Posts Tagged ‘wellness’

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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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Miami Dentistry News Update: Gum Disease May Cause Anemia

Monday, May 9th, 2011

miami-dentistry-news-gum-disease-may-cause-anemiaThe Miami Dentist Blog has covered the relationship between oral health and wellness extensively.  We’ve explored studies that previously have shown gum disease to increase risk of heart disease.  We’ve also discussed the importance of holistic stress management, and the ways it helps to strengthen immunity to disease and overall health.  Now, recent research shows a possible connection between gum disease and the blood disorder anemia.  It is alarming, providing yet another word of caution to patients who do not take care of their teeth and gums on a daily basis.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The dangerous nature of gum disease is in the news again.  This time, researchers in Britain say gum disease triggers chronic inflammation that may significantly contribute to decreased red blood cell count, or anemia.  The study has been published in the Journal of Periodontology at the end of this past April, reigniting interest in gum disease and its effect on the rest of the body.  Findings show that patients with chronic gum disease exhibit red blood cell counts significantly below normal levels (i).

 

Further investigation points an accusatory finger at inflammation, or swelling.  Gum tissues become swollen, and often times bloody, in response to the influx of bacteria caused by gum disease.  Inflammation of the gums causes a drop in erythropoietin production, a hormone primarily responsible for controlling red blood cell production (ii).  Red blood cell production decreases, leading to the development of anemia in individuals with gum disease.

Miami Dentist Cautions Patients to Get Proactive

Of course, the best way to avoid both chronic gum disease and the serious illnesses it can trigger is to get proactive!  No—we are not talking face wash here.  We are talking about actively taking care of your teeth and gums, rather than re-actively brushing harder after your dental exam uncovers a few cavities (Side note:  Never brush ‘hard.’  While tooth enamel is incredibly strong, your gums are not.)

 

Proper tooth and gum care include the following:

 

Proper nutrition: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to satiate hunger and help suppress your natural sweet tooth.  Eating fewer sugary foods means there’s less to clean off your teeth, a win-win in terms of overall wellness and proactive oral hygiene.

 

Regular brushing: Individuals should brush their teeth twice each day, at a minimum.  Some may find it beneficial to brush a third time at mid-day, cleaning food debris from the teeth and gums following lunch or late-afternoon snacks.

 

Flossing: This is perhaps the most underappreciated and under practiced of all oral hygiene acts.  Flossing extracts the food particles that regular brushing cannot.  Failing to do so prompts the growth of plaque, bacteria, tooth decay, and gum disease.  It’s a slippery slope, so be sure to floss daily!

Holistic Dentistry:  Looking at the Big Picture

Holistic dentistry is characterized by its belief in the interconnected nature of the human body.  The oral cavity in particular plays a vital role in the delivery of oxygen, water, and other nutrients to the rest of the body.  In this way, the health of tooth and gum tissues tells a story about the overall health of the body.  Signs of poor hygiene, stress, and destructive habits are reflected through the mouth.  Holistic dental professionals are highly educated in identifying and diagnosing such signs, arming them with knowledge to help patients regain control of their health.

 

Schedule an appointment with Assure a Smile and learn firsthand how a holistic dental exams differ from traditional check ups.  Take advantage of our New Patient Cleaning Special and receive a full TMJ scan, professional teeth cleaning, dental x-rays, digital photos, and a comprehensive one-on-one holistic wellness consultation.

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Miami Dentistry: Eat Healthy for Healthy Teeth

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

miami-dentist-eating-for-healthy-teeth

Growing up you always heard about all of the things to avoid eating to keep your teeth healthy.  Candy will rot your teeth.  Gum is bad for your teeth.  Soda destroys your enamel.  Well, there is a flipside to the conversation.  Have you ever heard about what to eat for better dental health?  Today this Miami Dentist is going to continue coverage of National Nutrition Month with some insight on foods that will help create healthy teeth and gums for life.

 

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

As a holistic dentistry practice, it is our belief that certain lifestyle changes increase oral health.  By adjusting our diet, we can reduce tooth decay and give our mouths a fighting chance of retaining our teeth throughout our lives.  Take a moment to review the following foods, and note how they benefit the teeth and gums in particular.

