Prezioso Dental News

Holiday Tips

2011-12-02T12:34:00.001-05:00

Proper nutrition is a key to maintaining good oral health. Many times improving your diet can help prevent tooth decay. During the holidays it is important to continue to eat healthy even though there are many tempting sweets. Remember to limit your sugar intake and stay clear of sticky and chewy items. You should brush and floss after every meal. If that is not available, drink water or chew sugar-free gum. Do not delay on your dental work. Take care of any toothache, however slight, so you can enjoy the holidays. You cannot deck the halls and eat delicious cookies with a tooth ache!

2011-11-08T11:59:00.001-05:00

A Quote from Nancy Dudchik, President of the Hamden Chamber of Commerce:

"We were very proud to have honored Prezioso Dental as Small Business of the Year. From serving the needs of their clients to serving the needs of the community, Dr. Prezioso and their entire staff understands the importance of giving back and assisting others. It's a part of their core value as an organization and it comes naturally. It's clear to see why they were a most deserving recipient.

2011-08-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

Don’t Forget to Floss -
“Brushing only cleans half of your total tooth surface,” says Sally Cram, D.D.S., as Washington, D.C.-based periodontist and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. In only 24 hours bacteria can accumulate between teeth and under the gum line and cause inflammation. “Receding gums make you look older,” says Dr. Cram. “And the bacteria can travel through your body, causing inflammation in other areas. Studies suggest that this may raise your odds of heart disease, diabetes and respiratory problems.” Flossing, which gets between teeth and under the gum line, is the answer.
How to Start -
Buy waxed floss, which slips easily between teeth, Keep some in your bathroom and some in you purse-and use it daily.

Oral Cancer - Know What To Look Fo

2011-04-04T13:33:00.005-04:00

As with many forms of cancer, early detection of oral cancerous lesions can improve the chances of successful treatment. You can take an active role in detecting signs of oral cancer early by checking your oral tissues periodically. Take a few minutes to examine your lips, gums, cheek lining and tongue, as well as the floor and roof or your mouth. You'll want to note any of the following:
a color change in the oral tissues (whitish or red spots,for example);
a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area;
a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal;
pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips;
difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
changes in the voice;
a change in the way your teeth fit together;
in addition, watch for changes beyond the mouth that could signal oral cancer;
drastic weight loss;
a lump or mass in your neck.
If any of these conditions persists, contact your dentist for an examination.

2011-03-22T12:04:00.003-04:00

A person who has not slept for 20 hours has a level of impairment equal to someone with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 per cent, over the limit of 0.05, at which a driver is considered legally impaired in Ontario.

Tooth Paste Has Come A Long Way

2011-02-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

Did you know that tooth paste prior to 1850 was not a paste at all it was a powder? The ingredients used to make the ancient powder were ox hooves’ ashes and burnt egg shells. The Greeks and Romans used crushed bones and oyster shells. The Chinese used many substances to make their powder including ginseng, herbal mints and salt. In 1873 there was the invention of toothpaste in a jar. Then in the 1890’s tooth paste was put in a tube.

The most recent advances in tooth paste include whitening, and protecting against caries, gum disease, plaque and bad breath. Tooth paste has come a long way since burnt eggshells! To find the right toothpaste for your mouth ask your dental professional.

Hamden Journal Article January 2011

2011-01-17T12:07:00.001-05:00

The good news about periodontal disease is that it is treatable and can be maintained. Your first line of defense is your dentist. At your dental visit periodontal disease can be diagnosed by probe readings and X-Rays, along with an oral exam. These are done to determine tissue attachment and bone loss. Periodontal disease can be treated comfortably by many methods, some of which are performed by your general dentist or by a periodontist. These procedures may include; medications, surgical and non-surgical procedures, orthodontics, and laser. There are many stages of periodontal disease and your dentist or periodontist will know the best treatment for you. After treating your gums, the most important step is maintaining the disease.

Holiday Letter

2010-12-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

Dear Valued Patients,

I hope this letter finds you well as we approach this 2010 holiday season. I would first like to thank you for another great year at Prezioso Dental. My Team and I are honored you have chosen Prezioso Dental for your oral care. Thank you to all who have referred their friends and family members. We hope we exceeded their expectations.

