Category Archives: Dental Health

Dr. Nadler Lectures at SMC

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 diabetesphoto3

This past Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Diabetes Support Group at the Somerset Medical Center.  The title of the talk was “Diabetes in Dentistry –What You Need To Know.”  Two themes were emphasized during the hour-long lecture.

First, all systems and organs in the body are connected.  And, in this case, diabetics are at risk for more severe periodontal infections than the general population.  In addition, uncontrolled periodontal disease actually aggravates the diabetes as well as the reverse.

Second, it’s all about prevention.   Those with diabetes often have xerostomia or “dry mouth.“  So, not only do diabetics have a compromised ability to fight infections, butdry mouth also contributes to an increased risk of decay and gum disease.  As a result, cavities and gum disease can progress rather quickly in these patients.  And, by the time a person realizes that a problem exists, the issue is often quite advanced and requires more aggressive, costly and involved treatment to be addressed.  Prevention through regularly scheduled care  as well as proper home care is the best way to avoid such major problems. 

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The entire lecture as well as the questions and answers segment that followed was videotaped.  It will be on the hospital television channel as well as online at www.somervilletv.com under “Live TV.”

If you have any questions about diabetes and dentistry, it will be my pleasure to answer them.   I can be reached in the office @ 908.359.6655 or online at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com  

 

Basket of Dental Goods To Be Auctioned For Charity

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Our dear friend Sharon is turning 50. She has requested that instead of giving her a gift, we make a donation to one or both of her two favorite charities: Special Olympics (which needs no introduction) or The Center for Great Expectations (Helping adult and young women and their children through homelessness, pregnancy, and addiction recovery). To that end, we have decided to auction a basket of excellent dental gadgets and supplies in her honor. All proceeds will go to one or both of these charities as chosen by the single auction winner. The basket contains the following: 1. An Oral B Triumph Electric Toothbrush plus a replacement Brush Head plus Interspace Brush Head 2. A TresWhite Supreme Home Bleaching Kit 3. A Hummingbird Electric Flosser 4. A Large Bottle Listerine Rinse 5. Two Manual Toothbrushes and Toothpastes and Flosses 6. A Complimentary Cosmetic or TMJ/Headache or Sleep Apnea Consultation. TOTAL VALUE OF THE BASKET = $415 !!!! The bidding will start at $50. All bidding will be done on our blog page at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com. The bidding will end at 5 PM on THIS Friday February 22, 2013 at which time the highest bidder BEFORE 5PM will be deemed to have won this great basket!

Our dear friend Sharon is turning 50.  She has requested that instead of giving her a gift, we make a donation to one or both of her two favorite charities:  Special Olympics (which needs no introduction)  or The Center for Great Expectations (Helping adult and young women and their children through homelessness, pregnancy, and addiction recovery).

To that end, we have decided to auction a basket of excellent dental gadgets and supplies in her honor.  All proceeds will go to one or both of these charities as chosen by the single auction winner.

The basket contains the following:  1. An Oral B Triumph Electric Toothbrush  plus a replacement Brush Head  plus Interspace Brush Head 2. A TresWhite Supreme Home Bleaching Kit 3. A Hummingbird Electric Flosser  4. A Large Bottle Listerine Rinse 5. Two Manual Toothbrushes and Toothpastes and Flosses 6. A Complimentary Cosmetic or TMJ/Headache or Sleep Apnea Consultation.  TOTAL VALUE OF THE BASKET = $415 !!!!

The bidding will start at $50.  All bidding will be done on our blog page at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com.  The bidding will end at 5 PM on THIS Friday March 1, 2013 at which time the highest bidder BEFORE 5PM will be deemed to have won this great basket!

Improve Your Workouts And Lessen TMJ Pain With Six Exercises

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Mariano Rocabado, DPT is a physical therapist who specializes in problems with the head, neck and spines. His work with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMD) is very extensive, and he developed an exercise program that is taught to all over the world to address postural relationships with the head to neck, neck to shoulders and lower jaw to upper jaw. The objective of this home exercise program is for patients to learn a new postural position, fight the soft tissue memory of the old position, restore the original muscle length-tension relationships, restore normal joint mobility and restore normal body balance.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a term which encompasses inflammatory disorders of the jaw. Symptoms of TMJ may include headache, earache, neck pain, jaw tenderness and clicking or aching facial muscles. TMJ usually occurs when the muscles used for chewing and your jaw joint are out of balance.  The cause of TMJ is most commonly improper alignment of your teeth, and is exacerbated by stress and tooth grinding.