As always, please message feedback to our @dentist305 Twitter account!

What to Eat for Healthy Teeth

Citrus Fruits: You should be consuming lots of fruits that are high in vitamin C.  Vitamin C is extremely important for your dental health because it holds together the collagen network of your gums.   When this network falls apart, your gums become tender and vulnerable to periodontal disease.  Look for foods like strawberries, kiwis, and oranges.

 

Apples:  The tart flavor of apples causes an increased flow of saliva.  The saliva rinses away bacteria and keeps your mouth moist.

 

Vegetables:  Most vegetables are high in vitamin A.  This vitamin is responsible for the formation of tooth enamel.  This is obviously important to you dental health.  You can find a good amount of vitamin A in carrots, brussels sprouts, peas, pumpkins, spinach, and broccoli.  The crunchy vegetables have an added benefit of cleansing and stimulating your gums.

 

Dark Chocolate:  I’m sure you’ve always been told to avoid sweets for the sake of your dental health.  However recent studies have shown that dark chocolate has chemicals in it that fight plaque buildup.  If you are going to eat dark chocolate, do so in small portions and opt for at least 80% cocoa.

 

Milk and Yogurt: Getting enough calcium is important for strong teeth and bones.  Unsweetened milk and/or yogurt can boost your calcium levels for healthy teeth.  The low acidity and low sugar properties of milk and yogurt help to slow tooth decay as well.

 

Cheese: Another milk product chock full of calcium.  Cheese balances the pH levels in your mouth, fights bacteria in your teeth and gums, rebuilds tooth enamel, and produces saliva.

 

Green Tea: Green tea contains substances called catechins that kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath and is responsible for turning sugar into plaque.  Some green teas even contain fluoride which prevents tooth enamel decay.

 

Sesame Seeds:  These seeds help by naturally scrubbing the plaque off of your teeth and contain high amounts of calcium.

 

Water:  Water keeps your gums hydrated, washes away food particles stuck in your teeth, and helps stimulate saliva.  Saliva is your body’s strongest defense against the bacteria that threaten your dental health.

Foods That Are Bad for your Teeth

Just as a refresher, let’s review the most harmful foods for teeth and gum health:

 

Sugary Candies:  The bacteria that forms plaque uses sugar as its energy source.  Don’t feed this bacteria!  If you are going to have a sweet, avoid candies that last a long time in your mouth (caramels, cough drops, lollipops).

 

Starchy Foods:  Foods like breads and potato chips have a habit of getting stuck in the back of your teeth.  Bacteria in your mouth can use these carbohydrates as an energy source as well.

 

Soft Drinks:  Soft drinks are almost always loaded with sugar.  The phosphoric and citric acids also do a number on your tooth enamel.

 

Lemons:  The acidity in a lemon is known to erode tooth enamel quickly.

 

Alcohol:  Alcohol has plenty of sugars and also dries out your mouth.

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Miami Dentist Exclusive: Free Radical Damage, Part I

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

miami-dentist-blog-free-radical-damage-part-I.

 

Dentists in Miami are becoming increasingly concerned with free radical damage.  Free radicals are malicious, unbalanced atoms that gradually destroy cellular structures over time.  Eventually, the cell becomes dysfunctional and dies.  A growing body of research is beginning to link free radicals damage with serious illness, causing physicians and health care professionals to educate patients on staying healthy with antioxidants.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Free radicals are truly one of the most malicious byproducts of cellular activity.  These unbalanced atoms destroy body cells on the molecular level, slowly accruing damage until the cell becomes deformed and unable to function properly.  Leading scientists and research institutions are beginning to link this process of free radical damage with previously inexplicable diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease (i).  In honor of National Nutrition Month, the Miami Dentist Blog presents this guide to free radical damage.  Why?  Because the best way to prevent free radical damage is to make simple dietary changes.

Miami Dentist Blog Presents:  Introduction to Free Radicals

Recall from high school science class that matter, like our skin and body organs, is made of thousands of tiny particles called atoms.  In the center of the atom is the nucleus, and revolving around the nucleus is a cloud of electrons.  As you may remember, the electron cloud consists of pairs of electrons.  When the electron cloud consists of an even number of electrons, and respective electron pairs, it is balanced.

