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Holistic Professionals Recommend a Sweet Breakfast Scramble

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Holistic Professionals Recommend a Sweet Breakfast ScrambleBreakfast is the most important meal of the day!  Miami dental professionals encourage patients to take a moment to cook breakfast each morning, as doing so may cause a cascade of positive health benefits.  Those who eat breakfast put a strong foot forward by starting their day with an arsenal of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates that do more than provide sustained levels of energy.

 

The most important thing to consider when cooking at home is variety, and this Blog article is here to help!  There are specific sets of macronutrients (listed below) that will satiate hunger while also priming the body with the vitamins and minerals needed to conquer Monday morning fatigue.

 

We will begin with a brief overview of these breakfast macronutrients.  Then, we will see how each can be combined to create a delicious breakfast.

The Building Blocks of Breakfast

The following macronutrients are the building blocks of a healthy breakfast (you may also find ways to incorporate many of these food items into lunch, dinner, and mid-day snacks):

 

1) Egg Whites

2) Sweet Potatoes

3) Cilantro

4) Garlic

5) Blueberries and other anti-oxidant rich fruits

Power Play:  The Sweet Potato Scramble

This recipe combines several of the macro-nutrients listed above into one delectable dish that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.  You will need:  1 sweet potato, 3 whole eggs, cilantro, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, 1 cup blueberries, and low fat vanilla yogurt.

 

Preparation

To begin, prepare the following ingredients:

1) Clean sweet potato.  Place on side and slice in to circular discs about ¼ inch wide.

2) Place 1 whole egg into a mixing bowl and add 2 egg whites.  Mix well.

3) Wash blueberries and set aside in separate serving bowl.

4) Crush 2 cloves of garlic, slicing into smaller pieces if necessary.  Note:  Using a garlic press to crush cloves into a paste is preferable.

5) Set aside ¼ cup cilantro.  Dice thoroughly.

 

Cooking Instructions

1) Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to frying pan.  Raise stove top burner to low to medium-low heat.

2) Add crushed garlic.  Increase heat slightly to sauté garlic.

3) Add sweet potato discs to garlic and olive oil.  Sauté until tender.

4) Sprinkle with diced cilantro.  Mix thoroughly.

5) Add egg mixture.  Fluff with spatula.

6) Season lightly with salt and black pepper, as desired.

7) Serve sweet potato scramble as main dish.  Serve blueberries with low fat vanilla yogurt as dessert.

Breakdown:  Health Benefits of the Sweet Potato Scramble

This hearty breakfast will fill you up and keep you full well into lunchtime.  This means fewer high-sugar “snack” bars, prolonged energy, and a more stable blood sugar index.

 

Egg Whites: Egg whites are one of the leanest sources of protein you can find.  Their makeup is dominantly casein, a special type of protein that is digested more slowly compared to the protein found in chicken, meat, fish, and soy.  This means a more slow and steady deliver of nutrients that will keep you feeling fuller, longer.

 

Sweet Potatoes: Miami dentists are usually against sweets.  Well, here’s an important exception!  A 7-ounce sweet potato delivers 65% the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, as well as hefty servings of Beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and fiber (i).

 

Olive Oil & Egg Yolk (from single whole egg): Combined, these two ingredients deliver a healthy portion of unsaturated fat.  Unsaturated fat is a fundamental building block of health, with leading research indicating that unsaturated fat can greatly reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol.

 

Cilantro: This simple herb helps to flush toxins from the body.  For more information, please visit our article titled Hello Cilantro, Goodbye Heavy Metals (article also features a delicious recipe for Cilantro Pesto Sauce!).

 

Blueberries: Blueberries are high in the antioxidants and natural sugars needed to promote spikes all-natural energy production.  Readers are encouraged to visit our article, Miami Dentist Exclusive:  Free Radical Damage Part II, for more on the health benefits of antioxidants and a list of the most antioxidant-rich foods available at your local grocery store.

Holistic Dentistry at Assure a Smile

Assure a Smile is committed to delivering the highest quality of service with an emphasis on patient education and overall health awareness.  Our team is proactive and helps each patient to learn more about their unique self.  We focus on “big picture” ideas, like promoting healthy eating habits that help patients create healthy teeth and gums for life.

 

Miami residents are invited to contact Assure a Smile online or call 305-274-0047 to schedule an appointment with South Florida’s leading holistic dentistry office.

 

(i) http://www.naturalnews.com/034135_sweet_potatoes_nutrition.html

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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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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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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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Over 3,000 American Health Professionals Opposed to Fluoride

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

3000 Professionals Opposed to FluorideThe Fluoride Action Network (FAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness for the toxicity of fluoride and the health impacts of current exposure.  Over 3,000 American health professionals have signed an official statement with FAN, supporting the group’s efforts to educate the public about the potentially harmful affects of fluoride.  Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry stands by FAN in spreading awareness for fluoride toxicity and educating patients on ways to avoid this readily available mineral.

