You Say You Want A Resolution?

As 2012 approaches, you have probably already started your list of New Year’s resolutions. If you are like most people, this list probably includes: go to the gym, lose weight, take tango lessons, call your mother more often, find the cure for cancer, etc… But let’s face it – EVERYONE has those resolutions, and they are all usually broken by January 10th.

So let’s shake it up a little this year and try ten “Dental Resolutions” which are not only easy to keep but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health. Here they are!

 1)      CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have long-standing sentimental value. The fact is – you should replace your brush every two months or so. If the bristles don’t look almost brand new, chances are your teeth aren’t being cleaned well and your toothbrush is harboring lots of yucky bacteria.

 2)      FLOSS EVERY DAY
Look – we’re dental professionals. We know that most people don’t floss. But that really is a shame. Flossing every day helps to prevent gum disease – so not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances of heart disease and others illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will significantly decrease. If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don’t be embarrassed! Our fantastic team will be glad to show you how.

 3)      WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT
We all know that seat belts save lives, but even in a minor accident teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward. So buckle up and save your smile!

 4)      USE A MOUTHGUARD
Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable. There’s a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouthguard – and it’s not to scare their opponents. Give us a call and we will fit you (and the entire tiddly winks team) with beautiful custom mouthguards.

 5)      GET RID OF SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS
We all need to hydrate, but we don’t need excess sugar and artificial chemicals. These drinks are bad for your body and pull an all out assault on your pearly-whites. Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, it will save you money as well!

 6)      TEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING
Please don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else. Nibbling on your friends is optional (with their permission, of course).

 7)      SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH
As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren’t reason enough to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo. There are so many reasons to quit smoking – so please make this the year!

 8)      BUT THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOU!
The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well. Yes – eating your veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts not only increases your overall health, it boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums. Added benefit: crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

 9)      WHITEN YOUR SMILE
There is no question that a nice white smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to others. If you’ve been putting this off – make 2012 the year you finally will be showing your beautiful smile to the world. There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be – give us a call or stop on in and we will be glad to show you how.

 10)   DON’T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS
We know that visiting Dental Concepts may not be at the top of your “things to do” list for the New Year, but by seeing us on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from ever occurring. It’s a small investment with a big payoff – a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, fresh clean breath, and so much more. Please give us a call at (561) 241 - 1010 today and get 2012 off to a great start!

Happy New Year!

Don’t Be A Dental Turkey!

When the pilgrims left England on the Mayflower, they were looking for a land free of persecution. By the time they landed in Massachusetts 66 days later, they found the journey to be a lot more grueling than they originally planned.

Among the many health issues they encountered was “scurvy” – caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. The lack of fresh food on board, especially fruits and vegetables, caused horrible symptoms, including spots on the skin, weakness, extreme drowsiness, spontaneous bleeding, and eventually death. Oh yes – this disease also caused the pilgrims to have bleeding gums and tooth loss!

This Thanksgiving, be sure to prepare a meal that is not only delicious but healthy for your teeth and gums too! Some vitamins and nutrients which are good for your oral health are vitamins A, C and D, phosphorous, and calcium. A delicious Thanksgiving dinner can include them all!

Here are a few things that will make your chompers thank you.

·         Turkey is high in phosphorous, which is not only healthy for developing teeth but can actually help rebuild tooth enamel.

·         Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients including vitamins A, C and B6 and are thought to be much healthier than regular white potatoes.

·         Greens and winter vegetables are great sources of vitamins A and C, both of which are excellent for gum health.

·         Cranberries contain flavonoids which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth and forming plaque.

·         Pumpkin pies are loaded with vitamin C and calcium – important for gum health and developing teeth.

"Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need many essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy," says Ontario Dental Association Past- President Dr. Ira Kirshen. "In fact, to ensure proper tooth development and strength, adults, children and seniors alike need a lot of calcium, vitamins and minerals."

Dr. Kirshen goes on to say:  "Many take oral health for granted, but countless studies have shown that there is a strong association between good oral health and good body health. Spending time with your loved ones at Thanksgiving is even better when everyone is healthy and happy."

Thanksgiving is a great holiday, and it can be a healthy one for your teeth, gums and body as well! Here at Happy Smiles Dentistry, we want you to be healthy! Remember, prevention is the key, so be sure to stick with your recommended dental care schedule for the best health of all! Call (561) 241 - 1010 to schedule your appointment today! Enjoy a fantastic holiday, and even though your schedule may be hectic this time of year, don’t forget to take care of your teeth, gums, and entire body!

Why The Heck Do You Need To Know That?

When you come in for your dental visit, you may notice that we do a lot more than examine your teeth and gums.

One of the most important parts of your visit is when we ask you questions about your general health.  But many people have said to us:

“What does that have to do with my dental check up?”

The answer – a lot!

More and more research is being published linking dental health to overall health, and at Dental Concepts we are concerned about both!