 

However, certain bodily processes cause the electron cloud to lose a single electron.  This happens most often in the mitochondria of the cell during energy production.  Once an electron is lost, the atom becomes unbalanced.  This unbalanced atom is called a free radical, and it cannot remain in an unbalanced state for long.  The atom attacks neighboring atoms in search of an extra electron, eventually inflicting damage to the cells that those neighboring atoms compose.  The damage worsens as free radicals multiply, causing more and more damage to the cells of the body.

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Free radical production cannot be stopped.  Much like the exhaust of a car, free radical production is simply a byproduct of energy production.  Other lifestyle habits can increase the production of free radicals, including smoking and sunbathing to name a couple.  Free radicals may be neutralized, however.

 

Antioxidants represent the yin to the free radical yang.  Antioxidants are simply extra electrons—the one thing for which a free radical actively searches.  Individuals can substantially limit the damage caused by free radicals by ingesting a large quantity of antioxidants to proactively neutralize them as they are produced.  In theory, if one were to ingest a single antioxidant for every free radical produced, they would incur little or no free radical damage.  However, free radicals are produced at a much faster rate than antioxidants may be ingested.  Still, consuming substantial amounts of antioxidants is the best way to limit the damage caused by free radicals.

Miami Dentist Reflects on National Nutrition Month

The Miami Dentist Blog has released this guide to free radicals and antioxidants during National Nutrition Month to increase awareness of the foods we eat.  In the next installment of this article series, we will examine foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants.  Making simple dietary changes to eat more antioxidant-rich foods may substantially lower the risk of developing serious illnesses that result from free radical damage.  Antioxidants help to combat the aging process as well, adding an extra benefit to this healthy dietary change.

 

(i) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/12/981209080830.htm

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Teeth Grinding

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

miami-dentist-teeth-grindingTeeth grinding is most common among children.  However, grinding teeth is also a problem faced by many adults.  This habit, referred to as bruxism by medical professionals, involves the grinding and clenching of both the jaws and teeth.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentists and medical professionals are increasingly concerned with the prevalence of teeth grinding among both children and adults.  Grinding of the teeth is common among children; however, this habit can be detrimental to overall health if it persists.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Several things contribute to the formation of this habit.  Typically, teeth grinding is an unconscious attempt to reshape the alignment of teeth.  This is most evident in children because baby teeth tend to be misaligned.  Other causes include:

  • Stress. Many health professionals feel that stress is the number one cause of teeth grinding.  These professionals feel that grinding of one’s teeth is a means of de-stressing.
  • Anger suppression. Other health professionals feel that teeth grinding is a method of anger suppression.  Just as one may clench a fist when angry, so too may they clench their jaw.
  • Aggression. Another widely held view is that individuals clench their jaw and grind their teeth as an unconscious way of intimidating another individual.  This view holds that teeth grinding is a byproduct of showing aggression.
  • Misalignment of Teeth. This view, most common among Miami dentists and other dental professionals, holds that individuals grind their teeth because they simply do not fit together comfortably.  Individuals who undergo dental procedures that leave their teeth misshapen or uneven may grind them into alignment slowly, often in their sleep.

Effect on Overall Health

Teeth grinding may cause several health problems because it involves a large portion of the overall head area, specifically the teeth and jaw.  Headaches are a common side effect of persistant teeth grinding.  However, this link is not quite clear because stress may be the underlying reason for teeth grinding, headache, or both.  Individuals who grind their teeth habitually may also develop pain in their facial muscles.  TMJ disorders are also likely to develop in patients who exhibit periods of prolonged teeth grinding.  Most importantly, consistent teeth grinding will damage tooth structure.  Those who grind their teeth slowly destroy the outer enamel of the tooth.  Once destroyed, teeth become particularly susceptible to plaque formation and decay.


As a Miami dental professional, I strongly urge adults to stay aware of teeth grinding and the damage it causes.  Parents are smart to talk openly with children about grinding of teeth, as the habit typically forms at an early age and becomes more difficult to break over time.