The Fluoride Opposition

Water fluoridation began in the 1930s as a way to deliver fluoride to the general public through drinking water.  At the time, fluoride was considered beneficial in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay.  Now, however, numerous studies suggest that fluoride is too readily available to the public and individuals are suffering from over ingestion.  One report released by the Center for Disease Control states that the rate of fluorosis, a condition whereby tooth enamel becomes overly hardened and discolored, has doubled among children since the 1980s.

 

New evidence further suggests that fluoride is readily available in highly concentrated forms.  Fluoride toothpastes, to illustrate, may contain up to 15 times the fluoride content of drinking water.  According to FAN, other common consumer items with high concentrations of fluoride include processed cereals, sodas, juices, and mechanically deboned chicken.  Regular contact with these items may cause fluoride to quickly accumulate in the body, setting the foundation for over exposure and toxic side effects.

 

Health professionals are actively fighting the practice of water fluoridation for several reasons.  First, it is important to let people know that water fluoridation is not the ‘norm.’ According to FAN, less than 10 countries in the world fluoridate a majority of their water supplies.  Of equal importance is spreading awareness for the fact that fluoride is not needed to prevent tooth decay.  There are a number of all natural gum care methods that will help to create strong and healthy teeth without risking the side effects of fluoride exposure.

 

Finally, professionals are standing in direct opposition to water fluoridation because of the side effects it may produce.  One such side effect is a phenomenon known as hidden caries.  Hidden caries are vertical pockets of tooth decay that are nearly impossible to detect through visual inspection or x-ray imaging.  Rather, special laser dentistry tools are needed to identify and treat these areas.

FAN Accomplishments

Though the campaign for a fluoride-free America is far from over, the Fluoride Action Network has several noteworthy accomplishments that have helped to spread awareness and impetus among Americans.  These include:

 

1. Successfully lobbied with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the “phasing out” of fluoride pesticides from the U.S. crop supply.

 

2. Worked with National Research Council (NRC), providing ground breaking information that led to the 2006 NRC report indicating that water fluoridation is “not protective of health and should be lowered.”

 

3. Convinced local municipalities to issue warnings about the dangers of using fluoridated water in baby formula.  In Burlington, VA, FAN successfully moved local government to convey this warning to the public, a full year before the American Dental Association issued the same warning to all Americans.

Miami Holistic Dentistry and Fluoride Awareness

Miami holistic dentists differ from traditional dentists in their concern for overall wellness.  It is this concern for overall, “big picture” wellness that has driven holistic health care professionals to actively protest the use of fluoride in water, dental products, and other consumable items.

 

Where do you stand on the issue?  Message the Dentist305 Twitter account to share your thoughts on water fluoridation, fluoride toxicity, and its overwhelming availability in most consumer products!

 

You may also schedule an appointment with the professionals at Assure a Smile to learn more about holistic dentistry and all-natural ways to create healthy teeth and gums for life!

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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 Treatment in 2011

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Miami Invisalign 2011 Miami Invisalign professionals encourage patients to consider an Invisible braces system over traditional metal models.  The new braces system uses two clear aligners that are designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, gradually shifting teeth into beautiful alignment.  But why choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces?  Professionals say Invisalign offers comfort, confidence, and real results to patients in search of a inconspicuous means of straightening their teeth.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentists recommend teeth straightening treatments to patients for many reasons, most of all to increase patient happiness and health.  To illustrate, consider a 2008 study of nearly 10,000 Australian residents that researchers say indicates “Everything else being equal, if you are happy and satisfied with your life now, you are more likely to be healthy in the future,” (i).

 

As a Miami dental professional, I recommend Invisalign to my patients because it is a minimally invasive, comfortable, and effective dental treatment.  What’s more, the removable nature of Invisalign allows patients to clean their teeth thoroughly.  This convenience helps to reduce tooth decay among Invisalign patients, which is particularly important in a world where nearly half the population skips out on nightly teeth and gum care (ii).

 

Most importantly, however, I recommend Invisalign to help patients create smiles of which they are proud to show.  Over 75% of Americans are embarrassed to smile, yet nearly 80% of Americans know that smiling is intricately tied with overall health (iii).

Comparing Invisalign to Metal Braces

Assure a Smile has created the following list to compare Invisalign Invisible braces to traditional metal ones to assist patients in finding an ideal teeth-straightening solution.

 

Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic.  For patients, this gives two major benefits over traditional metal braces.  First, clear braces give patients confidence through every day life.  You may wear Invisalign and rest assured that most others won’t notice that you are straightening your teeth!  Moreover, clear plastic aligners are more comfortable to wear than are metal braces.  Invisalign patients do not have to worry about sharp metal edges and wiring agitating the delicate areas of their inner mouth.

 

Invisalign is removable.  Again, this gives patients two direct benefits.  First, patients may remove their Invisalign aligners when eating.  This adds comfort and familiarity to mealtime, eliminating the annoyance of food particles becoming wedged throughout traditional braces.  A second benefit results:  patients are able to more easily maintain oral hygiene while using Invisalign.  Individuals may remove Invisalign aligners to brush and floss their teeth as normal.  Patients with metal braces, on the other hand, must buy unique tools to help them carefully clean around brackets, wires, and soft gum tissue.

