You would be surprised how many people live with the wish of wanting to make some cosmetic changes to their smile. But, there is always something else on their mind or on their plate and they never take the time to ask about it. So, as the holiday season approaches, I want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes and do something for yourself.
I see it all the time. There is never time for something for yourself. Children, work, family, the holidays and all of your other obligations take up all your time. People tell you to take a minute for yourself or think of yourself first for once. It’s good advice. So, this holiday season, I encourage you, even for one day, to stop and do something for yourself.
You will likely be going to several social events this holiday season and I’m sure you will want to look your best. There’s no accessory that you can put on that says more about you as a person, than a warm, attractive smile.
Cosmetic dentistry, when performed correctly, is very safe, long lasting, and may be just that special “something” you can do for yourself. Just think, it will be there next year, too! Please feel free to call or mail me. I will be happy to answer all of your questions and give you my informed opinion on what the best options might be you.
Why not ask? Why not take a minute and send me an email? You might be surprised where it takes you.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
For those with a sweet tooth
All you need is a quick trip to the grocery store to realize how much sugar is poured into the Halloween holiday each year. If you have kids, most likely you will have a sugar rush to deal with this week. To make the most of it, use this influx of sugar as a reminder to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.
Sugar, saliva and bacteria can work together, leading to tooth decay that causes cavities. That is why brushing and flossing at least twice daily is important. This attention to cleaning should include between teeth and along the gumline.
You always hear about what you should do but sometimes it is important to review what happens if you don’t. In general, sucrose (which comes from sugar) and glycoproteins (a combination of a carbohydrate molecule and a protein molecule, can stick to teeth and begin the formation of plaque, which attracts bacteria.
Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacteria when it metabolizes sugar in this anarerobic environment. It is the lactic acid that dissolves tooth enamel, leading to a cavity.
In addition to a healthy diet that is rich in calcium , brushing, flossing, and a safe fluoride rinse are crucial to preventing cavities. So, on Halloween, is it okay to indulge in some treats. Why not? Just make sure and brush and floss afterwards.
Sugar, saliva and bacteria can work together, leading to tooth decay that causes cavities. That is why brushing and flossing at least twice daily is important. This attention to cleaning should include between teeth and along the gumline.
You always hear about what you should do but sometimes it is important to review what happens if you don’t. In general, sucrose (which comes from sugar) and glycoproteins (a combination of a carbohydrate molecule and a protein molecule, can stick to teeth and begin the formation of plaque, which attracts bacteria.
Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacteria when it metabolizes sugar in this anarerobic environment. It is the lactic acid that dissolves tooth enamel, leading to a cavity.
In addition to a healthy diet that is rich in calcium , brushing, flossing, and a safe fluoride rinse are crucial to preventing cavities. So, on Halloween, is it okay to indulge in some treats. Why not? Just make sure and brush and floss afterwards.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
New videos for you.
Earlier this month, our web site began broadcasting The Cosmetic Channel™. You can click here to visit our web site. Just click on the button that says, “The Cosmetic Channel™ - Click here to watch.
I have chosen these online “shows” for your education and, sometimes, entertainment. If you return to our web site each month, you will see new “episodes.” I got this for my clients to help you learn more about the importance of great dental care and to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.
So, stay tuned to our web site for more new video on The Cosmetic Channel™!
I have chosen these online “shows” for your education and, sometimes, entertainment. If you return to our web site each month, you will see new “episodes.” I got this for my clients to help you learn more about the importance of great dental care and to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.
So, stay tuned to our web site for more new video on The Cosmetic Channel™!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Headaches and TMJ
Did you know migraine headaches can be caused by TMJ issues? A misaligned jaw can be the reason for many pains and discomforts.
Normally, you would not think of taking your migraine headache issues to a dentist. Most people go to the doctor and get medication if the need persists. Or, they just live with it and ride out the headaches. It takes some research, a heads-up referral, and often a lot of frustration before some migraine sufferers finally seek out a neuromuscular dentist.
Misaligned jaws can cause a number of issues beyond simple jaw popping and pain. This is how most people know TMJ, so to connect TMJ with migraines may seem a difficult jump to make. In truth, it is not. In layman’s terms, the muscles and nerves that surround the jaw area are affected when the bite it not right. A misaligned bite may cause localized pain at the jaw but the effects radiate out to nearby areas. Naturally, this can cause severe headaches and even migraines.
If you or someone you know has migraines, why not ask them to call my office for a TMJ test that will let them know if I can help their migraine problem. Better to treat the cause for a lifetime, than to continue to treat the symptoms for the moment with medications that may not always work.
