foot for 2011.

Treating an Overbite with Invisalign

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Overbite-treatment-with-InvisalignOverbites occur when the teeth of the upper jaw fall too far over those of the lower jaw.  As a holistic dental practice, Assure a Smile offers the Invisalign treatment plan for patients who wish to gently correct their overbite while preserving their teeth.  Miami Invisalign patients now receive $1,000 off treatment plans, making today the day to start forming the smile of your dreams!


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Overbites, like Crossbites, are common in both young children and adults.  Depending on the severity of the overbite, health risks include the development of periodontal disease and TMJ.  Patients often wish to correct overbites for aesthetic reasons as well.  Assure a Smile prefers to offer patients the Invisalign Clear Braces treatment for several reasons, including:

Invisalign Is Clear

Invisalign uses state-of-the-art aligners that are molded to fit around both the upper and lower jaw of the patient.  They are almost exact replicas of the patient’s teeth, except they are tweaked slightly to shift teeth into alignment.  Best of all, these aligners are clear, offering a orthodontic treatment plan that is discreet.

Increased Oral Hygiene

Invisalign aligners are removable.  The days of brushing, flossing, and delicately cleaning around metal brackets and wires are long gone.  The removable nature of Invisalign makes it easier for patients to clean their teeth as if they never started an orthodontic treatment plan.  No special brushes.  No special floss.  Patients are able to maintain excellent oral hygiene without having to change their cleaning routines.

Miami Invisalign Offers Convenience

Unlike traditional orthodontic procedures, Invisalign Clear Braces are mailed to the patient at set intervals.  Patients progress through their treatment regiment without excessive office visits, making Invisalign both convenient and comfortable.

Miami Invisalign Special:  Assure a Smile now offers $1,000 off Invisalign Clear Braces treatments!  Call or email today!

Consult Miami Invisalign Providers for Crossbite Treatment

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

consult-Miami-Invisalign-Providers-for-Crossbite-TreatmentA crossbite occurs when one or more teeth are irregularly positioned horizontally; the teeth in question are either too close to the outside or inside of the mouth.  This is a common irregularity that can be caused by several factors.  When seeking to correct this irregularity, look no further than Assure a Smile!  Our office has been a Miami Invisalign provider for years, and we are excited to now offer $1,000 off all Invisalign Clear Braces treatments!



Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Crossbites are common among both children and adults.  Several things may contribut to the formation of a crossbite, including the following:

Keeping Baby Teeth Too Long:

It is common for some people to keep their baby teeth for a prolonged period of time.  Permanent teeth end up developing as the baby teeth are still in the mouth, causing the Permanent teeth to grow outward.  This can occur on one side or both sides of the jaw.

Excessive Mouth Breathing:

For children with serious allergies, nasal problems, and snoring tendencies, crossbites may occur because of too much mouth breathing.  As the mouth of a child grows, it is important for the mouth to remain in a natural and closed position through most of the day and night.  This closed position keeps the tongue pressed lightly against the roof of the mouth, encouraging it to grow outward in a natural fashion.  Mouthing breathing, on the other hand, keeps the mouth open for prolonged periods of time.  This pulls the tongue away from the roof of the mouth, allowing it to grow narrowly.

Narrow Roof of the Mouth:

The roof of your mouth is formed by the combination, or fusion, of a couple different bones.  Sometimes these bones do not grow in sync with the lower jaw, creating an upper jaw that is narrower.  As a result, the molars of the upper jaw are misaligned along the interior edges of the molars of the lower jaw.

As a Holistic Miami Dental practice, Assure a Smile strives to preserve the teeth and gums of our patients.  Drilling, chemical treatments, and tooth removal are conducted as a last alternative only.  For Miami patients, Invisalign offers the perfect solution for treating a crossbite.  These clear braces are comfortable, molded specifically for each patient, and can be removed at the convenience of the individual.  Most of all, they can correct misalignments without resorting to tooth removal or uncomfortable metal braces.

