Posts Tagged ‘holistic wellness’

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Eating Well for Healthier Teeth and a Healthier You

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Eating Well for Healthier Teeth and a Healthier YouAssure A Smile knows that good oral and over-all health starts with balanced nutrition.  Overall wellness of the body is reflected through the health of the oral tissues and health of the teeth and gums can dramatically impact the health of the body as a whole.

 

The majority of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.  The multi-million dollar health-supplement industry exists due to Americans’ desire for pre-packaged, easy-to-swallow supplements.  But good supplements can be expensive. Less expensive supplements that use cheaper fillers and compressed pills that make them easier to swallow can inhibit the body’s ability to break them down or absorb them completely.  Consequently a large amount supplements are flushed from the body and down the toilet.

 

Even “well balanced” diets may lack adequate amounts of specific nutrients to overcome health issues because today’s genetically enhanced and over processed food chain just does not provide Americans with everything they really need to sustain good health.  So simply learning about which foods are healthy and which one are not can help improve your health dramatically

 

Miami dentist Dr. Theodore Herrmann endorses the use of supplements to provide the body with what it needs to balance your nutrition.  “Nutraceuticals” or pharmaceutical grade supplements are available for purchase at Assure A Smile to help our patients achieve that nutritional balance and or to aide in therapeutic healing.

 

Miami’s Home of Holistic Dentistry has a certified nutritional counselor to help our patients and South Florida’s residents choose healthy foods that promote healthy teeth and gums for life. Here are 3 tips for improving overall health through better nutrition:

 

But first, it is important to note the difference between food items and supplements.  Food items include all of the all-natural and consumable things needed to sustain health:  Water, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and others.  Supplements are the encapsulated nutrients meant to “supplement” food items.  These include the familiar lettered vitamins, and minerals as well as amino acids, omegas, and oils that are now becoming more popular.

 

1. Find a dressing or dip. For many, the biggest drawback of a healthy diet is taste.  Processed and “flavor enhanced” foods usually contain a high amount of chemical additives and sugars.  The abundance of sugary foods makes all-natural foods seem bland in taste.  To help overcome this, try using a dressing or dip that adds zesty flavor to vegetables and fruits.  Things like a healthy organic dressing, natural honey, and cottage cheese are fine examples of healthy “add-ons” that will make it easier to consume more healthy foods.

 

2. Salads ARE for everyone! Most get the impression that salads are only for people on a diet.  Yes, eating salads are a great way to help shed a few pounds.  Tossing a salad with a myriad of fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables is a great way to get a huge amount of essential nutrients.  Here’s a tip:  Get colorful!  The different coloring of fruits and vegetables often indicates their unique nutritional content.  Mixing a variety of different colors can give a well-rounded selection of vitamins, minerals.

 

3. Smoothies. Smoothies are a great choice for the many reasons mentioned above and more.  They can contain a diverse mix of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and they taste downright delicious.  You can even put your supplements in a smoothie to make them easier to take. Smoothie store chains have become very popular and are convenient for that “on the run” for lunch or breakfast.

 

Assure A Smile, South Florida’s Home of Holistic Dentistry, is committed to helping patients increase overall health through applied holistic dentistry and ongoing education. So watch for more tips to come!

 

We invite South Florida residents to schedule an appointment with Assure A Smile to experience the alternative to the traditional dentistry.  Readers can call our front desk directly at 305-274-0047 or request an appointment online at www.assureasmile.com.

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Dental Anxiety, Part II: The Day of Your Appointment

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

dental anxiety pt iiIf you are afraid to see your dentist, you are not alone!  In our last blog article, we shared an eye-opening statistic from the British Medical Journal that shows most individuals fear the dentist.  Specifically, 1 in 5 individuals who were surveyed reported fearing the dentist more than snakes, spiders, or heights.  For Miami dentists, this statistic shows that greater care must be taken in educating patients of the importance of regular dental cleanings to prevent oral health problems.  Additionally, it illustrates a large need for patients to learn to cope with dental fear and anxiety.