This year has been exciting both in and out of the office. At home, my wife Ann Marie is busy with our three children, Olivia 7 years old, Alex 6, and Aidan who is 3. The extended Prezioso family went to Boca Raton, Florida for my older brother’s wedding in April. We welcomed my new sister-in-law, Cathy Prezioso to our family.

My team makes going to the office every day a pleasure. They treat every patient like family, and truly go the extra mile to make our patients feel comfortable. I welcomed a new hygienist to Team Prezioso this year, Shannon Bradley. She is a caring and experienced hygienist, with a passion for dentistry. Liz, Bel, Chris and Yetta continue to make our office run smoothly, and provide exceptional care to our patients Yetta and I continue to be part of The Hamden Senior Wish Society, and help improve the lives of Hamden seniors. One event this year, we raised over six thousand dollars!

I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for your continued support. It has been our pleasure at Prezioso Dental to take care of your dental needs. Always remember see us in cyberspace, at www.prezidental.com. See what are patients are saying about us. Also, like us on Face book, and also follow us on twitter.

Sincerely,

Anthony S. Prezioso, D.M.D.

Use It Before You Lose It

2010-11-08T15:03:00.001-05:00

If you have dental insurance and don’t take advantage of it before the end of the year, what happens to the dollars that are left unused? YOU LOSE THEM PERMANENTLY for this year! Did you know that this could cost you and your family $1000 to $4000 tax free dollars this year?

If you or a family member have not been in for a check-up or you have dental work to be done, call (203) 281-1233 today to schedule an appointment now!

Were you aware that extensive treatment can be done now and your remaining treatment be completed at the beginning of next year to double your insurance benefits? Remember we submit to ALL insurances.

Dr. Prezioso offers an exclusive written piece of mind warranty on ALL the dental care with the ability to finance your care with NO INTEREST for 12 months!

We would hate to see you lose out on benefits you have been paying for but not used. We look foward to hearing from you, and helping you utilize your dental benefits.

PLEASE DON’T WAIT!

USE YOUR DENTAL BENEFITS NOW! OTHERWISE YOU WILL LOSE THEM!! CALL TODAY! (203)281-1233 TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

Best Regards from Your Dental Team

2010-10-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

Prezioso Dental is an official drop off site for Toys for Tots and will start collecting new unwrapped toys on November 1st, 2010. They are also collecting non-perishable food items for the Hamden Senior Center. Prezioso Dental is located at 3584 Whitney Avenue in Hamden and is open Monday through Friday.

Dental tip from the desk of Anthony S. Prezioso DMD

2010-10-05T10:49:00.000-04:00

October is a frightening time for parents and dentists because of Halloween candy. Here are some Halloween dental tips to help keep your children’s smile healthy;

Schedule a “candy time” with a snack, or meal, not in-between. The presence of additional food increases the production of saliva in the mouth which helps break down sugar quickly. It is also easier to control brushing and flossing immediately after consumption.

If you are concerned about the amount of candy, try rationing it over several weeks. Parents and dentist have also been known to start a buy back program. You can set a limit of 1-5 cents per item or by the pound.

Here is a list of great alternatives to candy to hand out;

Sugar free gum
Stickers
Party favor sunglasses or noise makers
Pencils with Halloween erasers
Temporary tattoos
Small bottles of bubbles

Treat Gum Disease for Healthier Pregnancy

2010-09-21T10:24:00.000-04:00

Researchers have found a possible link between gum disease and preterm births says a study by a periodontal researcher from the U of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. The study examined 322 pregnant women, all with gum disease. Half were treated with root planing and scaling while the other half received only oral hygiene tips. Both groups were followed up 20 weeks after treatment to learn if it was successful. Results showed that pregnant woman who maintained good oral hygiene were much less likely to deliver preterm babies than those who did not maintain oral health. Says lead author Marjorie Jeffcoat, Penn Dental Medicine, “ ... successful periodontal treatment when rendered as an adjunct to conventional obstetric care may reduce the incidence of preterm birth."

