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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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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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Healthy Halloween Treats: A Guide to Halloween Candy Alternatives

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Healthy Alternatives to Halloween CandyHelping your children stay healthy this Halloween is easier than you may think!  Try these Halloween treats from the holistic dentist professionals at Assure a Smile, and treat your trick-or-treaters without spoiling them with processed candies and sugar:

 

1) Display a Few Choices. The “healthy” snack alternatives listed below may not be appealing to all children.  Remember to display all of the alternatives, and be ready to answer a few questions about these lesser-known goodies.  For example, explaining that “dried fruit pieces” are really “yummy dried fruit snacks” will make children excited to try the all-natural alternative.

 

2) Offer Quarters! This year, offer trick-or-treaters the option of candy or Quarters.  The average miniature candy bar costs between 15 and 20 cents, so offering a Quarter is an alternative that is both cost effective and healthy.  A tip:  Remember to wash and thoroughly dry your Quarters before the big night!

 

3) Dried Fruit Pieces. Dried pieces of fruit are a win-win for parents and children.  For parents, they represent a snack that is high in vitamin content but low in refined sugar.  For children, dried fruit pieces are sweet and very similar to the processed fruit snacks with which they are already accustomed (i.e. Fruit Roll-Ups, Gushers, and other gummy fruit snacks).

 

4)  Granola Bars. Children love granola bars because they usually contain some of their favorite flavors:  chocolate, peanut butter, marshmellow, and more!  Granola bars are a great alternative to candy bars because they are low fat, low sugar, and moderately high in fiber.

 

5) Offer Cash Back! So far we’ve covered some great ways to keep the neighborhood kids healthier, but what about your own children?  Assure a Smile recommends offering your little trick-or-treaters a cash back program!  Offer your children a penny, dime, or quarter for different types of candy they collect.  Creating a “candy exchange” can be fun, and it is a great introduction to basic math skills, health awareness, and (for a few unlucky parents) negotiation skills!

After the Treats:  A Halloween Hygiene Guide

There’s no better time to teach children about oral hygiene than Halloween.  Children are treated with snacks at school, at home, and at other community events.  This represents an opportunity for parents to help children understand that with good fortune (or candy) comes a need for appreciation.  Though wonderfully delicious, children must be taught that candy can lead to a variety of health problems including tooth decay, gum disease, and even diabetes.

 

Assure a Smile offers the following recommendations to help parents teach children to responsibly enjoy candy:

 

1) Encourage sharing. Have your children pour their Halloween candy in a large bowl.  Keep the bowl in a common area, like the kitchen, and encourage family members and guests to enjoy the candy over the coming weeks.  This will help to prevent candy binges that may lead to poor eating habits and tooth decay.

 

2) Remember to brush. Remind children that it is important to brush their teeth after eating candy.  Brushing is the best way to remove sugar and other starches from tooth enamel before it has the chance to develop into plaque.

 

3) Don’t forget to floss! Let’s be honest:  Flossing is less than fun.  Developing gum disease, though, is far less enjoyable than flossing each night.  Communicate to children that flossing removes hard-to-reach food particles from between the teeth, and that flossing helps keep both teeth and gums healthy!

 

4) Drink plenty of water. Water is necessary for just about every major body function, including digestion.  Encouraging children to drink plenty of water will help them digest candy with proficiency.  Moreover, staying hydrated decreases hunger and will hedge against those late-night “candy cravings.”

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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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Dentistry News: Cavities Start at Infancy

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

Dentistry News: Cavities May Start at InfancyMiami dentists have long warned parents to pay strict attention to the oral health of children.  Recent research conducted at the University of Illinois gives way to further concern, as studies show that infants are particularly susceptible to bacteria growth and cavity formation.

Miami Dentists and Kindergartners

It has been reported that about 40% of children have dental cavities by the time they enroll in kindergarten class (i).  There are many reasons for this.  First, children are often fussy eaters.  Children may prefer sweet foods to those that are rich in fiber and bland in taste.  Sweet foods typically contain more sugar than bland foods, setting the stage for the growth of oral bacteria and eventually tooth decay.

