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Creating the Smile of Your Dreams with Digital Precision

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Miami Invisalign: Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Miami Invisalign Prevents Tooth DecayDo you fear that a Miami Invisalign treatment may give you tooth decay?  It is true:  patients who wear Orthodontic treatments, those things we call braces, are more likely to develop tooth decay than are patients without braces.  What’s more, individuals who develop tooth decay while wearing braces are particularly susceptible to developing gum disease!  The Invisalign Invisible Braces system greatly reduces the chances of developing both tooth decay and gum disease, however, giving Miami residents one more reason to love the Invisalign treatment system.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Orthodontic treatments, or braces, are very common among both children and adults.  This is because both children and adults may experience teeth alignment issues as they grow and age.  There are many schools of thought on this subject, and a growing number of medical professionals are linking irregular teeth development with diet and lifestyle.

 

Whatever the reason, it is important to realize you are not alone!  There are an estimated 5 million Americans who are currently straightening their teeth (i).  More and more individuals are realizing the benefits of a beautiful smile.  In fact, the following A-lister celebrities have had a braces treatment of some kind since 2002 (ii):

  • Tom Cruise
  • Danny Glover
  • Gwen Stefani
  • Alyssa Milano

One major problem, however, is that braces often lead to tooth decay.  Tooth decay, in turn, increases a patient’s chances of developing gum disease.  This is an important issue, and not just because patients don’t like getting cavities!  Gum disease has been linked with other serious illnesses like heart disease and anemia.  This has Miami residents wondering:  is there a way to straighten my teeth without increasing my chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious illnesses?

Miami Invisalign:  A Removable Solution That Prevents Tooth Decay

Invisalign in Miami has become more popular over the past decade because it offers a removable teeth-straightening solution.  The main benefit of Invisalign is that the system uses clear plastic aligners to gently shift the teeth into parallel alignment.  While a majority of professionals offer Invisalign because the system’s aligners are clear and inconspicuous, a growing number of Miami dentists are recommending the treatment because it helps patients keep their teeth and gums clean.

 

Invisalign offers convenience to patients.  Individuals who wear Invisalign have the ability to remove their “braces” (really, they are aligners that resemble thin mouth trays for both the upper and lower teeth).  Removing Invisalign aligners to eat a meal, a snack, or prior to brushing and flossing gives patients two advantages over those with metal braces.  First, the patient is free to eat normally.  This means that sharp metal brackets will not agitate their cheek and gum tissue; more importantly, it means food will not get stuck in the tiny spaces between braces brackets, wiring, the teeth, and the gum line.  This greatly reduces the possibility of developing tooth decay, as fewer food particles are left wedged throughout the teeth and gums to fuel the creation of plaque and bacteria.

 

Second, Invisalign patients are free to remove their aligners to brush and floss as if they were not wearing braces at all.  In this way, patients are able to clean their teeth thoroughly.  The likelihood that a patient will miss bacteria-causing food particles is greatly reduced, and the chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease are consequently reduced as well.

Miami Residents:  Do You Wear Invisalign?

Are you a Miami Invisalign patient?  We would love to hear your thoughts on the Invisible Braces system!  Send a Tweet to the Dentist305 Twitter account and share your experience with Assure a Smile!

 

(i) http://www.neatorama.com/2011/05/05/biting-facts-about-braces/

(ii) http://www.bodycare.becomegorgeous.com/top_to_toe/celebrities_wearing_braces-1064.html

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Gluten Free Bread Recipe

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Gluten Free Bread RecipeMiami dentists are beginning to see an increasing amount of patients concerned with gluten.  The question Is gluten bad for you? has received a lot of attention over the past year as health professionals and researchers continue to study this interestingly complex protein.  Holistic dentistry professionals see a link between gluten and tooth decay, a topic that will be covered in next week’s Miami Dentist Blog article.  Today, we set aside the questions and research surround gluten to instead focus on something fun:  a gluten free bread recipe!

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Is gluten a bad part of your diet?  In short, the answer is yes.  Recent research at the University of Maryland suggests that gluten may contribute to gastrointestinal distress for nearly 1 in 133 Americans (i).  What’s more, gluten was previously thought to have an adverse health effect on only 1 in 10,000 Americans.  Indeed, the gluten problem is one that has been underestimated, affecting many more individuals than previously anticipated.

 

However, “yes” is just the short answer.  Although an alarmingly high 1 in 133 Americans may be adversely affected by gluten, a remaining 130 or so individuals experience no negative side effect from gluten ingestion.  These individuals are not clear of danger, though, as gluten allergy may be developed over time.  As you may imagine, exploring the nature of gluten, gluten allergy, and the effect it has on the body is a discussion that is as long as it is interesting.  We will cover gluten in-depth next week on the Miami Dentist Blog, focusing today on a topic that many Assure a Smile patients have inquired about:  gluten free bread.