Good dental health is important for a clean overall health bill

2010-09-13T16:05:00.001-04:00

Research has shown that good dental hygiene is linked to overall health. Members of the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) have studied how keeping a clean mouth can lead to fewer problems down the road.

Steven Grater, dentist and PDA member, says bacteria enters through the mouth. "To keep this bacteria from going into your body, cleaning your mouth (brushing, flossing and rinsing) is necessary."

Problems linked to oral health include heart disease and pregnancy complications. It is also linked to diabetes, which researchers find to be caused more specifically by tooth decay, infection or periodontal disease.

Individuals' dental health can also lead to chronic health problems. For example, difficulty chewing and swallowing could prevent the body from getting the proper nutrition it needs.

Grater says visiting the dentist regularly is important because it "will prevent additional disease that can likely cause you to be sick."

A dental tip from the desk of Dr. Anthony Prezioso:

2010-08-27T12:33:00.001-04:00

Some simple tips that can help you maintain your smile in between your regular dental visits. Make sure you are brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Many people take a toothbrush to work or school to brush as soon as possible after eating. There are many dental rinses on the market, however, in a pinch you can rinse for 30 seconds with plain salt water. Remember the old rules of limiting your sugar intake and drinking water after your meals. Keep extra floss in your purse, car and night stand to get rid of the bacteria that hides in between teeth.

2010-08-17T11:59:00.000-04:00

Dental tip from the desk of Dr. Anthony Prezioso:

There are many reasons for tooth loss. These reasons can include: tooth decay, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, and congenital defects. One way in which your dentist can remedy this is with dental implants. There are many benefits to having a dental implant versus a bridge or denture. The implant tooth looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants also replace the tooth root which helps preserve bone and restores natural chewing capacity. There is no uncomfortable rocking, pinching of gums, or visible clips as with partial dentures. Clinical studies have shown a 93% success rate with implants. Studies show Dental implants can be for life; however they must still be maintained and monitored like your natural teeth.

New evidence from NYUCD supports link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer's disease

2010-08-03T15:09:00.000-04:00

NYU dental researchers have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired.

The NYU study offers fresh evidence that gum inflammation may contribute to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease.

The research team, led by Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry, examined 20 years of data that support the hypothesis of a possible causal link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease.

"The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation," Dr. Kamer said.

Dr. Kamer's study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Douglas E. Morse, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion at NYU College of Dentistry, and a team of researchers in Denmark, builds upon a 2008 study by Dr. Kamer which found that subjects with Alzheimer's disease had a significantly higher level of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma compared to healthy people.

Dental Decay Is An Infectious Disease Passed From Mothers To Their Babies

2010-07-19T13:33:00.000-04:00

The latest international research confirms that tooth decay is an infectious disease passed from mothers to their children reinforcing the message that oral health should be a family affair, according to Dr Andrea Shepperson, lead dentist at City Dental, Quay Park in Auckland, part of Lumino The Dentists, New Zealand’s only national dental healthcare organisation.

Dr Shepperson, an international lecturer in dentistry explains that the new research from the University of California published in the Journal of Dental Research1 shows that: `untreated decay in mothers almost doubled the odds of one of their children having serious untreated decay.

‘Dental decay is an infectious disease which is vertically transmitted from parent to child. Babies are born without the bacteria which cause dental decay but pick this up from their mothers. The bacteria become established on new teeth as they erupt. Mothers with high levels of Mutans Stretococci (a common decay causing bacterium) were likely to place their children at risk of high levels of decay. Left untreated, this infection can continue throughout life.
`We are encouraging mothers to be conscious of their own dental health because it is clearly shown now to be a family affair. Testing for this bacteria is a simple test which allows us to alert parents to the potential risk of decay. I can take a swab and tell my patients within 15 seconds if they are at risk from this kind of tooth decay. Then we’re well armed to help them counteract it. We offer a wide range of products for all ages to mitigate the risk.’

The new study warns that the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be transmitted from person-to-person, including mother-to-child. Almost half of the mothers studied and more than a fourth of the children and adolescents had untreated tooth decay. One means of transmission could be from a mother tasting a child’s food and then using the same spoon to feed her child.