What is most interesting is that when the body’s posture is corrected, amazing things happen with regard to strength, flexibility and balance.  Similarly, there are bite appliances which place the jaw in its “physiologic” neuromuscular position.  Such appliances are used not only to treat TMJ but are also worn by athletes of all kinds to improve their performance – golfers, basketball players, football players, etc.  I have seen demonstrations of such “instant” improvements and they are amazing.  Feel free to ask me for a demonstration the next time that you visit the office.

I began using one of these exercises during my workouts in cycle classes which I have grown to love.  These spin classes have been the core of my cardiovascular exercise for many years now.  Proper posture improves performance while exercising and playing sports, and I find that that there is a simple maneuver to help ensure good body position to allow me to get the most of my workouts.  It’s the last exercise in the series described below.

Rocabado advocates that the program be performed by the patient at home, and it consists of six different exercises and six repetitions of each exercise, performed six times per day until symptoms subside. The Rocabado exercises emphasize correct postural position and help to combat the soft tissue memory of your old posture. Perform the exercises one after the other until your session is complete. It will take about one minute.

The six exercises:

  1. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Position the tip just behind your teeth and take six deep breaths.
  2. Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth and open and close your mouth six times.
  3. Your tongue remains on the roof of your mouth and two fingers are placed on the chin to open your mouth against gentle resistance. Following that, place your fingers on both sides of your jaw and move the jaw sideways six times.
  4. Place your hands behind your neck and bend your chin down as if nodding your head.
  5. Move your chin down and back as if making a double chin.
  6. Finally, correct your posture by lifting your ribs and chest upward while squeezing your shoulder blades together.

Perform six repetitions of these exercises six times a day.

Give these exercises a try.  If you feel pain while performing these exercises, stop doing them and consider calling us to arrange a TMJ screening or consultation about your symptoms.  If you have questions, feel free to call us at 908.359.6655 or send us an email via our website at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com

Change your diet, Protect your teeth!

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Change Your Diet, Protect Your Teeth

Food and Oral Health

Every few months, we remind our blog readers about the basic formula that leads to tooth decay and poor oral health:

Bacteria + Food + Time = CAVITIES or GUM DISEASE or BOTH

You probably already know that the foods that put you at the greatest risk for tooth decay and gum disease are those high in sugar, any kind of sugar.   An easy way to address this is to opt for snacks that are lower in sugar and higher in nutritional content.  This not only reduces the risk of cavities, but also helps to strengthen overall health by nourishing the body.

For “mouth healthy eating”, the ADA mouthhealthy website makes the following recommendations:

“For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:
  •  whole grains
  •  fruits
  • vegetables
  • lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
  • low-fat and fat-free dairy foods”

    Are there foods that can protect my teeth?

Beyond controlling sugar intake to make a positive impact on your oral health, there are also some foods that are known to help protect and strengthen the teeth.

Cheese: Cheese, especially cheddar cheese can help balance the pH levels in your mouth, neutralizing the natural acids found in foods.  Neutralizing these acids can help protect the enamel on your teeth, which erodes when exposed to acids.

Crunchy Vegetables: Crunchy veggies actually help clean your teeth while you eat, helping to remove food particles as you chew, limiting the build-up of plaque.  Also, chewing crunchy vegetables can help increase saliva production in the mouth, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize cavity-causing acids.  And they are extremely nutritious!

Sesame Seeds: These flavorful little seeds are abrasive enough to help remove plaque from your teeth while they are being chewed.  In addition, they are high in calcium and can help promote strong teeth in children.

 Are there supplements that can help support my oral health? 

There are certain supplements that can help keep your gums healthy, which in turn can help promote your overall oral health.  Check out the answers provided by Dr. De Vizio DMD and Dr. Gerry Curatola on the Colgate Oral Health Sharecare website:

Yes, supplements such as Vitamin B and iron can help keep your gums healthy. Vitamin B is essential for growth and iron for healthy blood, which in turn contributes to healthy gum tissue. Vitamin C keeps gums healthy by producing healthy connective tissue that holds teeth in their sockets. The antioxidant nutrient, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) provides energy needed for gum cell growth and healing of gum tissue. Other nutrients important for gum health include vitamin A and beta carotene, zinc, vitamin E, selenium, and flavonoids. ~Dr. De Vizio DMD

Japanese researchers in the 1970’s biopsied diseased gums and discovered that there were deficiencies of key antioxidants necessary for proper cell function. Since then, ongoing research has identified the most important are Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q-10, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, B-12, Vitamin D, and Essential Fatty Acids- Omega 3, 6, 9. ~Dr. Gerry Curatola

 Promoting Your Health with Food

As you can see, not only can eating certain foods CAUSE cavities, but eating others can actually help PREVENT them.  This won’t replace the need to brush and floss regularly and get regular dental check-ups and cleanings, but it can help to promote and protect your oral and overall health.