 

Bread is a food staple of Western culture.  Unfortunately, bread contains a high amount of gluten.  Gluten gives bread the soft, sponge-like texture that many of us enjoy.  Panera, Atlantic Bread Company, Einstein Bagels, and other cafes have capitalized on this guilty pleasure with the promise of daily fresh-baked bread, successfully positioning themselves to capture huge market segments from traditional fast-food chains.

 

There’s no doubt about it:  we love our bread.  Americans, especially, enjoy thick bread sandwiches, breaded down-South comfort foods, and the always-welcomed bread and butter appetizer that Western restaurants serve as a complementary start to most meals.

 

Regardless of whether you think gluten is bad or not, most individuals can benefit from reducing gluten intake.  That sacrifice, however, does not have to mean giving up on bread!

Gluten Free Bread Recipe

This gluten-free bread recipe yields about 3 large loaves.  Expect each loaf to weigh about 1 to 1.5 lbs.  This soft-textured bread derives a its sweetness from all-natural honey and vanilla ingredients,

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown rice flour
  • 1 cup tapioca starch/ tapioca flour
  • 3 ¾ cups cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons granulated yeast
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons xanthan gum
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup honey
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup neutral-flavored oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Egg wash, 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for brushing loaf prior to baking)
  • Raw sugar (for sprinkling atop as crust)

 

Preparation:

  1. Mix together flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch, yeast, salt, and xanthan gum in a 5-quart mixing bowl.  Note:  use whisk for thorough mixing.
  2. Combine all liquid ingredients and mix them, gradually, into the dry ingredients from above.  Note:  mix until there are no signs of flour.  May require the use of a 14 cup food processor and dough mixing attachment.
  3. Cover mixing bowl and leave to rest at room temperature for 2 hours.  Note:  do not make covering air-tight.
  4. Dough may be used immediately, or you may cover and use within 5 days.  When storing, leave covered and place in refrigerator.

 

When Baking:

  1. Grease either a brioche pan or a 8 ½ by 4 ½ nonstick loaf pan.
  2. Use wet hands to break off a small piece, about 1 ½ lbs in weight.  Shape in to ball, and remember that this dough need not be stretched prior to baking—it contains no gluten!
  3. Elongate the ball into a narrow oval and place in the center of the baking pan.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow dough to rest.  Note:  allow dough to rest for 90 minutes if refrigerated, 40 minutes if fresh.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  5. Brush the loaf’s top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar.
  6. Place loaf in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes.  Note:  loaf is down baking when caramel brown and firm.
  7. Remove from oven.  Cool on baking rack prior to serving.
  8. Enjoy with all-natural peanut butter, jam, or with some of your favorite foods!

Gluten Free Bread:  Tweet About It

Have you tried our gluten free bread recipe?  If so, message the Dentist305 Twitter account and tell us about it! You may also share this article on Facebook by clicking the “Like” button at the top of this page!

(i) http://www.care2.com/greenliving/is-gluten-bad-for-you.html#

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Assure a Smile Celebrates Awareness Week

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

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

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

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

Root Canal Awareness Week

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

 

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

 

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

The Root Canal:  More Terrifying than Taxes and Public Speaking

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

Holistic Dentistry and Root Canals?

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

 

What is a root canal?

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

 

Myth 1: Root Canals are Painful

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

 

Still not convinced?

 

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

 

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Spread Illnesses

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

 

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

 

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

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

Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry

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

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

 

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

(ii) See above.

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

(iv)  See above.

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Smoking Hurts Your Teeth and Gums!

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

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


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

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

Dry Mouth:  The Basics

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

Inefficient digestion

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

Tooth decay

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

Gum disease

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

Treating Dry Mouth

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

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

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Dental Amalgam 101

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

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

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

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

Mercury Absorption from Dental Amalgam

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

Safe Amalgam Removal

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


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

(ii) See above.

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Perio Protect and Gum Disease

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

miami-dentist-perio-protect-gum-diseaseProper gum care starts at an early age.  Eating well, brushing, and flossing are all habits we’re smart to learn at a young age.  Sometimes, though, poor hygiene gets the better of us.  After some time, the accumulation of plaque can breed gum disease.  Have you noticed sharp pains in your gums?  This could be a sign that you need to see a Miami dentist soon.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our Valentine’s Invisalign Special is already generating buzz, but we nonetheless must turn our attention to a growing concern for many adults:  gum disease.  This disease affects a large population of Americans, leading to severely infected gums and tooth loss.  Moreover, a growing body of research links this disease with other serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease (i).