Normally, you would not think of taking your migraine headache issues to a dentist. Most people go to the doctor and get medication if the need persists. Or, they just live with it and ride out the headaches. It takes some research, a heads-up referral, and often a lot of frustration before some migraine sufferers finally seek out a neuromuscular dentist.
Misaligned jaws can cause a number of issues beyond simple jaw popping and pain. This is how most people know TMJ, so to connect TMJ with migraines may seem a difficult jump to make. In truth, it is not. In layman’s terms, the muscles and nerves that surround the jaw area are affected when the bite it not right. A misaligned bite may cause localized pain at the jaw but the effects radiate out to nearby areas. Naturally, this can cause severe headaches and even migraines.
If you or someone you know has migraines, why not ask them to call my office for a TMJ test that will let them know if I can help their migraine problem. Better to treat the cause for a lifetime, than to continue to treat the symptoms for the moment with medications that may not always work.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
New Guidelines for Heart Patients
There was a recent article on The American Dental Association web site that published a recent revision in the recommended use of anti-biotics prior to a dental visit. These new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including teeth cleaning and extractions.
For years, The American Heart Association advised patients take anti-biotics just before a dental visit if they have certain heart conditions. The prevailing thought has been that doing so would prevent infective endocarditis, also known as bacterial endocarditis.
The latest guidelines published in the AHA’s scientific journal in April 2007 adjust their recommendation. In short, the AHA recommends that most patients with heart conditions not take short-term anti-biotics before a visit to the dentist as a precaution for endorcarditis.
Preventive anti-biotics prior to a dental procedure still are advised for patients with:
1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
* unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
* a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
* any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.
Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. They should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to the category that best fits their needs.
You can learn more about this at ada.org.
For years, The American Heart Association advised patients take anti-biotics just before a dental visit if they have certain heart conditions. The prevailing thought has been that doing so would prevent infective endocarditis, also known as bacterial endocarditis.
The latest guidelines published in the AHA’s scientific journal in April 2007 adjust their recommendation. In short, the AHA recommends that most patients with heart conditions not take short-term anti-biotics before a visit to the dentist as a precaution for endorcarditis.
Preventive anti-biotics prior to a dental procedure still are advised for patients with:
1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
* unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
* a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
* any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.
Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. They should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to the category that best fits their needs.
You can learn more about this at ada.org.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Periodontal care and your overall wellness
Periodontal care is one of the most important aspects of dental health because periodontal disease (or disease of the gums) has been linked to several other health problems. We are interested in your general wellness and that means remembering periodontal care.
A few common facts you may know are that there is link between periodontal disease and heart disease. And, surely, you know that proper brushing technique includes brushing the gums and that you should floss regularly as part of your daily care for you gums.
What many people do not know is that certain conditions can increase the likelihood for periodontal disease. For instance, if you are in a high stress life style or career or if you have poor coping skills in dealing with stress, you are at higher risk for periodontal disease.
So what do you do about that? Go back to the basics in caring for your gums. Take that extra few minutes while brushing to make sure you are doing a good job on your gums, in front and behind the teeth.
And, while you are doing it, take a breather. Try to relax and take care of yourself!
A few common facts you may know are that there is link between periodontal disease and heart disease. And, surely, you know that proper brushing technique includes brushing the gums and that you should floss regularly as part of your daily care for you gums.
What many people do not know is that certain conditions can increase the likelihood for periodontal disease. For instance, if you are in a high stress life style or career or if you have poor coping skills in dealing with stress, you are at higher risk for periodontal disease.
So what do you do about that? Go back to the basics in caring for your gums. Take that extra few minutes while brushing to make sure you are doing a good job on your gums, in front and behind the teeth.
And, while you are doing it, take a breather. Try to relax and take care of yourself!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Our commitment to personal attention
I hope that my patients know my commitment to personal attention. This is one of the important elements that I think separates my practice from other dentists. It has always been my intention to make patients feel at home in our dental office. This goes well beyond simply being polite while performing your dental care.
There is an obvious, warm quality that goes along with genuine personal attention. It is our goal for our patients to experience this when they come to us for a visit. Why? It's how we really feel. So, it is important to us that you know this.
How many times do you go to a business or a professional service and you feel like a number? When you are finally seated, the doctor seems very hurried with little time to interact with you as a patient, let alone as an individual. The doctor may have to leave you several times to see another patient during your visit. That is not how we operate here and, every once in a while, I like to make it a point for our team to revisit this important concept.
When you visit us for your dental needs, we want you to feel our genuine interest in you. Call it personal attention... but it is all about caring.
There is an obvious, warm quality that goes along with genuine personal attention. It is our goal for our patients to experience this when they come to us for a visit. Why? It's how we really feel. So, it is important to us that you know this.