The findings underscore the need for family dentists to ask
about the oral health of other family members. The authors stress that dentists should encourage all family members to get treatment, especially if a child already has tooth decay, and provide the family with the preventive measures, knowledge and skills to help prevent future disease.

Prevent oral disease by seeing your dentist for cleanings, oral exams

2010-07-02T12:37:00.001-04:00

Thursday, July 1, 2010
Passaic Valley Today
Whether you realize it or not, oral health is an essential part of our daily lives. The health of our mouths enhances our everyday interactions. It affects our ability to smile, speak, chew, taste, swallow and convey facial expressions. Oral diseases cause millions of Americans pain and disability annually. These oral diseases include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Tooth decay is the most common oral diseases, impacting adults and children alike. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, poor functioning, absences in school and work, trouble concentrating, and poor esthetics. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition caused by bacteria that destroys gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. It leads to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Recent studies have shown links between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature childbirth. Scientists are continuing to study these correlations.
Each year, over 7,600 Americans, die from oral and pharyngeal cancer. In 2010, approximately 35,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is only about 50 percent. Detection of cancer lesions in the mouth in early stages increases the survival rate significantly for oral cancer. Seeing a dentist annually will help you identify risk factors for the disease. A thorough oral examination by a dentist may help find a precancerous lesion in your mouth and improve your chances of preventing oral cancer.
The bottom line is that most oral diseases are preventable. Many children and adults still go without simple measures that have been proven effective in preventing oral diseases and reducing dental care costs. In children, fluoride and dental sealants have been shown to prevent decay. Fluoride may be delivered to communities through water fluoridation. Alternately, fluoride is found in varying amounts in many oral health products. Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth where most decay occurs. Sealants can only be provided by your dentist or dental hygienist.
Finally, routine dental cleanings and oral examinations can help detect dental problems before they become worse. It is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that children and adults should receive a dental cleaning and examination every six months. Following these guidelines will help promote good oral health.
Dr. Ernesta Parisi, owner of Parisi Dental LLC, 224 Union Blvd., Totowa, wants to help you and your family prevent cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. To schedule your appointment, call Dr. Parisi at 973-595-1700. For more information, visit www.parisidental.com.
Whether you realize it or not, oral health is an essential part of our daily lives. The health of our mouths enhances our everyday interactions. It affects our ability to smile, speak, chew, taste, swallow and convey facial expressions. Oral diseases cause millions of Americans pain and disability annually. These oral diseases include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.

Tooth decay is the most common oral diseases, impacting adults and children alike. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, poor functioning, absences in school and work, trouble concentrating, and poor esthetics. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition caused by bacteria that destroys gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. It leads to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Recent studies have shown links between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature childbirth. Scientists are continuing to study these correlations.

Each year, over 7,600 Americans, die from oral and pharyngeal cancer. In 2010, approximately 35,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is only about 50 percent. Detection of cancer lesions in the mouth in early stages increases the survival rate significantly for oral cancer. Seeing a dentist annually will help you identify risk factors for the disease. A thorough oral examination by a dentist may help find a precancerous lesion in your mouth and improve your chances of preventing oral cancer.

The bottom line is that most oral diseases are preventable. Many children and adults still go without simple measures that have been proven effective in preventing oral diseases and reducing dental care costs. In children, fluoride and dental sealants have been shown to prevent decay. Fluoride may be delivered to communities through water fluoridation. Alternately, fluoride is found in varying amounts in many oral health products. Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth where most decay occurs. Sealants can only be provided by your dentist or dental hygienist.

Finally, routine dental cleanings and oral examinations can help detect dental problems before they become worse. It is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that children and adults should receive a dental cleaning and examination every six months. Following these guidelines will help promote good oral health.

Dr. Ernesta Parisi

Tips on Tooth Health

2010-06-17T10:06:00.000-04:00

According to Dr. Robert McNurlen, a West Des Moines dentist, your mother was right about how to take care of your teeth. "All the old rules still apply," McNurlen said. "Have good oral hygiene (i.e. brush and floss your teeth), get regular check-ups and limit sugar intake." And remember, he said, "Your teeth can still decay no matter how old you are." McNurlen also highlighted a few things Mama might not have told you.