Did you know that diabetes, especially when it is undiagnosed, can be a huge factor in gum disease, eventually causing tooth loss?

A recent study by Columbia University concluded:

“Gum disease is an early complication of diabetes.” It continues:

“Since 70% of adults see a dentist at least once per year” this is a perfect opportunity to screen for diabetes and other diseases.

According to a recent article in The British Dental Journal, it works the other way around too, as gum disease can be a contributing factor in heart disease, oral cancer, and other illnesses.

Are you taking any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter? Many of these can lead to dry mouth, gum inflammation, and other dental problems.

And it’s even more complicated for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause many changes in dental health. (Isn’t everything more complicated for women?)

So the good news is, unlike a visit to your physician - you get to keep your clothes on and won’t be poked and prodded anywhere other than your mouth! But as you can see, it is extremely important that we know about your total physical health and any medications you are taking. Not only can we save your teeth – we may actually save your life!

If you want to know more about your dental health and how it relates to your overall health, please let us know. If you have any questions or want to schedule your next appointment, just give us a call at (561) 241 - 1010. We are here for you!!

Football Season Can Be A Penalty For Your Teeth!

Nothing says football season like a big tub of Gatorade being dumped on the winning coach at the end of a game. But for you and your kids it could be offsides and holding on your dental health.

Originally developed at The University of Florida in 1965 (and named after their sports teams – “The Gators”) Gatorade was intended for athletes such as football players who endured rigorous workouts in the hot sun. But somehow this potent drink has become a staple of our popular culture, and its combination of sugars, salt and electrolytes can be anything but healthy for all but the most strenuous exercisers. The fact is, for just about all of us, including children, water remains the healthiest drink either with meals or during and after exercise.

"For most children engaging in routine physical activity, plain water is best," said Holly J. Benjamin, M.D., a member of the executive committee of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. "Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don't need, and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It's better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals."

Even worse are “energy drinks” –which contain huge amounts of stimulants including caffeine, guarana and taurine.  Some of these drinks contain more than 500 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of 14 cans of soda!! Combine that with huge amounts of tooth rotting and obesity causing sugar, and you’ve got a formula for health disaster. To make things worse, some schools actually have “pouring contracts” where they are paid to promote and serve unhealthy sodas and sports drinks.

Good old fashioned tap water, fortified with fluoride, not only remains the healthiest drink but it's the least expensive as well.

So please enjoy football season, but remember not to let energy drinks and sports drinks blitz the dental and overall health of you and your children.

At Dr. Braverman’s office we care about ALL of our patients! We are always here for you to answer any questions you should have about your dental health. Give us a call today @ (561) 241 - 1010!

The Battle Of The Sexes – Dental Style

In 1965 James Brown sang “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” A few years earlier Harry Belafonte sang to us “That’s right – the women are smarter!” So who is right when it comes to dental health?

It turns out one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, fewer areas of bleeding gums, and lower incidents of gum disease. This group also is twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with treatment recommended by their dentist.

To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist! So just who are these dental superstars?

According to the Journal Of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease – it’s the “fairer sex” who has the advantage when it comes to dental health. Maybe it’s true that “the women are smarter!”

So does that mean females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath? Sorry guys – the answer is yes.

The good news is – it seems to have nothing to do with genetics or the fact that women and men have a different chromosomal arrangement. It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.

So how about it guys? It’s time to “get on the stick” – or at least the toothbrush. Start taking better care of your teeth and gums, and be sure to give us a call at (561) 241 - 1010 to schedule your next appointment! And women – keep up the good work!

At  Dr. Braverman’s office we care about ALL of our patients – men and women! We are always here for you to answer any questions you should have about your dental health. Give us a call today!

Are Your Teeth in “Deep” Trouble?

Sometimes tooth damage can be caused by the most unlikely of sources. Recently a man complained to his dentist that his teeth were extremely sensitive, were rapidly picking up stain, and actually losing enamel. After much research, the culprit was found – his swimming pool!

It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the chemicals properly. This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.

According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, "Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis."

The fact is, we always need to be careful about things which can negatively affect our dental health. Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content. And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth!

Medications and other factors which can cause dry mouth are also playing peril with your dental health. And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!

At Mumford Dental, we care about you, your teeth and gums, and your overall health. Please make sure to brush several times per day, especially after exposing your teeth to potentially harmful substances. And don’t forget to floss either! (If you are not sure how to use dental floss or can’t do it comfortably, be sure to ask one of our friendly team members for instructions!).

Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” – it’s a crucial part of your overall health care.

If you have any questions about this or any other issue, we are here for you! Please give us a call at (561) 241 - 1010. And this summer, please enjoy your fun outdoor activities such as swimming – but don’t forget your pearly whites!

If You are Suffering with Dry Mouth, You are Not Alone

Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?

If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental cavities and gum disease, and most noticeably to some, bad breath. If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth, this could be the culprit!

So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth?”

According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water!!), and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease – so it is not something to take lightly.

