Concerns about toxins?

The recent concern about lead on imported toys and products from China is a warning for all of us to be concerned about our immediate environment. I am sure that you checked the packaging on gifts you gave and got for the holidays and that is a good start.

But, in your vigilance over toxic substances, don’t forget your fillings if you have old, blackened, silver (amalgam) fillings. These fillings contain unknown levels of mercury unlike modern “white” bonded composite fillings that are biologically inactive.

If you have old black fillings, they may be causing you some degree of risk due to residual levels of mercury left in them. There have been many university studies done to study the health risks of these fillings and those studies have not been able to reach any firm and consistent conclusions about the affect they have on our health.

Does that mean they are safe? Consider for yourself the fact that those same studies have raised even more questions about the safety of amalgam fillings and that they may be linked to some diseases that we still know very little about.
Consider also that when we remove old silver fillings from our patient’s teeth, we are not allowed to dispose of the old pieces and particles down the drain. We are required to catch all of this debris in special traps for hazardous waste, so as not to contaminate our environment.
Perhaps you would like to know my main concern about old silver fillings. This filling material leaks like a sieve, soon after it has been placed, thus permitting bacteria to get in between the filling and the tooth. For that reason, is it any surprise that 9 out of 10 old silver fillings that I take out have decay under them? Since x-rays don’t go through the filling material, I can’t tell if there is anything wrong or not, until the decay gets much more advanced.
This outdated material also expands and contracts with temperature changes, and leads to additional cracks and fractures in the tooth. These teeth often break again years later, needing even larger fillings, which break again, and eventually need crowns (caps) done.

We consider the condition of each person’s oral health individually. We can discuss the importance of replacing old blackened, silver (amalgam) fillings if you think it’s the right thing to do.

Have you thought about Cosmetic Dentistry?

Never underestimate the advantage a cosmetically enhanced smile can give you. Even something as easy and quick as whitening your teeth can improve your overall appearance. Every once in a while, I ask people to think about the advantages.

The choice of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments is sometimes tied to an event: a wedding, an important business function, a holiday, a graduation or some family event. But, if you think about it, there are so many ways an improved smile can impact your life on an every day basis.

There is no doubt that a better smile is an advantage in business. This can impact promotions, sales and career paths. In a society that has learned that teeth can be improved, when you see a misshapen smile or misaligned teeth, you often can’t help but wonder why the person has done nothing to fix their smile.

If you know someone who might benefit from cosmetic dentistry, this is why you should think about referring them to me for a cosmetic consultation. A better smile can mean a better presentation at work. Makeovers of all kinds lead to promotions all the time. It can improve a person’s social prospects. It can also give a new sense of inner confidence that can manifest itself in many ways.

Perhaps you know someone who might be interested in cosmetic dentistry to gain an advantage or enhance their life. If so, your kind referral to me may be all that’s needed to help them take that step to a nicer smile.

The Cosmetic Channel™

Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry? Ask at The Cosmetic Channel™.

We start off the new year with a new way for you to use the Internet at TheCosmeticChannel.com. By now you have seen the new videos on our web site brought to you by The Cosmetic Channel™.

Last week, The Cosmetic Channel™ unveiled a new web site that includes a Chat Community. You can see links posted to this chat board on Craig’s List and it is beginning to get some questions and comments about both cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic surgery. You can visit the chat at www.TheCosmeticChannel.com/chat.html.

If you or someone you know is interested in gathering information on cosmetic dentistry or cosmetic surgery procedures, this is a good place to ask questions. Cosmetic dentists and cosmetic surgeons are being recruited to monitor the chat and answer your questions.

And, you know you can always contact me directly if you have any questions.

Why not ask?

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.

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.

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™!

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.