A Gum Disease Overview

Health professionals often refer to gum disease as periodontal disease.  This disease is bacterial, resulting from negligent tooth and gum care.  Most commonly, food particles that are left untouched form plaque between the teeth and along the gum line.  Once this plaque forms, swarms of bacteria breed, feeding on the plaque to grow and reproduce.  These bacteria do not stay on the surface, however.  They dive into the gums, affecting the roots of the teeth, spreading to the jawbone if left untreated.  Once bacteria forms and begins to infect the gums, patients may experience:

  1. Swelling of the gums, at or around the site of the infection.
  2. Bleeding of the gums around the gum line, usually noticeable when brushing.
  3. Sharp sensations of pain in the gums surrounding the affected area.
  4. Receding gums.
  5. An uncomfortable bite, signaling that teeth have separated from on another due to gum loss.

Perio Protect Treatment

Perio Protect is a system developed specifically to combat gum disease.  Over time, Perio Protect has the ability to reverse the signs of gum disease.  Depending on the severity of the condition, proper use of the Perio Protect system may fully restore gums to their natural condition.  Proper use of the system happens in two phases.


Phase one consists of a deep cleaning to remove existing plaque and tarter from the enamel of the tooth at the gum line.  The scope of a deep cleaning is much greater than that of a normal dental cleaning and is typically more time consuming.  It is well worth the time, however.  A deep cleaning has the potential to remove most of the plaque that accumulates and leads to gum disease.


Phase two marks the beginning of the Perio Protect portion of the treatment.  Your Miami dental professional will take impressions of your teeth and create a pair of custom mouth trays to fit securely around the teeth of your upper and lower jaw.  Once these trays are created, your dentist will prescribe a solution of antibacterial oxidants specifically formulated to combat your periodontal infection.  Clinical research indicates that the oxidative chemical structure of the Perio Protect prescription solution significantly reduces the biofilm on teeth (ii).


Translation:  This stuff works.


For more information on treating gum disease with the Perio Protect system, contact your local dentist in Miami today!


(i) http://www.perio.org/consumer/disease_facts.htm

(ii) http://www.perioprotect.com/research.asp

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Holistic Health Management

Friday, January 14th, 2011

miami-dentist-holistic-health-managementHolistic dentists and alternative health professionals have a common ground:  each sees the big picture.  Holistic health practitioners see the human body as one giant puzzle.  When disassembled, the puzzle is merely a pile of random pieces.  When assembled, however, the puzzle creates a picture that is in itself greater than any one piece.  In this way, holistic dentists and other alternative health professionals pay particular attention to patients’ mental, physical, and social needs, recognizing that each contributes to overall health.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic health is all about the big picture.  It asserts that human beings have certain needs, and these needs must be addressed with physical, mental, and social dimensions in mind.


Consider:  If you wake up in the morning with a bad head cold, can you be absolutely certain that it is because of a physical ailment?  Modern medicine has shown time and time again that sickness, like the common cold, can be caused by stress.  Individuals with high stress levels show signs of weak immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable to sickness.  Stress is the mental piece of the equation; sickness is the physical manifestation.  In other words, certain mental conditions may cause physical things to happen.


Holistic Dentistry

Holistic dentistry varies from traditional dentistry in the attention it pays to patients’ mental and social needs, in addition to the physical.  Traditional dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on the patients’ physical needs only.  For example:  a patient with a cavity needs a filling.  Traditional dentistry stops here, reacting to the physical problem only.

Holistic dental practices focus on the comprehensive big picture.  To illustrate, consider the same aforementioned patient with a cavity.  Holistic dentists will absolutely note a physical need—the patient needs a filling.  They go further, however, and dig into why the patient needs a filling.  Why has this patient developed plaque that has been untouched for so long that it had a chance to eat away at the enamel of their tooth?  More often than not, these questions are answered through the assessment of the patient’s mental and social needs.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Stress

One reason for poor oral hygiene may be stress.  To illustrate, consider that individuals with high stress levels seek various different comforts to alleviate that stress.  This can lead to excessive sugar intake, going to sleep without brushing and flossing, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching.  These things slowly break down tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities.  Stress is just one example of a mental state that can alter a physical state.  Anxiety, paranoia, fear, and different emotions can likewise affect the physical being of a person.


To care for your oral health in the best way possible, consider visiting a holistic dental professional.  Holistic dental experiences are more comprehensive than traditional ones.  Cleanings at Assure a Smile, for example, provide a thorough insight into your specific oral conditions, including jaw bone density, mouth acidity, and more.  If you are interested in a more inclusive and insightful visit to the dentist, take advantage of our New Patient Cleaning Special and schedule a dental appointment online!