To learn more about maintaining your oral health, schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard M. Nadler by calling our Hillsborough NJ dentist office at (908) 359-6655. Remember to visit our website at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com for more information about our office and services.

A Healthy Smile Is No Luxury

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Teeth Need Not Change with Age!

Healthy AgingA healthy mouth helps to promote general health and wellness through all stages of life.  According to everydayhealth.com, “research shows that people with good dental health are less likely to develop diabetes and heart disease or have strokes”.  So, maintaining a healthy mouth throughout life is a wonderful habit to develop for the sake of preserving your teeth, your smile, and your overall well-being!

The basics of dental care – brushing, flossing, regular check-ups and cleanings, and eating right – are the same as in all other stages of life. However, there are certain oral health concerns that are more common in seniors.  Knowing these can help you know what to watch for as years come and go.

 

Tooth Decay:  Bacteria-filled plaque builds up quickly on your tooth enamel, the hard protective covering on your teeth.  The acid that these bacteria produce causes tooth decay.  As we get older, cavities are more likely to develop around old fillings and crowns as well as on exposed root surfaces.

Gum Disease:  Gum disease or periodontal disease, occurs when plaque accumulates and spreads beneath the gum line.  Again, the bacteria in plaque which work their way onto and under the gumline causes inflamed, bleeding gums and eventually bone loss.  Once the attachment of the teeth is compromised, repair can be either very difficult or impossible.  In its most severe form, gum disease results in the loss of teeth.

Root Caries:  Root caries is decay on the roots of your teeth.  If the gums recede and the soft root surface of the tooth is exposed, such decay is very common.  This surface is more susceptible to decay than tooth enamel and is more commonly seen as we enter our retirement years.

Dry Mouth:  Dry mouth is also called xerostomia.  It often occurs as a side effect of medication or other health problems and treatments, including cancer treatments like radiation therapy.  Menopausal and post-menopausal women also often produce less saliva.  The reduction of saliva leads an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease because the buffers in saliva which neutralize bacterial acids are no longer present.

Oral Cancer:  There are about 35,000 cases of mouth, throat and tongue cancer diagnosed every year according to the American Cancer Society.  Most are over the age of 40, with an average diagnosis age of 62.  Two of the most common contributors to oral cancer are tobacco in any form and alcohol.  Enough said!  Regular exams which include oral cancer screenings can be life savers.

Denture Problems:  Denture wearers need regular care too.  If dentures become loose or fit poorly, mouth sores develop making chewing very difficult and potentially causing excessive loss of bone.  Dentures must also be properly maintained so that bacterial colonies do not form on their surfaces.

Be sure to ask your dental professionals for assistance in caring for your dentures.

 

The steps to maintaining oral health throughout  life change very little.

  • Brush and floss regularly to eliminate plaque.
  • Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
  • Eat nutritious foods and put a limit on “Junk”.
  • Don’t smoke or chew tobacco, and if you do, take the steps to quit.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation.
  • If you have dentures, be sure to give them proper care.

These few simple steps lay a solid foundation for excellent oral health and help you to maintain a smile to last a lifetime!

LINKS AND RESOURCES

VIDEO: Adults Over 60

Health Aging: Oral Health

Adult dental health: aging healthfully

Oral Health Concerns for People Over 60

Busting the Sleep Apnea Stereotype

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IS THERE A SLEEP APNEA STEREOTYPE?

What pops into your mind at the mention of sleep apnea (OSA)?  Do you automatically think of the sleep apnea stereotype:  A middle-aged, overweight man who wears a massive spaceman machine (CPAP) on his head and face at night to keep him from snoring at the decibel level of a herd of buffalo stampeding through the room…?

But sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate, and there truly is no stereotypical snorer.   OSA can affect men and women of all ages and levels of fitness, even affecting children and professional athletes.  On the same token, the CPAP machine, so often associated with OSA, is not the only form of sleep apnea treatment.

Not getting enough rest can have associated health risks

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The problem with the stereotype is that it prevents people from getting diagnosed and treated, leaving them at risk for many additional health problems associated with Sleep Apnea like diabetes, stroke and even cancer.  Up to 75% of the people who suffer from OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.  A broader awareness of who sleep apnea affects and how it can be treated is necessary to address and treat this sleep disorder that affects an estimated 12 million Americans.