Of course our good old friends (actually enemies) – excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are among the leading causes of this problem, so if you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on the booze, now is a great time!

There are several things you can do to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, including:

• Chewing a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
• Drinking plenty of water
• Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
• Frequent brushing and rinsing with a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
• Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
• Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute

Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND cause and increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us immediately at (561) 241 - 1010 for an appointment or visit our website at www.bocadentalconcepts.com. Your health is important to us and we are here to help you.

March for Babies 2011 PSA First Steps

Less Taste, More Fillings?

The band Steely Dan once sang about “Gold Teeth” – but more of us probably have silver in our teeth than gold.

Recently many patients have been asking about the difference between traditional “silver” fillings and the more modern tooth colored or “white” fillings. Here is a little history (we will try to make it fun!) and then some answers to the many questions people seem to be having.

Ancient dentists used materials as diverse as cork, turpentine, gum, lead and stone chips to restore decayed teeth. Then in China in 659 AD (long before they were making iPods and Nike tennis shoes) dentists began experimenting with using silver as a material to plug unwanted dental holes.

After experimenting with many formulations over the years, in the early 1800s a French dentist named Louis Regnart added mercury to the mix, creating the first version of the modern day silver filling, known as dental amalgam. The formula was so controversial that when it was first introduced in the United States by two other Frenchman known as The Crawcour Brothers, they were run out of the country!

Eventually the formula was perfected and it became the material still in use today which we typically call “silver fillings.” Most Americans who visit the dentist on a regular basis (especially those of us over thirty or so) have a few of these gems in our mouths.

Lately some groups have pointed out that mercury can be a very unhealthy thing to have in your body, and have actually called for all of these fillings to be removed! While it is true that in large quantities mercury is toxic, after extensive studies the American Dental Association has concluded that there are no significant health risks to using this time-tested material.

However, we feel it is important to point out two major differences between these traditional silver amalgam fillings and the more modern tooth colored materials.

A silver filling does not actually bond to the healthy tooth material; it is kept in place by placing the material using a wedge effect. So while it may do a good job of replacing a decayed area in your tooth, it also weakens the tooth and makes it more susceptible to cracks and fractures, often leading to more extensive treatment such as a crown which covers the tooth completely. For this reason, we are extra careful to check these fillings closely during your examination for any signs of breakdown.

On the other hand, a tooth colored filling (known as a “composite”) actually bonds to the healthy tooth and creates one big strong healthy tooth unit.

The other major difference is obvious – a composite filling is a beautiful almost invisible way to treat a decayed tooth while an amalgam filling looks like metal. Do you ever see a famous singer on TV open really wide to reveal a mouth full of silver? We see it all the time. (Of course we are dentally obsessed and may be looking much more closely than you!)

So keep brushing and flossing well, eating a healthy diet and getting regular dental visits, and maybe you will never have to worry about this!

But should you have a “cavity” – we will be glad to discuss all of the options with you and work together to figure out the best way to treat your individual situation. Our goal is to provide treatment which is strong and beautiful too! At Dental Concepts, we always want to recommend the absolute best options to suit your needs and keep your mouth healthy for the rest of your life.

Should you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 561-241-1010. We are here to help you!

Fun Facts About Fluoride

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

Most people know that for years dentists have been recommending fluoride as something which helps prevent cavities. It’s in just about every toothpaste, many mouth rinses, over-the-counter and prescription gels – and close to 70 % of Americans have it in their drinking water. Practically every dental professional credits fluoride for drastically reducing levels of dental decay over the last few decades.

Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in water and soil. About 70 years ago, scientists discovered that people who lived where water supplies naturally had more fluoride also had fewer cavities. Today, most public drinking water supplies are fluoridated, especially in larger cities, and dental professionals applaud its usage. 

But can there be too much of a good thing?

A recent government study found that two in five adolescents had some sort of streaking or spotting in their teeth because of too much fluoride, a number that has grown considerably since the 1980s.

For most people these streaks or spots are totally harmless and barely visible to the naked eye, although in severe cases the tooth enamel can actually develop a pit-like surface. So even though fluoride still does a fantastic job in cavity prevention, as with most things in medicine, there are side effects.

The good news is – as a result of this study the federal government has acted very rapidly to change their recommendation for the amount of fluoride in drinking water, making it 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, down from the 50 year standard of up to 1.2 milligrams.

At Dental Concepts we applaud the government’s quick action! And we still want to help you avoid cavities as much as possible.

"One of water fluoridation's biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community — at home, work, school, or play. And fluoridation's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in improved oral health," said Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Dr. Howard Koh.

So keep brushing, flossing, rinsing and drinking fluoridated water. It’s also important to continue to see us for your regular dental visits. We will be glad to check your teeth to see if we can find any negative effects from fluoride and look for cavities too! As with any dental condition, the sooner we find it, the easier and less costly it is to treat. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us any time at (561) 241 - 1010. At Dental Concepts we want to keep you smiling!!!