 

Next, consider that children often take naps after meals or snacks.  While nap time may award a child with much needed rest for developmental purposes, it may also expedite the bacteria and tooth decay process.  Bacteria tend to grow in dark, moist, and warm areas.  For this reason, all individuals are particularly susceptible to oral bacteria growth and tooth decay during sleep because the mouth is naturally warm and moist from saliva production.  The more an individual follows a meal with a nap, the greater the chances of bacteria formation.

University of Illinois Studies Cavity Formation in Infants

Researchers at the University of Illinois have recently employed state-of-the-art technologies to observe scores of bacteria to determine bacteria origin, growth rates, and overall implications on health.

 

Dr. Kelly Swanson commented on the study, explaining “The soft tissue in the mouth appear to serve as reservoirs for potential pathogens prior to tooth [formation],” (ii).

 

Overall, the research team found a great diversity of oral bacteria in the mouths of babies who had not yet formed teeth.  In light of these findings, Swanson believes that parents must be knowledgeable of oral hygiene and bacteria in order to prevent cavity formation in their children.

Preventing Cavities in Infants:  Tips from the AAPD

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has created this free download to help parents keep their children’s’ mouths clean and cavity free.  A few quick pointers from the AAPD guide include the following (iii):

 

1. Parents:  Keep your own mouths and saliva free of cavity-causing bacteria by eating healthy foods, brushing regularly, and flossing

 

2. Routinely wipe the mouth and gums of your infant with a soft, warm, and moist washcloth

 

3. When teeth first start to become visible, gently brush each tooth with a soft bristle toothbrush to keep them clean

 

4. Brushing should occur at least twice daily, once in the morning and once at night

 

5. Create bedtime routines that soothe your child but do not include feeding*

 

*Number 5 above is particularly important in creating long term habits that will foster healthy teeth and gums for life.  As we mentioned at the start of this article, napping or sleeping after a meal or snack may drastically increase the rate at which one develops cavities.  Fostering healthy bedtime routines that do not involve eating or drinking can drastically reduce the bacteria that form in the mouth throughout the night.  This in turn limits the risk of cavity formation.

Holistic Miami Dentistry at Assure a Smile

Our office welcomes current parents as well as soon-to-be-parents to contact Assure a Smile to start learning about oral hygiene and the bacteria that causes decay and disease.  Our practice is committed to only the highest levels of service, and we believe that educated patients are empowered to create lifelong healthy teeth and gums.

 

Miami residents may request an appointment online or speak directly with our front desk at 305-274-0047.

 

 

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

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

(iii)  http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEwQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aapd.org%2Fparents%2Fpdf%2Fvt.pdf&rct=j&q=cavities%20and%20babies&ei=fh6KTtXjBsGztwelhelG&usg=AFQjCNFP_UiSpmwMExaM9YijzjGkDYF_7g&sig2=cpnrEAhVWb22MNseOVL8Iw&cad=rja

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Fluoride Overload: 5 Common Sources You Need to Know About

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

fluoride-overload“Dental and Public health administrators should be aware of the total fluoride exposure in the population before introducing any additional fluoride program,” reported the World Health Organization in 1994 (i).   But have they?

 

Since 1940, more and more individuals have begun consuming fluoridated water.  Often times, that water is disguised in processed soft drinks, juices, and oral health products like toothpaste and mouth rinse.  With consumption and adverse side effects on the rise, Miami dentists are beginning to caution patients to pay more attention to everyday products that may be contributing to fluoride overload.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The adverse side effects of ingesting too much fluoride are beginning to become more apparent.  The Center for Disease Control has released studies indicating that the rate of fluorosis among children ages 12-15 has doubled since the 1980s.  To learn more about fluorosis, please visit our Miami Dentist Blog article Miami Dentistry News:  Government Recommends Less Fluoride.  There, you will find basic information on fluoride, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions column on fluorosis.

Fluoride:  5 Sources You Need to Know About

We must first identify the most common forms of fluoride before we can take steps to limit ingestion.  Unfortunately, fluoride finds its way into a number of consumable products because it is contained in public drinking water.  Public water, as you may have guesses, is likewise used in a range of different products.  In this way, the typical American may ingest quite a bit of fluoride over the course of a day simply by drinking tap water in the morning, some bottled juice at lunch, and using fluoridated toothpaste at night.