 

In our last article, Dental Anxiety Pt. I, we discussed a few ways in which patients can identify and cope with dental anxiety in the months leading up to a scheduled appointment.  Anxiety normally grows, however, in the days leading up to a dental appointment.  That anxiety typically peaks on the day of the appointment, creating a tension that may make the thought of cancelling your appointment seem pretty enticing.

 

Canceling or even prolonging dental visits is always a terrible idea!  Professional dental cleanings are needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums.  Moreover, avoiding the dentist for months or even years usually creates bigger problems.  Patients who do not keep regular appointments typically fall victim to severe accumulations of plaque, decay, and disease.

 

Assure a Smile has prepared this exclusive Miami Dentist Blog article to help patients overcome the fear and anxiety that typically builds on the day of their dental appointment.

Coping with Dental Anxiety:  The Day of Your Appointment

Anxiety may become pronounced on the day of your visit, but do not worry!  This too is a normal reaction.  We must remind ourselves that we cannot allow anxiety to deter our actions.  Patients may find the following tips helpful in diffusing the heightened anxiety one may experience

 

1. Positive Visualization

Positive visualization is a popular exercise among a variety of individuals, ranging from public speakers to professional athletes.  It is simple to perform and effectively reduces anxiety by giving the mind time to acknowledge and counter it.  In the morning before your appointment, take a moment to think about how the appointment ought to go.  Allow your mind’s eye to construct every detail of your visit.  Start with your arrival in the parking lot, then slowly visualize entering the reception area and checking in.  Do not rush!  Allow your imagination to construct your visit, before it happens, with great attention to detail.  You may wish to recall the color of the carpeting, or the smile on the face of the receptionist.  Most importantly, visualize your appointment going well!  Each of us knows how lovely it feels to hear our dental professional say everything is in good shape and we’re “cavity free.”  Run through your ideal “perfect visit” and acknowledge that it can feel good!

 

2. In the Waiting Room

Once you arrive, you may wish to employ tension management techniques to counter the last minute “butterflies.”  Tension management techniques are also very popular among public speakers and professional athletes, as both are prone to last minute nervousness.  Two great techniques include deep breathing and fist clenching.  Deep breathing can be done simply by drawing long inhalations through the nose and slowly releasing through the mouth.  This is very similar to “yoga breathing.”  Fist clenching, as the name implies, involves clenching the fingers of each hand into a fist.  Squeeze for a moment, then slowly release.  This simple action will allow the muscles to dispel the tension the builds in the muscles of the body when we become nervous or anxious.  Combine fist clenching with deep breathing, and tension will slowly dissipate while you wait for your appointment to begin.

 

3. In the chair

Climbing into the dental chair is often the most stressful part of the entire experience.  Combine each of the stress management techniques described above:  visualize everything going well, take long breaths, and clench your fists a few times to rid your body of any last minute tension buildup.  Before long, your appointment will be over and you will be feeling healthy and confident in your oral health!

Stress Free Dentistry at Assure a Smile

Assure a Smile has been a leading Miami holistic dentistry practice for more than 20 years.  Our team of professionals is committed to deliver only the highest quality of service.  At Assure a Smile, we go to great lengths to ensure your visit is a comfortable and pleasant experience!

 

Miami residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Assure a Smile online, or call or friendly front desk directly at 305-274-0047!

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Dental Anxiety, Part I: The Weeks Before Your Appointment

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Dental Anxiety Part INearly 1 out of every 5 individuals fears the dentist more than snakes, spiders, or heights according to a recent British Medical Journal survey (i).  Alarmingly, that survey also indicates that the 1,000 respondents polled fear the dentist up to 10 times more than any other medical professional.  This is disheartening for Miami dental professionals, indicating that as many as 1 in 5 Miami residents may be avoiding regular cleanings and other procedures.  With the tooth decay and gum disease on the rise, holistic dentistry practitioners are beginning to ask:  How can we help patients overcome the fear and anxiety associated with seeing a health professional?