Special:  Miami Invisalign patients save $1,000 with Assure a Smile!

Bring Teeth Closer Together With Invisalign

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

miami-dentist-bring-teeth-closer-invisalignMany patients seek orthodontic treatments like braces to narrow the gaps between their teeth.  A common misconception, however, has patients thinking their only option are a pair of traditional metal braces.  Those seeking to narrow the gaps between their teeth will be happy to know that Invisalign clear braces offer a more convenient treatment option.


Comments by Ted Herrmann:

There are several factors that may cause teeth to grow far apart from one another.  These factors include the following:


Normal Growth

It is perfectly normal for teeth to move apart from one another while a child ages into a young adult.  This is simply a byproduct of a normally growing jawbone.  For example, the permanent teeth of a young adult may grow in perfect alignment with one another at first.  Unfortunately, the jaw bone may continue to grow at a rate that moves the young adult’s permanent teeth over the years, creating gaps amidst a once near-perfect smile.


Acromegaly

Acromegaly occurs in about 6 of every 100,000 adults, causing abnormal hormone production even after the skeleton is finished growing (i).  This abnormality is thought to cause the jaw of an adult to continue to grow, moving teeth apart from one another.  This differs from the aforementioned normal growth of the jaw bone because it is caused by excessive hormonal output.


Missing Tooth

Children lose their first teeth gradually, creating spaces throughout their mouths that may interfere with the growth of other teeth.  If a child loses a tooth adjacent to a permanent tooth, for example, the permanent tooth may shift and grow towards that empty space.  This is because teeth tend to grow into empty spaces, taking the path of least resistance.


Widely spaced teeth is a trait can be seen in young children and adults alike.  No matter the age, though, Invisalign clear braces can help an individual gently straighten their teeth to narrow the gaps in their smile.  Dade County residents may consider scheduling a consultation with a local Miami Invisalign provider to review treatment options that can gently and conveniently realign widely spaced teeth.


(i)  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000321.htm

Miami Invisalign Treatment for Overcrowded Teeth

Monday, October 18th, 2010

dentist-miami-invisalign-treatement-overcrowded-teethOvercrowded teeth is a common condition among children and young adults.  Take caution:  it is rarely a good idea to remove one tooth to make room for the rest.  Instead, using treatment plans like Invisalign clear braces will help to straighten teeth into parallel alignment, creating a beautiful smile that is more easily cared for.


Comments by Dr. Tedd Herrmann:

As a holistic dentistry practice, Assure a Smile believes in preserving the smiles of our patients as much as possible.  This means no excessive drilling, no dangerous chemical treatments, and never removing a tooth unless it is absolutely necessary.

When it comes to treating patients with overcrowded teeth, we recommend the Invisalign clear braces system because it is convenient, gentle, and effective.  What’s more:  using Invisalign clear braces to realign overcrowded teeth will make your teeth easier to clean, decreasing your chances of developing plaque and gum disease.

Prevent Gum Disease with Invisalign

True, braces help straighten teeth to create beautiful smiles.  However, the benefit of braces is not solely aesthetic.  Gum disease prevention is another upside to reshaping overcrowded teeth that many patients fail to consider when weighing the pros and cons of orthodontic treatment.

When teeth are overcrowded, it simply means they grow so close to one another that they overlap.  Sometimes this overlapping causes the teeth to grow crookedly, though the teeth usually remain functional.  However, overlapping teeth create an ideal place for food particles to get trapped when eating.  To make matters worse, it is increasingly difficult to brush and floss these food particles away because they are so deeply wedged within the overlapping areas of the teeth.

When food particles remain trapped between teeth, a film of plaque forms along the enamel, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to breed.  Once this happens, infection may occur within as little as 48 hours.  Prolonged infection over many years leads to gum disease, a serious oral health problem that causes swollen and bloody gums, gum recession, and even loss of teeth.

It is important to consider straightening overcrowded teeth not only for appearance reasons, but to make your teeth easier to clean as well.  Assure a Smile is a proud Miami Invisalign provider that has helped many patients create healthy long-lasting smiles with clear, comfortable, and conveniently removable braces.