SLEEP APNEA DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE

Sleep Apnea Doesn't Discriminate - Young Man Yawning

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We can’t reiterate enough that there is no one type of person who is affected by Sleep Apnea.  Although it does affect more men than women, and the risk of OSA goes up as weight and age increase, anyone can be affected by sleep apnea.  Children and even infants can suffer from sleep breathing disorders .  An estimated 2% of all women have a form of sleep apnea.  Even professional athletes like Shaquille O’Neal have OSA.  In our office we screen all of our patients for sleep apnea, regardless of age, gender, weight and health history.  Screening all patients can help detect sleep issues and assist our patients in maintaining their overall health and wellness.

TREATING SLEEP APNEA WITHOUT THE MACHINE

Sleep Apnea treatment is usually associated with the CPAP machine, a mask worn over the face and head to help patients get necessary amounts of oxygen, stop snoring and sleep through the night.  However, that is not the only treatment option.  Other options include oral appliances and, in some cases, surgery.  These alternatives are often sought by patients who cannot tolerate the CPAP or who have not achieved acceptable  results with the apparatus.  Recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild to moderate sleep apnea, we provide our patients with custom made dental appliances, which position the jaw forward and down to hold the airway open and allow patients to breathe and sleep soundly through the night.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL DEVICES

(list from the New York Times Guide to Dental Devices for Sleep Apnea)

  • Significant reduction in apneas for those with mild-to-moderate apnea, particularly if patients sleep either on their backs or stomachs.  The devices also improve airflow for some patients with severe apnea and are excellent when used in conjunction with CPAP to allow lower airflow through the mask resulting in greater comfort and compliance.
  • Improvement in sleep in many patients.
  • Reduction in the frequency and loudness of snoring in most patients.
  • Higher compliance rates than with CPAP alone.
  • Dental devices have shown better long-term control of sleep apnea when compared to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), a common surgical treatment.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Couple sleeping...getting a good night's rest

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dr. Nadler screens all patients for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and recommends a sleep study to diagnose any possible cases.  He makes custom dental appliances to treat sleep apnea, helping his patients sleep comfortably through the night, stop snoring and reduce the health risks related to sleep apnea.  If you have any questions about OSA or how dental sleep appliances can help in relieving symptoms and treating OSA, don’t hesitate to call our office at 908-359-6655.

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Visit our website to learn more about how Dr. Nadler treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine: Oral Appliances

New York Times Guide to Dental Devices for Sleep Apnea:

What Are You Afraid Of? –The Scariest Dental Procedures Explained

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Dentist with Instruments

Image courtesy of Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

According to reports and our experiences, nearly half of all adults dread going to the dentist. From root canals to TMD to the smallest filling, many adults are afraid of the dental procedures they need to maintain or improve their oral health. Many even avoid going to the dentist altogether because of these fears. Check out this slideshow put together by Everydayhealth.com that explains some of the procedures that people find the most frightening. A little education can go a long way to allay patients’ fears about dentistry!

SLIDESHOW: THE SCARIEST DENTAL PROCEDURES EXPLAINED

For Your Health-Smoking Kills Good Bacteria in the Mouth

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Smoking Kills Good Bacteria in the MouthSmoking and Oral Health: Disrupting the Body’s Balance

We all know that smoking affects oral health, increasing the risk of oral cancer and gum disease as well as staining teeth.  What you may not know is that smoking disrupts the natural balance of microbial ecosystems in the body by killing good bacteria in the mouth and weakening the immune system.

As reported by ScienceDaily, “According to a new study, smoking causes the body to turn against its own helpful bacteria, leaving smokers more vulnerable to disease”.

There is a certain amount of healthy bacteria that lives throughout the body, including the mouth.  The study, published in the Journal of Infection and Immunity and cited by ScienceDaily shows that the “the mouth of a smoker is a much more chaotic, diverse ecosystem – and is much more susceptible to invasion by harmful bacteria” than the mouth of a non-smoker.

Bacterial Biofilms

The healthy or good bacteria forms protective biofilms and helps to fight off the bad bacteria.  For those who smoke, it is harder for these bacterial ecosystems to regrow after cleanings.  Without these protective biofilms, harmful bacteria can proliferate much faster in the mouth of a smoker than a non-smoker.

“By contrast [with non-smokers],” said Kumar, “smokers start getting colonized by pathogens — bacteria that we know are harmful — within 24 hours. It takes longer for smokers to form a stable microbial community, and when they do, it’s a pathogen-rich community.”  In addition, the natural immune system of a smoker fights off the good bacteria, treating it as harmful instead of helpful, making it more difficult to maintain a balance.  Often, this immune response, which is at much higher levels than non-smokers, can lead to periodontal or gum disease and even bone loss.