 

Assure a Smile has prepared this exclusive Miami Dentist Blog article to help patients overcome the fear and anxiety that typically builds in anticipation of upcoming medical appointments.

Preface:  The Importance of Acknowledging and Dealing with Anxiety

First, it is important to recognize that anxiety is a perfectly normal and healthy reaction to an environmental stressor.  It arises when we perceive a situation with uncertainty, fear, worry, or dread.  From an instinctual perspective, anxiety keeps us from making foolish and poorly calculated decisions.  For example, anxiety may make us think twice about approaching a snarling grizzly bear!

 

However, we cannot allow anxiety to deter our actions.

 

In the practical sense, it is normal to feel uneasy or fearful when we have a medical appointment scheduled in the future.  This reaction must be acknowledged and dealt with, however, so we may continually seek the supervision of a health professional to continually monitor our health.

Coping with Anxiety:  The Weeks Before Your Appointment

Patients may use the following tips to acknowledge and control the anxiety that may loom in the weeks or months preceding a dental appointment:

 

1. Acknowledge that anxiety exists.

As discussed, anxiety is a normal reaction to environmental stressors that leave us feeling troubled, uncertain, or fearful.  Identify this feeling, and assure yourself that it is common.  Engage a few family members, friends, or coworkers in a friendly conversation about oral health and dental visits.  Nearly 20% of all individuals fear the dentist, so you are surely not alone!

 

2. Brush & Floss regularly.

Brushing and flossing regularly is critical in maintaining sound oral health, regardless of whether you have an appointment in the near future.  However, consciously brushing and flossing with added care may help you feel more confident in the weeks just before your dental appointment.  What’s more, brushing and flossing with extra care will ensure your teeth and gums are well prepared for your appointment.  This may reduce the time spent in the dental chair, making for a faster and more pleasant experience overall.

 

3. Drink lots of water.

Drinking plenty of water is good for a variety of reasons.  In terms of oral health, drinking water helps to rinse food particles away from the teeth and gums so they may be swallowed more easily.  This prevents food particles, especially starches, from attaching themselves to the teeth and causing plaque, bacteria, and eventually decay.  Like regular brushing and flossing, drinking plenty of water may reduce the anxiety that precedes a dental appointment by making you feel more confident in your overall health.

Further Reading on the Miami Dentist Blog

Miami residents may find the following articles helpful in identifying and disarming anxiety resulting from the fear of doctors, dentists, and other environmental stressors:

 

Miami Dentistry News:  Snakes, Spiders, and Dentists, Oh My!: Did you know that people are almost 10 times more fearful of a dental visit than they are of an ordinary health physical?  In this article, you will learn that medical fears are common and not something of which you should be ashamed.

 

Holistic Dentistry News:  Cognitive Therapy Helps Patients Overcome Dental Fears:  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is now helping patients overcome their fear of doctors, dentists, and medical appointments in general.  This article is a must-read for those who feel that anxiety and fear significantly inhibit their decision making process.

Stress Free Dentistry at Assure a Smile

Assure a Smile has been a leading Miami holistic dentistry practice for more than 20 years.  Our team of professionals is committed to deliver only the highest quality of service.  At Assure a Smile, we go to great lengths to ensure your visit is a comfortable and pleasant experience!

 

Miami residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Assure a Smile online, or call or friendly front desk directly at 305-274-0047!

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

 

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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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Research Suggests Walnuts Reduce Breast Cancer

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

walnuts reduce breast cancerMiami dentists and holistic health care professionals are nutty.  That is, they have long recommended that individuals add nuts to their diets to attain a plethora of health benefits.  Such benefits are many and varied, but a major advantage include increased cardiovascular health and longevity.  Now, research from the Marshall University of West Virginia indicates that a very specific type of nut may help reduce the risk of breast cancer.  Enter:  Walnuts.