Invisalign in Miami:  Many Problems, One Solution

The Miami Dentist Blog has covered several specific conditions that Invisalign may solve for patients.  We will review them here, as well as provide links to prior articles that explain these conditions in-depth.

 

Miami Invisalign Treatment for Overcrowded Teeth:  Most common in children, overcrowded teeth are those that grow close to one another and overlap.

 

Bring Teeth Closer Together with Invisalign:  There are several reasons that explain why an individual may develop spaces between their teeth.  Read about them here, and discover how Invisalign helps to close the gaps.

 

Consult Miami Invisalign Providers for Crossbite Treatment:  A Cross-bite is created when teeth are irregularly spaced horizontally.  Invisalign may help to correct this problem, offering a comfortable solution for misaligned teeth.

 

Treating an Overbite with Invisalign:  When the teeth of the upper jaw fall too far over those of the lower jaw, an overbite exists.  Patients are encouraged to read this article about overbites, Invisalign, and the creation of healthy smiles.

 

 

(i) http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20080829/happiness-satisfaction-boosts-health

(ii) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/227763.php

(iii) http://www.prweb.com/releases/Miami-dentist/Invisalign-Special/prweb5047924.htm

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Miami Dentistry with the iTero Scanner

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

miami-dentistry-with-the-itero-scannerMiami dental professionals have the advantage of practicing medicine in a hub for international research and technological innovation.  Often referred to as the Gateway to the Americas, the city of Miami is home to leading medical professionals and organizations from around the world.  The medical industry in Miami is exciting and fast paced, exposing local professionals to the latest and greatest high-tech toys.  This Miami dentist office is excited to introduce the newest member of the Assure a Smile family:  The iTero Scanner.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The iTero Scanner represents an exciting achievement in modern dentistry.  Convenient, comfortable, and incredibly accurate, the iTero Scanner is capable of creating a digital “map” of the mouth to help dental professionals serve patients more effectively.  This digital map can be used to create crowns, bridges, in-lays, and more with nearly flawless precision that makes for a comfortable fit every time.  The iTero Scanner has also revolutionized the way dental impressions are taken:

 

Out with the Old

Traditionally, taking impressions of a patient’s oral cavity is time consuming and uncomfortable.  It required clenching large metal trays of liquid plaster against both upper and lower jaw, with extra liquid plaster spilling over the impression trays and into the patient’s mouth.  This part of the process was most uncomfortable, with many patients feeling anxious over the danger of gagging, swallowing, or choking on the excess plaster “goop.”

 

In with the New

Patients no longer have to endure the discomfort and anxiety of old impression-taking methods.  The iTero Scanner takes digital images of the oral anatomy of the mouth, eliminating the need for liquid plaster entirely.  Patients may watch as these images are gathered on the in-office computer display, gaining insight on the structure of their teeth and gums like never before.

 

After the iTero Scanner gathers images of the entire oral cavity, the images are used to construct a 3-dimensional landscape of the patient’s oral cavity with unparalleled detail and accuracy.

 

Patients may now sit comfortably while their dental professional takes digital images of their teeth and gums, one section of the mouth at a time.  Patients may break from the procedure periodically to rest, if they choose to do so, and pick up right where they left off.  All in all, the scan takes only 5 minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About the iTero Scanner*

What does the name “iTero” mean?

The word “iTero” is Latin in origin and means “to repeat.”  Align Technology Corporation, the proprietors of this revolutionary new device, coined this name to symbolize its ability to exactly replicate the oral anatomy of a patient’s mouth.

 

Is receiving a dental impression from the iTero Scanner comfortable?

Absolutely.  Studies conducted with patients indicate that iTero scans are more comfortable and less time consuming than traditional impression methods.  With the iTero Scanner, there is no need for a patient to clench cold metal trays in their mouth for long and uncomfortable periods of time.  Instead, the patient simply opens their mouth as if they were receiving a typical examination.  Digital images are taken of each section of the upper and lower jaw area.  Once those images are recorded, the patient may relax!  The iTero computer software will finish the impression process by constructing a precise replica of their unique oral anatomy.

 

Why would a dental professional choose to use the iTero Scanner over traditional impression trays?

It’s all about precision.  The iTero Scanner uses advanced digital imaging technology to create a map of the tooth and gum tissues of the mouth that is much more accurate than traditional impression methods.  This helps to create crowns, bridges, and surface in-lays that fit almost perfectly within the patient’s natural tooth and gum landscape.

 

Are patients exposed to radiation during the iTero digital impression?

No, the iTero Scanner does not emit any radioactive waves whatsoever.  Rather, the scanner uses visible light to take digital images.

 

 

*iTero FAQ courtesy of http://www.cadent.biz/itero/itero.php?section=Patient&page=FAQs

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