Posts Tagged ‘Holistic Dentistry 33176’

Dentistry News: Brushing Habits Tied to Heart Health

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

miami-dentist-news-brushing-habits-heart-health Dentists in Miami have written many articles on gum disease, heart disease, and the link the two diseases share.  According to research, those with gum disease are place at higher risk of developing heart problems than are those without gum disease.  Now, it seems, the problem may start well before gum disease takes shape.  New research indicates that your habit of brushing may significantly affect your chances of developing serious heart disease.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is beginning to see some of the spotlight when it comes to new age medicine and research.  Bodies of evidence are mounting, indicating that each of our body systems is connected.  The role of the mind and the affect it has over physical health is just one example of this school of thought.  Another example is the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body.  The mouth is a gateway, providing easy entryway for disease and bacteria alike.  A new study from the University College London asserts that teeth brushing is an important piece of this equation, significantly lowering the chance of serious disease among those who brush their teeth regularly.

Miami Dentists Look at Oral Hygiene

If the mouth is the gateway through which bacteria and disease may enter the body, then oral hygiene is a critical factor in determining overall health.  Bad oral hygiene leads to many different health problems.  Most dental patients are aware of the most common:  cavities.  Cavities result from an excessive accumulation of plaque on the surface of teeth.  This plaque allows acid-producing bacteria to grow on the teeth, slowly eating away at the enamel of the tooth over time.  In this light, bacteria is one of the most harmful foreign agents that may enter the mouth.


Bacteria accumulation may cause more than cavities, however.  The 150th meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science declared a potential correlation between the bacteria that causes gum disease and the bacteria that causes heart disease.  The bacteria, according to research, seemed to be identical.  In other words, the same bacteria that causes gum disease may travel from the oral cavity to other major organs by way of the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses.  When the bacteria reach the heart, for example, it may cause swelling that contributes to artery blockage and heart disease.


This new research places added emphasis on the importance of sound oral hygiene.  Brushing and flossing are more than just ways to prevent cavities.  Keeping your mouth clean is proving to be instrumental in maintaining long term health and wellness.

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!

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.

Hello Cilantro, Goodbye Heavy Metals

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

hello-cilantro-goodbye-heavy-metalsExposure to heavy metals cannot be escaped.  They are everywhere:  in the foods we eat, in the air we breathe, and even in the consumable products with which we interact.  They only way to reduce the amount of heavy metals in your body is to continually get rid of them.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Heavy metals are everywhere.  We are continually exposed to heavy metals simply in virtue of living with them.  From mercury thermometers to lead-based paints, heavy metals are used to make common items that are used each day by thousands of people worldwide.  Often, medical scholars issue warnings about these harmful products only after immense research indicates that they are dangerous.


Assure a Smile has found two fantastic recipes that feature cilantro, a powerful herb known to flush the body of toxins.  By incorporating cilantro in your diet, you can ensure that you consistently flush your body and take great steps towards long-term vitality.


Cilantro Pesto Sauce (i)

This delectable sauce is perfect for grilled chicken breast, broiled fish, and pasta entrees.  It has an olive oil base, so you can rest assured you are also getting a good amount of healthy unsaturated fat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds and walnuts work very well)
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Combine all ingredients into a blender and mix thoroughly.  That’s it!  Apply to chicken, fish, or pasta and enjoy.


Cilantro Vinaigarette (ii)

This dressing will be the perfect addition to any spring mix or spinach salad.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves crushed garlic
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Place garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle; grind until forming a paste with the garlic and salt.  Add mustard and again grind until mixed well.  Whisk the paste in the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.  Finally, mix in the fresh cilantro.


Assure a Smile invites you to read more about Heavy Metal Detoxification on our blog.  You may find additional information on our Holistic Dentistry page.


(i) recipe courtesy of:  http://www.justcleansing.com/heavy-metal-cleanse.htm

(ii) recipe courtesy of:  http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipe/1389/cilantro-vinaigrette.html