 

Walnuts are tightly packed with an arsenal of healthy B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.  It is the omega 3 fatty acid content of walnuts, however, that has made recent headlines.  Specifically,walnuts are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that may reduce the risk of breast cancer.  Research suggests that the ALA content of walnuts works synergistically with the naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein of the nut, significantly reducing the development of cancerous tumors.  For more information, we turn to Dr. Elaine Hardman.

 

Dr. Hardman closely studied the development and proliferation of cancerous cells in mice at the Marshall University.  Her goal:  To determine if a diet rich in walnuts may reduce the rate at which cancer develops.  Dr. Hardman divided mice in two groups, one “control group” that received normal nutrition and one “test group” that received a diet rich in walnuts and ALA.

 

The results were overwhelmingly positive:  those with a diet rich in walnuts developed cancer at half the rate of those in the control group.

 

What’s more, walnuts had this profound impact on mice that were already destined for cancer.  “These reductions are particularly important,” contests Dr. Hardman, “[considering] the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate,” (i).  This implies walnuts may be even more powerful in preventing the formation in cancer in human beings, as we are not genetically programmed to develop cancer.

 

Dr. Hardman was the leader of the research team that led this ground-breaking investigation.  More information may be found in the journal of Nutrition and Cancer.  Dr. Hardman’s research serves as a powerful follow up to a 2004 statement issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, stating “1.5 oz of walnuts per day, as party of a low saturated and low cholesterol diet […] may reduce the risk of coronary hear disease,” (ii).

Holistic Dentists:  Nuts About Nuts!

Holistic dentists focuses on more than just the teeth and gums.  Holistic dental professionals view the human body as a large an intricately connected system.  Not surprisingly, proper nutrition is a fundamental concern for holistic professionals as it directly impacts the overall health of the body.

 

Walnuts are a powerful mega-nutrient that patients are smart to incorporate into meals whenever possible.  Not only are walnuts linked with a decreased incidence of cancer, as documented above, but they also contain basic nutrients that help to energize and fortify the body.

 

Moreover, walnuts are a perfect substitute for meat on salads, pastas, rice, and stir fry dishes.  Whether vegan or simply opposed to fluoride –contaminated meats, walnuts are a great way to dramatically increase the nutritional value of daily meals!

Have You Visited A Holistic Dentist?

South Florida Residents:  Contact Assure a Smile to schedule an appointment with a leading South Florida holistic dentist, and learn more about the “big picture” of oral health!

 

(i)  http://www.naturalnews.com/033536_walnuts_breast_cancer.html

(ii) http://www.healthcastle.com/walnuts-benefits-heart.shtml

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Do You Need Fluoride to Prevent Tooth Decay?

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Do You Need Fluoride to Prevent Tooth Decay?Miami dentists are quick to warn patients that fluoride is not necessary to prevent tooth decay.  In fact, numerous studies have recently indicated that Americans receive too much of this mineral.  Miami holistic dentists have long urged patients to keep a watchful eye-out for the 5 Most Common Sources of fluoride so as to limit exposure and prevent the development of associated illnesses.

 

The American Association of Poison Control reports that 378 cases of fluoride toxicity occurred in 2009 alone (i).  “Moderate” effects of fluoride over-ingestion were reported in 42 cases while “major” effects were seen in 2 cases.  Thankfully none of these hospital admissions resulted in death.  In the wake of these findings, it is increasingly important for dental patients, especially parents, to know the signs of fluoride overexposure.

Fluoride:  When You’re Getting Too Much

The following signs may be indications that an individual has been exposed to too much fluoride:

  • Fluorosis – a streaking/ discoloration of tooth enamel.  The Wall Street Journal recently reported an increased incidence of fluorosis among children, prompting parents to more closely monitor exposure to fluoridated toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other sources.
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Headache
  • Tremors, Seizures, and Muscular Weakness

Healthy Teeth Without Fluoride

Developed nations have a history of adding fluoride to drinking water on the assumption that it strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay.  However, fluoridated water is not needed to create strong and health teeth.  Holistic dentistry holds that overall wellness is reflected through the health of the teeth and gums.  In this way, teeth and surrounding gum tissue may flourish healthily simply by taking proactive steps towards a overall wellness.