Here are the 5 of the most common sources of fluoride to identify and limit:

 

Toothpaste: Most consumers do not know that toothpaste may contain up to 1,000 times the fluoride content of public water.  When used nightly, fluoridated toothpaste may easily become the biggest contributor to fluorosis.

 

Juice: Bottled juice may contain substantial amounts of fluoride because it is often made with fluoridated water.

 

Soda: “Seventy-one percent of the sodas had fluoride levels exceeding 0.6 ppm,” reported the Journal of the American Dental Association.   This is on par with public drinking water, which contains about 1 ppm.

 

Mouth Rinse: Mouth rinse may contain upward of 500 ppm fluoride, about 500 times the amount determined to be safe and beneficial in public drinking water.  Regular use of fluoridated mouth rinse is a large contributor to fluorosis, second only to heavily fluoridated toothpaste.

 

Fluoridated Salt:  Even table salt is becoming fluoridated, with concentrations climbing upwards of 200 ppm.  While the U.S. and Canada do not yet have fluoridated salt programs, the practice is becoming widespread in parts of Europe and Central America.  U.S. residents are cautioned to limit salt intake while traveling to these countries.

Miami Dentist Blog:  Federal Government and Fluoride Warning

The danger associated with ingesting too much fluoride has been a holistic dentistry concern for many years.  The topic is just now receiving the attention of the masses, thanks in part to a Wall Street Journal story on the increase in fluorosis among children.

 

When searching for a dentist in Miami, you may want to consider visiting a holistic dentist who practices fluoride-free dentistry.  Holistic dental professionals are well versed in fluoride toxicology, and they may help you to limit exposure to fluoride through simple lifestyle changes.  Choosing the right types of water, toothpastes, and mouth rinses, for example, may greatly reduce fluoride ingestion and improve overall health!

 

(i) http://www.fluoridealert.org/fluoride-dangers/sources-of-fluoride.aspx

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Assure a Smile Exclusive: Potassium and Heart Health

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

miami dentist exlusive sodium potassiumAs the center of the circulatory system, the heart is often hailed as one of our most vital organs.  Function would not be possible without this involuntary pump, which sends oxygenated blood throughout the body to facilitate everything from basic muscle movements to complex mental cognitions.  When it comes to extending the life of you heart, new research suggests that the mineral Potassium is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

As a Holistic Dentistry practice, Assure a Smile goes to great lengths to help patients stay on top of health news and medical research.  We believe that “staying in the know” is a critical component of making informed health decisions.  In this edition of the Miami Dentist Blog, we will explore new research that explains the role of Potassium in increasing overall heart health.

Sodium, Potassium, and the Heart

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal reported on a study lead by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that has been a whopping 15 years in the making.  Throughout the study, researchers followed over 12,000 participants and measured the diet and cardiovascular health of each.  In short, the study showed that (i):

 

1. High Sodium intake was associated with a higher rate of premature death from any cause, and

 

2. High Potassium intake was associated with a lower rate of premature death from any cause.

 

Researches took the study further, however, in an attempt to examine the specific relationship between sodium intake, potassium intake, and overall heart health.  They found that:

 

1. Sodium intake alone was not tied with higher premature death rates,

 

2. High Potassium intake was linked with a lower incidence of heart related fatalities, and finally

 

3. Consuming more Potassium than Sodium significantly reduced premature death.

The Sodium-Potassium Ratio

In the wake of the Center for Disease Control’s most recent findings, it is safe to assume that decreasing Sodium intake while increasing Potassium intake may help prevent the chances of developing high blood pressure, heart problems, and even premature death.

 

To do so, researchers suggest that adults reduce daily Sodium intake to about 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) while increasing Potassium intake to about 4,700 milligrams per day.  Some of the best sources for Potassium include:

 

Potatoes, 700-900 milligrams per serving

Spinach, 500 milligrams per each 100-gram serving

Prune Juice, 528 milligrams per 6 oz serving

Raisins, 598 milligrams per ½ cup serving

Bananas, 422 milligrams

Miami Dentist Blog Related Articles on Heart Health

Our Miami Dentistry Office has produced numerous online articles to help patients proactively increase their heart-healthiness.  The following articles are recommended for those patients interested in learning more about the health of the heart and the circulatory system from a holistic wellness perspective:

 

Holistic Dentistry Links Periodontitis with Heart Disease:  Periodontitis, better known as gum disease, is an infection that afflicts the gum tissue of the oral cavity.  Leading researchers say that the same bacteria that causes Periodontitis may also cause heart disease.