Invisalign in Miami

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

miami-dentist-invisalign-in-miamiMost people know that Miami Invisalign providers promise a comfortable, convenient, effective way to straighten their teeth.  The question is:  Will it work?

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann

Invisalign clear braces have become popular in recent years because they are clear, removable, and hassle-free when compared to traditional metal braces.  Many patients are skeptical, however, that the Invisalign system will work to straighten their teeth.  A teeth straightening system with wires and brackets, it seems, has many wondering if they can achieve the same results with Invisalign as they can with traditional braces.

Invisalign:  Over a Million Smiling Faces

Those considering an Invisalign treatment plan may rest assured that the company boasts “over a million smiles” evidencing the effectiveness of their product.  These patients typically have a number of different issues that need correction, including:

Widely Spaced Teeth

Typically, an abnormally growing jaw bone contributes to widely spaced teeth.  However, this may also be cause by teeth shifting to fill a space left by a missing or removed tooth.

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth result from too little space on the jaw bone for each tooth to grow within its own space.  This crowding causes overlap that makes teeth hard to clean, contributing to tooth decay and eventually gum disease.

Crossbite

Crossbites are characterized by a vertical misalignment of the upper and lower jaw.  When the mouth closes, several upper teeth my bite down on the inside or outside edge of the lower teeth, causing excessive wear and bone loss.

Overbite

Overbites are usually caused by genetics; however, they may also be caused by eating habits or the over development of the jaw bone that supports the teeth.  An overbite is characterized by an extreme extension of the teeth of the upper jaw out and over the teeth of the lower jaw.

As a Miami Invisalign provider, Assure a Smile works to develop custom teeth straightening plans for each of our patients.  At Assure a Smile, we strive to help patients achieve the Smile of their dreams.  We have had many patients emphatically report near-perfect results after using Invisalign products.  For more information on treatment options, please visit our Invisalign invisible braces page.

Heavy Metals and Free Radicals

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

miami-dentist-heavy-metals-and-free-radicalsFree radicals are increasingly being linked with several diseases, including heart disease.  Lowering the level of free radicals in your body is a crucial first step towards increasing overall health.  Two powerful measures you can take to lower the amount of free radicals in your body include ingesting plenty of antioxidants and regularly implementing heavy metal detoxification strategies.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:


Free radicals have been a topic of popular health news for several years now.  The simplest way to think of free radicals is to think of your body as a car.  You power your body with food, water, and oxygen just as you power your car with gasoline.  Similar to your car, your body burns these things and produces byproducts.  Free radicals, in this light, are like the exhaust of a car.  They are produced as a byproduct of cellular activity, they have no benefit, and they can be quite harmful as they accumulate.

Combat Free Radicals with Antioxidants

Free radicals circulate through your body, bombarding healthy cells continuously.  New research suggests this bombardment is detrimental to your DNA, and it may be a factor that increases your chances of developing serious diseases like cancer.

One measure we can easily take to fight free radicals is making sure our diets are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C.  Antioxidants are simple oxygen molecules that combine with free radicals, neutralizing them and halting their rampage.  Regularly consuming plenty of antioxidants can help keep limit the extent to which free radicals are able to damage the cellular structures in your body.

Employ a Heavy Metal Detoxification Strategy

Using a heavy metal detoxification strategy is a superb way to fight the production of free radicals.  Recent studies show that free radicals may replicate exponentially when they come into contact with heavy metals.  A free radical that collides with mercury, for example, may explode into a hundred or so more free radicals.  Heavy metal detoxification, then, is a necessity for limiting the reproduction of free radicals in your body.

Of course, reducing your exposure to heavy metals is important as well.  It is recommended that fish like tuna, for example, is consumed sparingly as it contains high levels of mercury.  Patients with silver amalgam fillings may likewise want to consider amalgam filling removal to further reduce their exposure to mercury.