 

The following tips may help patients develop strong and healthy teeth without the use of fluoride:

 

Brushing – The oldest rule in the book.  You must clean your teeth regularly to keep them healthy and plaque free, and brushing is one of the best ways to do so.  Individuals typically brush once in the morning and once at night, however some may want to consider brushing a third time after a mid-day meal.

 

Flossing – Flossing, like brushing, is one of the most widely known ways to proactively prevent tooth decay.  Flossing removes food particles from hard-to-reach places between the teeth, greatly reducing the incidence of tooth decay.

 

Eating Well – Few people know that simple dietary changes can greatly reduce the development of tooth decay.  Reducing the amount of sugar and starches in your diet, for example, will lower the rate at which plaque, bacteria, and tooth decay develop.

 

Smoking – Smoking leads to dry mouth, a condition whereby saliva production is impaired.  Saliva breaks down food and may help to keep it from sticking to your teeth.  When saliva becomes scarce, food particles may increasingly stick to your teeth and provide a hospitable environment in which bacteria may grow.

 

Water – Consuming plenty of water helps to regulate a number of important body processes.  Drinking water with every meal may help with the ingestion of food while reducing the amount of food that becomes stuck and/or tangled between the teeth.

Holistic Dentistry

Holistic dentists are committed to educating patients about the larger systems contributing the oral health.  To better illustrate this idea, visit our Meridian tooth chart and see how the health of individual teeth is linked with other organs and body systems!

 

Schedule an appointment with a holistic professional at Assure a Smile to learn more about the all-natural ways to create healthy teeth and gums for life!

 

(i) http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/814774-overview#a0199

 

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The Link: Cardio and Oral Health

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

The Link: Cardio and Oral HealthHolistic dentistry professionals know that overall health is intricately tied to oral health.  Several studies have linked heart disease and gum disease, showing that the same bacteria that infect the gums may also lead to cardiovascular disease.  With this in mind, dental professionals are increasingly urging patients to consider the “big picture” when it comes to overall health, and it means more than just brushing twice a day!

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is not a fad.  The idea that the mouth reflects the overall health of the body originated many years ago with Traditional Chinese Medicine.  You may explore these tooth-body connections right here on Assureasmile.com—simply visit our Meridian Tooth Chart to learn more about how the health of each individual tooth is often associated with the health of corresponding organs, glands, and other body systems!

 

Our Miami dental practice encourages patients to consider the ways in which everyday decisions impact overall health.  The Meridian Tooth Chart is one way to explore such relationships.  Another way is to keep up with the latest in holistic wellness research, studies, and news.  Of course, you may do that right here via the Miami Dentist Blog!  Simply Subscribe to our RSS Feed and you will be updated weekly with new wellness articles as they are published!

Oral Health Linked to Cardiovascular Health

The Miami Dentist Blog has covered the link between cardiovascular health and oral health in several different articles.  The bottom line:  the mouth serves as a gateway between the inside of the body and the outside world.  Bacteria enter the mouth each day, and most of the time our body effectively protects us from harm.  Sometimes, however, our oral defense system may fall into disrepair.  When this happens, bacteria may be free to enter the body and cause serious harm.  The easiest way for this to happen:  Through a mouth infected with gum disease.

 

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when one of the following areas becomes infected:  alveolar bone (jawbone), periodontal fibers (the ligaments that attach teeth to the jawbone), cementum (calcified surface of the root of a tooth, or the gingival (gums).

 

Bacteria may make its way into the bloodstream after the gums are infected.  “Microbes found in the gums hit the bloodstream,” explains Dr. Winthrop Carter.  The Chairman of Periodontology at the Oregon Health and Science University goes on to explain “they go through the blood vessels, creating a response where the walls of the blood vessels thicken,” (i).  While there is still no strict evidence of a causal relationship, data suggests that those with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to develop Coronary artery disease.