Medications can affect your teeth. Many of them lead to dry mouth (a dearth of saliva), which in turn leads to plaque buildup. And plaque, wherever it lurks, is bad thing. In the mouth it can lead to decay. McNurlen recommends staying consistently hydrated and consulting your prescribing doctor about alternative meds.

Decay is bad, but gum disease is more likely to get you if you are over 35. Risk factors include genetics, diabetes and smoking. Unfortunately, periodontal disease is usually painless until it has progressed significantly and you begin to lose teeth to it. McNurlen compares a bad case of periodontal disease to a fence post with no dirt around it to hold it in the ground. Teeth = fence post; gum and bone = dirt.

Chewing is good. Chewing with your own pearly whites is even better. Because of modern dentistry, we are all more likely than previous generations to die with the same choppers we were born with. This is a good thing. While the paying the bill can seem painful, dental care is money well-spent. "Consider your teeth as an investment in maintaining chewing function," McNurlen said

Treating Gum Disease Lowers Blood Sugars

2010-06-03T10:26:00.000-04:00

A study led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, U.K., and supported by colleagues at the Peninsula Dental School, the University of Ottawa and UCL Eastman Dental Institute, suggests that the treatment of serious gum (periodontal) disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes can lower their blood sugar levels.

The research team analyzed randomized trials of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who had also been diagnosed with periodontal disease. The team looked at 690 papers and included seven studies in the review that fulfilled pre-specified criteria for inclusion.

Their findings suggest that the treatment of periodontal disease can reduce blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes, although there was not enough available evidence to support the same benefit for those with Type 1 diabetes.

Current belief is that, when bacteria infect the mouth and cause inflammation, the resulting chemical changes reduce the effectiveness of insulin produced in the body, thus making it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

The findings are key because many patients and health care professionals do not necessarily make the association between the treatment of gum disease and the control of blood sugar levels. The study suggests that the effective treatment of gum disease could have a positive impact on diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, because good blood sugar control contributes to lowering the risk of serious complications linked to the condition, such as eye problems and heart disease.

Terry Simpson, lead author at the Edinburgh Dental Institute, said, "It would be wise to advise patients of the relationship between treating periodontal disease and the possibility of lowering their blood sugar levels. Additionally, an oral health assessment should be recommended as part of their routine diabetes management."

By Dr. James McAnally and Dr. Neil Gottehrer

2010-03-25T15:41:00.000-04:00

Linkage grows between heart and mouthCardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontal disease are among the most prevalent conditions affecting adults today. Up to 80 million (one of every three) adults have cardiac disease. 38.2 million are under the age of 60. Periodontal disease affects as many as 75% of adults in the United States.Recent clinical studies confirm a strong connection between the two diseases. Desvarieux, et al. in 2005, studied the relationship between periodontal bacteria and atherosclerosis (increased carotid artery intima-media thickness; i.e., narrowing of the artery leading to ischemia and “heart attacks”). He found that periodontal infections can contribute to CVD morbidity (death) and that the chronic oral (periodontal) infection can be a possible mechanism causing CVD.In April 2009, Piconi, et al., published a study showing that treatment of periodontal disease resulted in improvement in atherosclerosis and reduced narrowing of the carotid artery (intima-media thickness). In laymen’s terms, treat the gum problems and even those already with heart disease can see improvements. The results clearly indicated a strict association existing between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, suggesting that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and is a significant predisposition for the disease!

2010-03-09T16:58:00.001-05:00

Does Fluoride Help Adults too?

Most definitely! A controlled study at Washington University showed that adults exposed to fluoridated water only after age 14 had on the average 6 fewer decayed or filled teeth than those with no exposure to fluoridated water.

In people who grew up on fluoridated water, the incidence of root area decay was shown to be substantially less than similar people who grew up without fluoridated water
.
In a recent New York study, the majority of dental patients surveyed believed incorrectly
that brushing alone will prevent decay.

The ADA recommends adults use fluoride daily in addition to toothpaste and professionally applied fluoride twice a year.

