Beware Of Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.

So even though at Dental Concepts we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshippers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise? But February 14th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

• Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another
• Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain's processing of emotions, pleasure and pain
• Serotonin, which affects a person's mood and feelings
• Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body's fight-or-flight response

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

• Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.
• Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay - we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)
• Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
• If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.
• Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.
• See you dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

Here at the office of Bruce Braverman, D.M.D. we want you to have a kissable February 14th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at (561) 241-1010. We are here for you!

Dental Concepts

Bruce Braverman, DMD
2500 North Military Trail, Suite 230 • Boca Raton, FL 33431
Telephone: (561) 241-1010

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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!