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Miami Dentist Asks Patients About Heart Disease

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

miami-dentist-asks-patients-about-heart-diseaseMiami dentist Ted Herrmann often asks patients:  Are your gums putting your heart at risk?  Not surprisingly, this question is often answered with confused looks and shoulder shrugs.  Not many Miami dental professionals are asking their patients this question, despite growing research that points to a serious connection between gum disease and heart disease.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry focuses on the ways in which the pieces of our body are connected.  From large organ systems to microscopic cells, holistic dentistry uses knowledge of these connections to develop a more complete understanding of both dentistry and overall health.  The idea is simple:  the better our understanding of the human body, the better we can take care of ourselves and prevent future problems.  This leads to a greater degree of patient education, an area where Assure a Smile differs from other Miami dental practices.  Our staff is comprised of holistic health professionals who identify patient problems along with their causal factors.


One of the most prevalent conditions among adults is gum disease, or gingivitis.  This condition affects an estimated 1 in 2 American adults, often going unnoticed and undiagnosed for many years.  This is alarming, as the American Association for the Advancement of Science has recently linked gum disease with heart disease.  University of Minnesota Professor Mark Herzberg presented these findings at the 150th meeting of the AAAS as a follow up to several studies conducted throughout the 1990s that suggested a link between the two diseases.  “Now we show a potential biological reason,” Professor Helzberg told the Association, referencing a common denominator for the two conditions:  bacteria.


In recent studies involving laboratory rabbits, the same bacteria that causes gum disease was shown to also cause inflammation in the arteries of test subjects.  In other words, the same bacteria that infects the gums and leads to gingivitis may in time travel the bloodstream and cause swelling in the heart and arteries.  This leads to the build up of plaque, swelling, and eventually coronary heart disease.


The question for dentists in Miami, then, is how can this be prevented?  Holistic dental professionals know to look at the cause of the problem:  bacteria.  Children and adults alike must brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gum line to prevent infection.  Preventing infection is the primary way to promote sound oral hygiene, as well as significantly decrease the chances of developing heart disease in the future.

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A Miami Dentist Recap: Healthiest Foods 2010

Friday, December 31st, 2010

miami-dentist-recap-healthiest-foods-2010Dentists in Miami are very concerned with the foods their patients eat.  For holistic dentists, food takes on even greater importance.  As the old adage tells us:  you get what you put in.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Eating well balanced, nutrient packed meals pays benefits well beyond merely satisfying your hunger.  When you eat well, you feel well.  As 2010 draws to a close, let’s take a moment and reflect on the healthiest foods of the past year.  Some may look familiar, but take a closer look and you will find that the past year saw an increase in exotic foods that lead to better health.


  1. Salmon—salmon is a great source of both protein and healthy fats.  This heart-healthy food is recommended by the American Heart Association because it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
  2. Soy—vegetarian, vegan, or plain meat-eater, soy is derived from soy beans and packed with nutrients like zinc, omega 3s, magnesium, and B vitamins.
  3. Green Vegetables—broccoli is the MVP of this food group, toting vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and fiber.
  4. Acia Berries—2010 saw a surge in this exotic fruit, and it’s no secret why.  Acia berries are loaded with antioxidants (over 2x that of blueberries).  Antioxidants nutralize free radicals in the body, preventing cellular damage and leading to overall better health.
  5. Whole Grains—consume the recommended 4-5 servings of this food group each day and you’ll get an army of complex “good” carbohydrates, as well as vitamin B, E, magnesium, iron, and fiber.

Increasing the frequency with which you consume the above foods will better your overall health in several ways.  First, each of these foods contains a substantial amount of high quality calories, with the exception of green vegetables.  It is important to ingest plenty of calories throughout the day to minimize those late-night hunger pains that usually lead to sugary snacks.  Second, each of the above foods is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or omega 3 fatty acids.  These nutrients are essential in promoting longevity and vitality, helping your body to stay healthy.  Omega 3s, in particular, have the added benefit of lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol.


While seemingly out of place on the Miami Dentist Blog, nutrition information is nevertheless a cornerstone of dental education.  Holistic dentistry takes the approach that dental problems may actually be manifestations of other deeply rooted problems.  Often times, these problems stem from poor nutrition.  By taking the holistic approach and identifying causal factors, holistic dentists are better able to educate patients and ensure the problem does not persist.


To learn more about holistic dentistry and the perceived interconnectedness of the body, visit our interactive Meridian Tooth Chart.  There, you will find that each tooth is thought to be linked to specific organs, glands, and other body elements.

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