2010-03-08T12:23:00.001-05:00

Successful treatment of periodontal disease lowered preterm birth incidences
Washington, DC, USA – Previous studies have explored the effect of periodontal treatment, irrespective of efficacy of treatment, in reducing infant prematurity. In a study titled "Risk of Preterm Birth Is Reduced with Successful Periodontal Treatment," lead researcher M. Jeffcott, and colleagues S. Parry and M. Sammel (all from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia) and G. Macones (Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri) determined whether a reduction in infant prematurity was associated with successful periodontal treatment.
Pregnant subjects between 6 and 20 weeks gestation (using standard pregnancy dating criteria) were eligible for screening and enrollment. Eight hundred and seventy-two subjects with and without periodontal disease were followed. One hundred and sixty subjects with periodontal disease were treated with scaling and root planing. Subjects received periodontal examinations before and after scaling and root planing. Subjects were classified post-hoc according to the results of periodontal treatment: successful treatment ("non-exposure") or unsuccessful treatment ("exposure").
Groups were compared using standard bivariate statistics, odds ratios, and logistic regression analysis. Dichotomous outcomes were compared with chi-square where appropriate.
The primary study outcome for this clinical trial was the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth <35 weeks. Subjects without periodontal disease had 7.2 percent rate of prematurity less than 35 weeks gestation; subjects with periodontal disease had 23.4 percent rate of prematurity <35 weeks gestation. Pregnant women who were refractory to scaling and root planing were significantly more likely to have preterm infants. Subjects who were successfully treated for their periodontal disease had a significantly lower incidence of preterm birth less than 35 weeks gestation.

2010-03-03T12:35:00.001-05:00

USDA recommends no more than 10 teaspoons of sugar a day.
Average person consumes 22, 4 lb bags of sugar a year.

1 Nutrion Bar = 3 ¼ tsp sugar
2 Small Blueberry Muffins = 4 ½ tsp sugar
Ketchup (5 Tablespoons) = 5 tsp sugar
Cinnamon Rolls = 5 tsp sugar
Lucky Charms (bowl) = 6 tsp sugar
Gatorade (32 oz) = 14 tsp sugar
Coke (20 oz) = 16 ¼ tsp sugar
Grande Mocha Cappuccino (Star Bucks) = 13 tsp sugar
Pop Tart (2) = 17 tsp sugar
Yoplait Yogurt 6 oz = 7 tsp sugar
Chili’s Chocolate Lava Dessert = 42 tsp sugar

2010-02-02T08:25:00.001-05:00

Brush Up On Your Heart Health
Oral health expert Dr. Edgard El Chaar addresses the perio-cardio connection and new health guidelines
New York, NY, February 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — If you have gum disease, you're not alone. Approximately 80 percent of American adults have some form of the disease. Gum (periodontal) diseases are chronic bacterial infections that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems including heart disease. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to those without periodontal disease. In recognition of American Heart Month, health professionals across the country are raising awareness about the strong link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.
Leading periodontist, Dr. Edgard El Chaar, DDS, MS, based in New York City, specializes in the prevention and treatment of gum disease and is an active advocate in educating patients about the perio-cardio connection and new treatment guidlines. These guidelines, part of a consensus paper recently published online in the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology, suggest that managing one disease may significantly reduce the risk for the other. As a result of the paper, cardiologists are encouraged to perform oral health examinations and periodontists should inquire about their patients' heart health and family history of heart disease.
"There's no longer any question about the strong relationship between the two diseases, and patients with one condition should be checked immediately for the other," said Dr. El Chaar. "Researchers theorize that either the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build-up and contributes to the swelling of the arteries, or that oral bacteria enters into the blood stream, attaches to fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels and contributes to clot formation, which may lead to heart attacks."
Heart disease is not the only health risk associated with periodontal disease. Clinical studies have linked gum disease to respiratory conditions, premature births and diabetes due to the bacteria in the mouth traveling throughout the body. Patients that experience symptoms such as bleeding, tender or receding gums or persistent bad breath should not only consult a periodontist, but consider discussing their symptoms with a primary care physician as well.

2010-02-01T11:10:00.000-05:00

Dry Mouth
What do I Need to Know About Dry Mouth?
Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while — if they are nervous, upset or under stress.
But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.
Dry mouth ...
Can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking
Can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth
Can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions
Can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician — there are things you can do to get relief.