How many times do you go to a business or a professional service and you feel like a number? When you are finally seated, the doctor seems very hurried with little time to interact with you as a patient, let alone as an individual. The doctor may have to leave you several times to see another patient during your visit. That is not how we operate here and, every once in a while, I like to make it a point for our team to revisit this important concept.
When you visit us for your dental needs, we want you to feel our genuine interest in you. Call it personal attention... but it is all about caring.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
It’s surprising so many people live with this kind of pain
Much of the continuing education I have taken includes courses on treating Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Many people know this condition as TMJ, which is usually known for causing jaw pain. However, TMJ is a much more complicated disorder than most people realize. As it turns out, many people live with chronic, debilitating pain that seems completely unrelated to the jaw.
Basically, TMJ is a misalignment of the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and the bite. TMJ can manifest itself in the form of head, neck, and shoulder pain in addition to jaw pain. It can also cause ringing, dizziness, and stuffiness in the ears, as well as altered taste and changes in posture.
Because there are so many symptoms that are not associated directly with the jaw, it's quite common for people to see a doctor for their pain instead of a dentist. This is often the reason why TMJ goes undiagnosed. The sufferer complains about headaches and a battery of tests for severe headaches may not turn up TMJ unless the doctor is looking for it. This is why many TMJ sufferers have been told the pain is “just in their head” after a visit to their general practitioner.
I have learned very advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating TMJ and I help people with this disorder all the time. If you are suffering from these persistent pains and just living with it because you cannot get your pain diagnosed properly, please call me or email me here. The same goes for anyone you know who might be simply living with TMJ pain. I help my patients find the solution that's right for them.
Basically, TMJ is a misalignment of the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and the bite. TMJ can manifest itself in the form of head, neck, and shoulder pain in addition to jaw pain. It can also cause ringing, dizziness, and stuffiness in the ears, as well as altered taste and changes in posture.
Because there are so many symptoms that are not associated directly with the jaw, it's quite common for people to see a doctor for their pain instead of a dentist. This is often the reason why TMJ goes undiagnosed. The sufferer complains about headaches and a battery of tests for severe headaches may not turn up TMJ unless the doctor is looking for it. This is why many TMJ sufferers have been told the pain is “just in their head” after a visit to their general practitioner.
I have learned very advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating TMJ and I help people with this disorder all the time. If you are suffering from these persistent pains and just living with it because you cannot get your pain diagnosed properly, please call me or email me here. The same goes for anyone you know who might be simply living with TMJ pain. I help my patients find the solution that's right for them.
It’s surprising so many people live with this kind of pain
Much of the continuing education I have taken includes courses on treating Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Many people know this condition as TMJ, which is usually known for causing jaw pain. However, TMJ is a much more complicated disorder than most people realize. As it turns out, many people live with chronic, debilitating pain that seems completely unrelated to the jaw.
Basically, TMJ is a misalignment of the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and the bite. TMJ can manifest itself in the form of head, neck, and shoulder pain in addition to jaw pain. It can also cause ringing, dizziness, and stuffiness in the ears, as well as altered taste and changes in posture.
Because there are so many symptoms that are not associated directly with the jaw, it's quite common for people to see a doctor for their pain instead of a dentist. This is often the reason why TMJ goes undiagnosed. The sufferer complains about headaches and a battery of tests for severe headaches may not turn up TMJ unless the doctor is looking for it. This is why many TMJ sufferers have been told the pain is “just in their head” after a visit to their general practitioner.
I have learned very advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating TMJ and I help people with this disorder all the time. If you are suffering from these persistent pains and just living with it because you cannot get your pain diagnosed properly, please call me or email me here. The same goes for anyone you know who might be simply living with TMJ pain. I help my patients find the solution that's right for them.
Basically, TMJ is a misalignment of the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and the bite. TMJ can manifest itself in the form of head, neck, and shoulder pain in addition to jaw pain. It can also cause ringing, dizziness, and stuffiness in the ears, as well as altered taste and changes in posture.
Because there are so many symptoms that are not associated directly with the jaw, it's quite common for people to see a doctor for their pain instead of a dentist. This is often the reason why TMJ goes undiagnosed. The sufferer complains about headaches and a battery of tests for severe headaches may not turn up TMJ unless the doctor is looking for it. This is why many TMJ sufferers have been told the pain is “just in their head” after a visit to their general practitioner.
I have learned very advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating TMJ and I help people with this disorder all the time. If you are suffering from these persistent pains and just living with it because you cannot get your pain diagnosed properly, please call me or email me here. The same goes for anyone you know who might be simply living with TMJ pain. I help my patients find the solution that's right for them.
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