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Better Hygiene with Invisalign Invisible Braces

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

miami-dentist-better-hygiene-invisalignInvisalign is just as effective as traditional metal braces for most, and comes with the added benefit of convenience!  Invisalign aligners can be removed before eating, brushing, and flossing, helping patients to straighten their teeth without neglecting their oral health.  Patients may brush and floss as normal, significantly lessening the likelihood of developing serious oral health problems straightening your teeth.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

My Miami dental experience tells me that my patients are primarily concerned with two things:  comfort and convenience.  This is nothing out of the ordinary;  in fact, I expect most people I meet to be concerned with both comfort and convenience.  These two concerns receive particular attention when it comes to dentistry.  The mouth is a sensitive area, and it can be tricky to keep clean.  That is why patients looking for a teeth-straightening solution must consider Invisalign Invisible braces.  This braces system is unlike most traditional metal braces in the following ways:


- The Invisalign braces system is comprised of two trays, to be worn on the upper and lower sets of teeth, instead of metal brackets and wires.


-  Invisalign trays, called aligners, are removable.  Patients may remove the aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing.


- Invisalign aligners are clear, making it nearly impossible to notice when they are being worn.


It is these unique differences that make Miami Invisalign providers one of the most sought-after professionals in the Miami area.

Better Hygiene with Invisalign

As if convenience, confidence, and effectiveness weren’t enough, Invisalign offers patients an added benefit:  better oral hygiene.  Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients receive the added advantage of easily brushing and flossing their teeth as normal.  To illustrate, consider the extended-care that patients must give their teeth when wearing metal braces:

1) Patients must limit brushing to only 1 to 3 teeth at a time.

2) Patients must angle their brushes to clean both the tops and bottoms of each bracket on each tooth.

3) Normal flossing is impossible with metal braces.  Patients must use special orthodontic floss, as well as a threading device, to carefully thread floss in between each tooth.

4) Patients must remain alert for plaque buildup along the brackets, enamel, and gum line in the mouth.


Patients need not worry about extending their oral hygiene routine when using Invisalign.  Instead, they simply remove their aligners to clean their teeth normally.  This allows for plaque and bacteria to be removed from the mouth at a much greater rate, significantly reducing the chances of developing tooth decay, gingivitis, and tooth demineralization.


From now until February 28th, Assure a Smile is offering $500 off Invisalign and $500 off Zoom Teeth Whitening to new Invisalign patients!  These two specials make it easier and more affordable than ever to create a healthy and beautiful smile.  For more information, contact Assure a Smile today!

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Dentistry News: Brushing Habits Tied to Heart Health

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

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


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

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

Miami Dentists Look at Oral Hygiene

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


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


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

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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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Holistic Wellness Requires Detoxing!

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

miami-dentist-holistic-wellness-requires-detoxingThe Miami Dentist Blog has covered heavy metal toxins before.  These metallic chemicals are everywhere, and we ingest them more frequently then we think.  To make matters worse, heavy metals accumulate in the body.  Over time, this accumulation may lead to serious health conditions.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is thought of as people dentistry.  The idea that a patient is a complex, interconnected puzzle is at the very core of the holistic approach to dentistry.  Not surprising, this approach involves an assessment of the nutrients an individual ingests.  The things we eat have a profound impact on the overall wellness of our bodies, an impact that extends far beyond the teeth and gums.

It is important to remain attentive to the foods we eat.  Unfortunately, heavy metal toxins are abundant in the water and processed foods we consume most often.  This is bad:  heavy metals are being linked to serious illness.  With increased exposure to heavy metals comes an increased risk of developing lung cancer, impaired respiratory system, anemia, liver damage, and stomach or intestinal irritation (i).

Holistic Dentistry Guide to Heavy Metals

The first step in limiting exposure to heavy metals is to know what they are and where they come from.  Three of the most common heavy metals include aluminum, lead, and mercury.  Assure a Smile has posted this quick reference guide to help you identify these metals in their most common forms (ii):


Aluminum

Aluminum is a chemical element of the Earth’s crust.  It is most recognizable in the kitchen; sold in rolls, aluminum foil is often used to cover food before refrigeration.  The material is also common in sporting goods like baseball bats and golf clubs.  However, this metal is also prevalent in a number of consumable goods including antiperspirants, milk, table salt, seasonings, American cheese, and bleached flour.