This study adds to the list of the dangers and health risks of smoking and helps to illustrate one of the possible reasons that gum disease is higher in smokers than non-smokers.  If you would like more information on how we can help you with your oral health please call our office at 908-359-6655.

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Read the ScienceDaily’s full article

Oral Health = A Healthy You!

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Dental Cleanings Help Ensure Your Overall Health

Regular dental cleanings and examinations help ensure your overall health

We’ve posted about this before, but cannot over-stress the importance of the connection between your dental health and your general health.  No part of the body functions in isolation – everything is connected.  So it should come as no surprise that the health of your mouth affects the health of the rest of your body.  And, maintaining your oral health helps to preserve your overall health and well-being.

Beginning with the basics, proper brushing and flossing, in conjunction with regular dental cleanings and checkups, help to control the level of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Certain bacteria, if left unchecked, can cause cavities and periodontal disease and contribute to more serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and clogged arteries.  The mouth is a gateway to the body, and bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body triggering inflammation or infection. Dental examinations help to reveal some of these underlying health issues as dentists are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms which are displayed in the head, neck, mouth and throat.  Proper examinations are true oral medicine, and the best dentists are excellent diagnosticians – they love to figure out what’s going on and why.

Not only can your oral health affect the health of the rest of your body, but there are medical conditions that can affect your oral health.  For example, those with diabetes have a higher risk of developing infections.  Gum disease is a bacterial infection which can more easily get out of control in a diabetic patient, especially one whose blood sugar is not controlled.  Also, unbalanced hormone levels during pregnancy commonly result in gingivitis which, in turn, increases the risks of low-birth weight and premature births.

The oral-body connection is a two-way street. Oral health affects your overall health and wellness including the immune system, which helps to protect the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.  Proper brushing and flossing along with professional cleanings and checkups preserves your healthy smile and is an integral part of your optimum health equation. Eating good foods, maintaining your weight, exercising regularly, and living a happy life are fundamental factors of the equation as well.  Prevention is key – all maladies are more easily healed when discovered early.  Living a healthy lifestyle becomes more popular every year among aging baby-boomers as well as vibrant 20-somethings.  All it takes is a little knowledge, a little discipline, and a little desire!

Click to read more about the link between oral and overall health and the benefits exercise can have on your oral health.

UN Mercury Free Treaty Seeks to Phase Out Metal Amalgam

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Mercury Free Dentistry May Soon Be Required By UN Treaty

Mercury Free Dentistry

Dr. Nadler has offered only mercury free dentistry for over 20 years!

The American Dental Association officially states that the mercury in amalgam fillings is safe. Be that as it may, our office has taken no chances with your health, having offered only metal-free fillings for the past twenty plus years. While several countries have banned the use of amalgam fillings, its use in the U.S. is still prevalent. A recent report by the Concord East/West consulting firm stating that 32 tons of dental mercury is used annually in the U.S. Besides possible health effects, there is concern over the environmental impact of amalgam fillings. According to the E.P.A., “approximately 50 percent of mercury entering local waste treatment plants comes from dental amalgam waste”, costing taxpayers an additional $41 per filling for environmental costs, cleanup and waste treatment.

However, all of this may soon change. As reported by foxnews.com, by next year, the United Nations Environmental Programme will have completed the text of a legally binding, global treaty on mercury pollution. The treaty is supported by the U.S. State Department, and will serve to phase out the use of products containing mercury. Amalgam fillings on are on the treaty’s list of products to be phased out. If the treaty passes all dentists may be facing a global mandate to stop the use of silver amalgam fillings completely.

The treaty and the phase out of amalgam in dental restorations are not without controversy. The treaty is supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization, but others see it as a scare tactic used simply to enforce further regulations. There is ongoing debate among dental and other health professionals about the possible health risks of mercury exposure from amalgam fillings and whether the mercury present in the fillings is enough to cause any risk.

If the treaty passes, whether or not there are in fact health risks related to the use of mercury in fillings, dentists across the country and the entire world will be affected and forced to change their treatment choices. The ADA “has expressed the view that any proposed ‘phase-down’ of dental amalgam should be linked to a ‘phase-up’ of dental preventive programs. We have also focused on the safety of dental amalgam, the need for further dental materials research and the proper management of dental amalgam waste”, addressing both health and environmental factors in its response.

The next conference of the UNEP to discuss the progress of the “mercury free treaty” will be held in June.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Read more about the proposed U.N. “mercury-free” treaty 

More on the environmental impacts of mercury fillings from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

ADA Leadership Report response to the UN treaty meetings

NOTE: Originally posted April 24th, 2012