 

Holistic Wellness and Brown Rice:  The health benefits of brown rice are plentiful!  In this edition of the Miami Dentist Blog, read more about this healthy carbohydrate’s ability to reduce blood pressure.

 

A Heartfelt Plea for Mercury Filling Removal:  Dental amalgam, or traditional silver fillings, contain dangerously high levels of mercury.  Join the Miami Dentist Blog for this article on mercury poisoning and the cardiac system.

 

Miami Dentist Asks Patients About Heart Disease:  University of Minnesota Professor Mark Herzberg shares research with the American Association for the Advancement of Science on the link between gum disease and heart disease.

 

Dentistry News:  Brushing Habits Tied to Heart Health:  Are you brushing and flossing regularly?  If not, you may be placing your heart at risk!

 

(i) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304584404576440233075168872.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

 

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Miami Dentist Blog: Holistic Dentistry Explored

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Miami Dentist Blog Holistic ExploredCan non-physical things like attitude, stress, and anxiety affect your overall health?  Yes, it certainly may, according to Miami holistic dentists and other health professionals.  Non-physical mental or emotional states often lead to the development of habits that have a profound impact on overall physical health.  Join the Miami Dentist Blog, for this special look at holistic dentistry and the benefit of looking at the big picture when assessing health.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

 

Holistic dentistry hinges on the idea that knowledge is power.  Specifically, holistic dentists believe that well educated patients make informed health decisions that lead to an overall healthy lifestyle.  Such patients are far less likely to experience serious oral hygiene problems because they understand the big picture.  Holistic dentistry patients understand that many things contribute to physical health, including stress management, emotional well being, and exercise.  Though none of these elements of a healthy lifestyle directly affects oral health, they nevertheless have an indirect impact on the teeth and gums.

 

Holistic Dentistry:  Non-physical Affecting the Physical

 

To illustrate how the non-physical often impacts the physical, let us imagine an individual who suffers from anxiety and stress.  Though anxiety and stress have no direct impact on physical health, they ultimately cause unhealthy behaviors that compromise overall wellness.  An individual who suffers from high amounts of stress, for example, may seek the comfort of certain foods that help to curb stress.  Sugary candies and chocolate would be this individual’s first choice as each triggers a temporary endorphin release in the brain, causing the individual to “feel good” for a short period of time.  Despite the short-term benefit, sugary foods may trigger specific physical health problems like weight gain and tooth decay.  The short-term benefit of “feeling good” is far outweighed by the long term downfalls of weight gain and tooth decay, two serious developments that may lead to other serious illnesses.

 

In much the same way, an individual who suffers from anxiety is prone to develop certain habits that lead to decreased physical health.  For example, it is a common medical fact that anxiety causes tension.  Individuals with anxiety may become excessively tense over time and develop teeth grinding or clenching habits.  Clenching and grinding are two symptoms of bruxism, a dental condition that eventually leads to a destruction of tooth enamel.  Once weakened, the teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay and irritation.

 

Holistic Dentistry and Wellness

Understanding how non-physical things like stress and anxiety manifest themselves as physical conditions is the first step in developing holistic health awareness.  The human body is an intricately connected system in which each part is affected by the next.  Understanding the cause of the problem—often times a non-physical thing—helps patients to correct the problem to hedge against future damage.  An individual who understands that they suffer from stress and a consequential poor diet, for example, is empowered to make a change.  He or she may choose to seek the soothing comfort of daily yoga practice or meditation to reduce stress, saving their bodies from the destructive side effects of poor nutrition.

 

Do you practice holistic health management?  If so, we’d love to hear your advice on managing stress and anxiety!  Join the conversation by logging on to Twitter and send a Tweet to the @Dentist305 Twitter account!  To learn more about holistic dentistry, you may contact Assure a Smile to schedule an appointment and wellness consultation with one of our professionals today!

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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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