Lead

Lead is another one of the Earth’s natural elements.  This material is used in building construction, weights, and lead-acid batteries.  This metal is extremely dangerous and has been linked with nervous system and brain disorders.  What many people will find surprising, however, is how many sources of lead there are in our environment:  car exhaust, lead based paint, canned fruits and juices, and even toothpastes.


Mercury

Mercury is one of the most toxic materials of which we know.  Increased exposure to this material may cause serious illness as well as nervous system defects in developing babies.  Of great concern to holistic dentists is the use of mercury in dental amalgams.  Dental amalgam, or silver fillings, may be as much as 60% mercury.  Safe amalgam removal is highly recommended for patients who have this dangerous chemical in their teeth.


Once identified, these common sources of heavy metals can be avoided.  Limiting exposure to unfiltered drinking water, food seasonings, canned foods, and lead paint is the only way to safeguard against the development of serious illness.  Dental amalgam removal is further advised by holistic dentists to rid patients of a major source of heavy metal exposure, limiting long term health risk.



(i) http://www.tip2000.com/health/waterpollution.asp

(ii) Junger, Alejandro. “Appendix.” Clean. New York: HarperCollins, 2011. 292-93. Print.

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Give Your Love the Smile of Their Dreams

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

miami-dentist-give-smile-of-dreams-1The 60 degree chill may have come to rest over Miami, but warmth still burns as Valentine’s Day approaches!  February 14th is just around the corner; this year, consider giving the gift of beauty and confidence.  Beginning January 15th, Assure a Smile will offer the Valentine’s Invisalign Special, your chance to enroll yourself or a loved one in the clear braces system that has created over a million smiling faces nationwide!


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our 2010 Miami Invisalign Special was a great success!  We are proud to welcome so many new patients to our practice, and we know you will enjoy your new smiles!  2010 may have ended, but our commitment to creating healthy and beautiful teeth is still alive.  Starting February 1st, new Invisalign patients will receive a special promotion:


$500 off Invisalign clear braces treatment, and a $500 credit towards a teeth whitening treatment upon Invisalign completion!


A jaw dropping, pure white smile is more affordable than ever this year, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

Many are hesitant to try Invisalign over traditional metal braces.  New technology usually causes apprehension; it is normal to hesitate.  After all, clear plastic aligners seem ineffective compared to heavy duty metal and wiring.  However, the company proudly boasts the creation of over a million smiles since its founding.  And it is easy to see why Invisalign is so popular.  The clear braces system offers many comforts that you simply do not receive when being treated with metal braces.  These include comfort, cleanliness, and effectiveness:


Comfort

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear polyurethane plastic.  These durable mouth pieces are safe to place in your mouth and, best of all, they do not agitate the insides of your cheeks and gums.


Cleanliness

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can brush and floss normally!  Simply remove the aligners in the morning, during the afternoon (if you brush in the afternoon), and in the evening to clean your teeth as usual.  The removable nature of Invisalign allows patients to completely clean the hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and gums with ease, decreasing the likelihood of developing excessive plaque and tooth decay during treatment.


Effectiveness

Many dentists, including myself, have seen patients achieve dramatic results with Invisalign.  For an additional professional opinion, we turn to Michael Ayzin, DDS.  Dr. Ayzin, a cosmetic dental professional operating in Orange County, California, reports that each patient he has treated with Invisalign has been “completely happy with their results,” (i).  Dr. Ayzin and myself are not alone.  Thousands of professionals  have helped patients nationwide to achieve the smile of their dreams with Invisalign.

Miami Invisalign Providers

Assure a Smile is a leader in providing Miami Invisalign services.  Our practice has a depth of experience in helping patients create healthy, beautiful smiles that breed confidence.  Beginning February 1st, take advantage of our Valentine’s Invisalign Special!  Don’t forget to Follow us on Twitter to keep in touch with future promotions and holistic health news!



(i) http://www.realself.com/question/does-invisalign-really-work

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