Are dental x-rays dangerous?

2009-12-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

Some people do not want diagnostic x-rays because they have heard that the radiation is dangerous. In fact, they pose very little danger. There are currently two methods of measuring exposure to radiation.
The first and oldest unit of measure is called a rem. A rem is a large unit, so exposure to medical radiation is generally measured in millirems (mrem). (It takes a thousand millirems to make a rem.) Dental x-rays on the slowest speed film deliver about 4 mrem. (Most offices now use faster films which reduce radiation by a factor of 2-4, the average dose across the board being about 2 mrem per intraoral film.) Thus, using the slowest speed film, a full mouth series of dental x rays (18 intraoral films) delivers about 72 mrem. A panorex film delivers about 8 mrem. By comparison, according to the National council on radiation protection and measurements, the average person in the US is exposed to about 360 mrem per year just from background sources. By this measure, it would take approximately 5 full series of dental radiographs on the slowest speed film to equal the background radiation that the average citizen is exposed to on a yearly basis. Note that we take a new full series every three to five years on average. Most offices use faster film reducing the dose of radiation per film by about half. Offices using digital radiography reduce the radiation by even more.

2009-11-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

7 Principles for Controlling Diabetes for Life
This article describes the 7 principles of good diabetes care. These principles, or steps, will help you manage your diabetes and live a long and active life. Every person who has diabetes has different needs. Talk to your health care team about a treatment plan that is best for you. Diabetes affects almost every part of the body and good diabetes care requires a team of health care providers. They include doctors, diabetes educators, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health workers, eye specialists, foot specialists, dentists, and social workers.
It Is Important to Control Diabetes
Taking good care of diabetes will make you feel better and can lower your chances of getting
heart disease
stroke
eye disease that can lead to a loss of vision or even blindness
nerve damage that may cause a loss of feeling or pain in the hands, feet, legs, or other parts of the body and lead to problems such as lower limb amputation or erectile dysfunction
kidney failure
gum disease and loss of teeth
Principle 1: Learn as Much as You Can About Diabetes
The more you know about diabetes, the better you can work with your health care team to manage your disease and reduce your risk for problems. You should know what type of diabetes you have. If you do not know, ask your doctor whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes. People who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. This type of diabetes is less common and used to be called juvenile diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes. Diet and daily physical activity help to control type 2 diabetes. Most people also need to take diabetes pills or insulin. Type 2 diabetes is very common and used to be called adult onset diabetes.
Diabetes is always a serious disease. Terms that suggest that diabetes is not serious, such as “a touch of diabetes,” “mild diabetes,” and “sugar’s a little high,” are not correct and should no longer be used.
Many People Who Have DiabetesDo Not Know It
Finding and treating diabetes early can prevent health problems later on. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms and do not know they have diabetes. Some people are at higher risk for diabetes than others. People at high risk include those who
are older than 45
are overweight
have a close family member such as a parent, a brother, or a sister who has or has had diabetes
had diabetes during pregnancy
had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
are African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or American Indian
have high blood pressure
have high cholesterol or other abnormal blood fats
are inactive

Ask your doctor if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Halloween Article

2009-10-28T10:17:00.001-04:00

Halloween is Saturday and that means candy, candy, candy. I have fond memories of chocolate, caramel apples, popcorn balls and candy corn.
As an adult I indulge in a few of these treats this time of year – for nostalgia, if nothing else. Only now I limit the amounts and make sure I brush and floss my teeth after eating sweets.
We all know why we brush and floss: to prevent cavities and bad breath. But did you know there is a connection between bad oral health and heart disease, diabetes, dementia and autoimmune diseases?
One possible reason is that inflammation from periodontal disease (swollen, red or tender gums around teeth) increases inflammation throughout your body, which increases the risk of other illnesses.
If you have gum disease, you may be twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease. Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be up to seven times more likely to have a premature, underweight baby.
Diabetics often develop periodontal disease, which can increase blood sugar levels and complications.
There is much more to be learned about how dental health and these illnesses are connected, but if doing something as simple as brushing and flossing your teeth could keep you healthier, why not make a point to do so?
Of course, having pearly whites looks nice, too.
A friend of mine who is a dentist carries her toothpaste and toothbrush everywhere. I cannot quite make that commitment, but I did get into the habit of carrying sugar-free gum containing xylitol when I was in school. Chewing this kind of gum after meals has been shown to reduce the risk of dental decay.
Inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases may start in childhood. Children get into the habit of brushing their teeth if you start as soon as they have teeth.
Dr. Alisa Hideg