Miami Dentist Recommends Running

Yes, brushing twice daily will help to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.  However, extending the life of your heart may be accomplished outside of the bathroom as well.  Running is just one all-natural and entirely free way to increase overall cardiovascular health.  Studies show that regular cardiovascular exercise, like walking or running, may lower blood pressure and help arteries maintain their natural elasticity.  What’s more, running may reduce stress and the corresponding need for sugary snacks that stress often produces.

 

Patients are urged to consult their health care professional prior to engaging in physical activity, however.  Afterwards, local Miami residents may join a Group Run hosted by Coconut Grove’s Tri Jungle.  Tri Jungle hosts group runs each Monday at 7pm!

Miami Dentistry:  Taking the Holistic Approach

Patients interested in taking the holistic approach to dentistry are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Assure a Smile Miami Dentist office.  Located adjacent to Baptist Hospital on Kendall Drive, the professionals at Assure a Smile are committed to delivering superior quality of service with an emphasis on patient education and overall health awareness.  New patients may contact Assure a Smile online or schedule an appointment via telephone at 305-274-0047!

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Miami Dentistry News: Dental Needs Among Children Are Growing

Friday, May 20th, 2011

miami-dentistry-news-dental-needs-children

Our Miami dental practice is fully committed to helping children develop strong oral hygiene habits at an early age.  Studies show that good brushing habits, for example, significantly reduce the chances of developing serious illnesses like heart disease.  Good habits start at an early age, however.  Young children with good hygiene habits grow in to young adults with strong and healthy smiles.  But is this happening?   According to recent research, it is not.  In fact, recent research indicates that over 80% of the Los Angeles area’s children are in need of immediate dental care (i).

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The results are in, and they are alarming.

 

Over 2,000 children of migrant or minority families in the Los Angeles area were surveyed recently by dental professionals from the University of Southern California (USC).  Of the children surveyed, over 70% had dental caries while an overwhelming 81% were in need of general dental care (ii).  This signals an overwhelming rise in substandard oral hygiene among individuals at a very early age.

 

This lack in proper hygiene is emphasized by USC Associate Dean Dr. Roseann Mulligan.  Dr. Mulligan explains that over half of the children examined already had already received fillings, crowns, or some kind of dental procedure.  Despite already having received care, about 72% were found to need additional dental work.  About 9% of children had an oral health condition that required attentive treatment within 24 hours.

 

“It is not enough to repair the destruction caused by the disease process of tooth decay,” Dr. Milligan explains.  “We must work harder at preventing it,” (iii).

Holistic Dentistry:  Proactive Prevention

Assure a Smile echoes Dr. Milligan’s words of caution.  We must work harder to spread awareness for the importance of proactive health care.  This includes oral hygiene, dietary awareness, and any other activity that contributes to increasing overall mind and body wellness.  Of course, this requires the formation of good habits.

 

Many people fail to consider that forming a new habit requires breaking an old one.  This can be extremely challenging, especially when it comes to oral hygiene.  With this in mind, we can safely say that helping young people to develop good oral hygiene habits is critical in helping them preserve their teeth for life.  The Miami Dentist Blog assembled an easy guide to help parents achieve this end, titled National Childrens Health Month.  In summary, a few tips include:

 

1) Early enforcement of good habits

Good habits start during infancy when parents clean their child’s mouth and gum area with a soft bristled toothbrush and water.

 

2) Continue enforcement

Continued enforcement of good habits is crucial in their becoming well-rooted ways of life.  This includes daily brushing, flossing, and healthy snacking.

 

3) Provide ongoing reward and punishment

Reward and punishment systems are critical in creating motivation to learn and maintain good habits.

Miami Dentistry:  Find Us on Twitter

If you are as surprised with Dr. Mulligan’s findings, message the Dentist305 Twitter account and share your thoughts!  Assure a Smile will field questions, concerns, and other thoughts on how to best approach the subject of oral hygiene.  Together, we can help spread awareness for oral and holistic health!

 

(i) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/224534.php

(ii)  See above.

(iii)  See above.

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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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