Good dental health can help prevent head and neck cancer

2009-09-17T16:07:00.001-04:00

Dental Care & Health Care Articles
Good dental health can help prevent head and neck cancer
Updated: 9/8/2009 7:00:22 PM
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The American Dental Association suggests that adults brush and floss their teeth at least twice each day in order to avoid developing periodontal disease. However, if this isn't enough incentive to maintain good dental health, new research shows that caring for your teeth may keep cancer away. Research from the school of dental medicine at the University of Buffalo indicates that individuals with severe gum disease are at a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the head or neck. The team found that even though some of the research subjects did not use tobacco, they were still at risk for developing this condition if they had a bad case of periodontitis, where the bone was affected as well as the gums. However, scientist and assistant professor Mine Tezal stressed that more studies needed to be completed to confirm this for certain. "The researchers were able to also see an association between bone loss and the risk of head and neck cancer," stated Dr Andrew Olshan, who worked on this study. Regular dental checkups are therefore essential to make sure teeth and gums are healthy. © 2009 Brafton Inc.

2009-09-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

Sleep apnea raises death risk 46 percent: study
Free consultation and informative session about the risks of sleep apnea and how we can treat it in our office. We will help guide you through the entire treatment process.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Severe sleep apnea raises the risk of dying early by 46 percent, U.S. researchers reported Monday, but said people with milder sleep-breathing problems do not share that risk.
They said people with severe breathing disorders during sleep were more likely to die from a variety of causes than similar people without such sleep disorders. The risks are most obvious in men aged 40 to 70, Naresh Punjabi of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and colleagues found.
Sleep apnea is caused by a collapse of the upper airway during sleep. Strong snoring can be a symptom but what makes apnea different are numerous brief interruptions in breathing.
Sleep apnea is closely linked with obesity, high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke, but researchers have not been able to clearly quantify how much more likely it makes a person to die.
Punjabi's team studied 6,400 men and women for an average of eight years. Those who started with major sleep apnea were 46 percent more likely to die from any cause, regardless of age, sex, race, weight or smoking, they reported in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Medicine.
Men aged 40 to 70 with severe sleep-disordered breathing were twice as likely to die from any cause as healthy men the same age, they reported in the study -- available online at http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1000132.
"Among men, 42.9 percent did not have sleep-disordered breathing, 33.2 percent had mild disease, 15.7 percent had moderate disease, and 8.2 percent had severe disease," they wrote.
They said about 25 percent of the women had mild sleep apnea, 8 percent had moderate disease and 3 percent had severely disordered breathing.
The researchers, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, said people with milder sleep-breathing disorders were not more likely to die early.
The NHLBI estimates 12 million adult Americans have sleep apnea, but most are not diagnosed or treated. The National Sleep Foundation puts the number at 18 million.
"In severe sleep apnea a patient's airway is blocked while the patient suffers for 20 to 30 seconds and wakes up.
"When it becomes this frequent -- 30 times per hour -- about every two minutes it is severe sleep apnea and can become a problem," said Dr. David Rapoport of New York University, who worked on the study.
"The best treatment for sleep apnea is weight loss. However, the most successful treatment can be a nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask that applies pressure to help keep the airways of a patient open while they sleep, allowing normal breathing," he added in a statement.
"Another possible helpful treatment is surgery. That may include tonsil removal," said Rapoport. "A mouth guard that pulls a patient's mouth forward is another option."
A small Canadian company, Victhom Human Bionics Inc., has filed a patent on a new device to detect sleep apnea, which must usually be diagnosed in a sleep lab and Medtronic Inc. makes sleep apnea devices.

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