Anti-Aging is something of a buzzword in today’s marketplace: the medical community, the marketing community and nearly every community in between seems to have been captured by this craze. What exactly is anti-aging? The concept is to reduce the visual signs of a person’s age to make one appear younger, more vibrant and more beautiful. While there are a range of methods and procedures available to the public to accomplish anti-aging, the patient themselves must be willing to make changes to his or her lifestyle in order to sustain the changes provided by his or her physician.
I recently attended the 5th European Congress in Aesthetic Dermatology and Surgery in Anti-Aging Medicine, hosted by the European Masters in Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine (or EMAA) in Paris, France. The conference focused on a plethora of anti-aging information and news in the field, but what I found interesting were the procedures tailored toward dental medicine. Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein that is in fact one of the most poisonous substances known to man! Despite the dramatic definition, the use of very small amounts of this toxin to treat muscle spasms in anti-aging medicine is widespread. Botox relaxes muscle spasms in a way that can reduce wrinkles, by training specific muscle groups to relax and lower tension. Botox effects wear off between three and six months, and will need to be re-administered to maintain results.
From the dental aspect, Botox can be used to control a gummy smile. Botox relaxes the muscles in a person’s upper lip – known as hyperactive upper lip – which contributes to a gummy smile. When Botox is injected into the muscle group in a person’s lip, the toxin actually relaxes the muscles and restricts the muscle’s ability to overly contract upward thus showing excessive gum tissue . Botox can also be used to control facial muscle spasms that contribute not only to wrinkles and frown lines, but to headaches as well. By undergoing Botox therapy, the muscles in the lips and face can be trained to eventually relax on their own.
Although Botox may sound like a miracle drug for reducing the appearance of gummy smiles, fine lines and even headaches, one must remember that any anti-aging treatment plan is dual-fold: the patient must be committed to their health in order to achieve long-lasting results. Patient compliance is key in any medical treatment plan, but when it comes to anti-aging, a healthy lifestyle can make all the difference in the world. Diet is one of the most important factors in patient compliance. Everyone has heard the age-old saying “you are what you eat,” – it is absolutely true.
A patient who is concerned with his or her physical health and appearance – and is willing to go through Botox therapy to achieve anti-aging results – must realize that his or her diet is vital to achieving long-lasting results. Vegetables, lean proteins and minerals are all vital in achieving healthy skin, bones and organ function. A poor diet high in refined sugars, fat and carbohydrates with poor habits (like alcohol consumption and smoking, staying up late and no exercise) all will contribute to a faster aging process. We all wishto be young and healthy forever – it all starts with healthy choices.
People ask me all the time whether they should have laser bleaching to whiten their smile. “It all depends on whether you are in a hurry to get your teeth whitened, and whether or not you are a candidate for tooth whitening in the first place” – my typical response! The benefits of laser bleaching over an over-the-counter home solution include instant results, a painless experience and a completely guided procedure. If your teeth can benefit from teeth whitening, at-home tray bleaching techniques will work for most people unless their teeth are sensitive, eroding, severely worn or if they have gum recession. If you do have severely discolored teeth, a combination of laser bleaching and home bleaching and whitening toothpaste would be the best approach to obtaining and maintaining a bright and dazzling smile.
Laser bleaching utilizes laser light energy to accelerate the chemical reaction of a bleaching agent, typically a hydrogen peroxide base product. Hydrogen peroxide is very unstable in response to light and heat (which is why over-the-counter 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is stored in opaque dark brown bottles). Because of this, light energy can excite peroxide molecules, breaking the covalent bonds of the bleaching agent. The agent then reacts to and breaks the long, discolored molecule chains into shorter-chained molecules, lightening the tooth color. The bleaching agent used with laser bleaching is a high-strength solution when compared to home bleaching agents or over-the-counter kits. Your mouth will be protected with an isolator to protect the oral tissues , and placement of the bleaching agent is done in a very controlled manner by a highly trained dental professional. Once a 10-to-15 minute bleaching cycle is complete, the teeth will be cleaned and evaluated to discern whether additional applications of bleaching agent will follow. Normal bleaching procedures involve three applications of the bleaching gel, with an “instant average” of six shades of whiteness typically resulting. Laser bleaching is instantly gratifying. In my office, you can watch a movie through virtual i-glasses while the procedure takes place, and before your movie is finished your teeth will have been transformed into a younger, prettier and whiter smile!
Many different types of lasers (or light) are used for eliciting fast chemical reactions in teeth whitening. Some people will experience more sensitivity when infrared energy (heat) is utilized, which appears in most dental offices, but a few alternatives like Argon or KTP lasers (which emit blue and green light) exist. These lasers have the correct level of energy required to excite the bleaching gel, but they leave the teeth cool and comfortable. Most sensitivity is transient, and should subside within a day (Ibuprofen will be helpful if there is any available). After a smile has been bleached with a laser, one must be very careful to maintain his or her newly brightened smile lest the brilliant white color fade and dull over time. Alcohol, soft drinks and smoking are all bad habits which can stain teeth and regress any laser bleaching process. A healthy diet will also be beneficial for your physical and oral health. If you take care of your mouth, your reward will be apparent with a happy and healthy smile.
One day the word “dentures” could become a historical term, once all preventive medicine has been practiced! At the present time, however, someone you are caring for may still need to rely on wearing dentures to get by with their dental health. For this reason, it should be nice to learn some facts about dentures. Usually, wearing dentures is a difficult new experience that is often hard to get used to. Time and practive will allow cheeks and tongue get used to the sensation of holding your dentures in place, if there is adequate dental ridge and muscle tone. A dental adhesive might be needed for the beginner or for someone with insufficient bone ridge or muscle tone.
Upper full denture
When first starting to wear dentures, eating even the most simple foods may seem difficult. The foreign sensation of wearing a plastic appliance over a portion of the mouth shouldn’t feel painful – be grateful that this treatment option is available to restore your oral function and health back the best it can be! After first receiving the dentures, eat simple, non-sticky foods like yogurts, steamed vegetables and eggs. Raw vegetables and nuts should be avoided as these items tend to require rigorous use of teeth. When chewing, place food on both rear sides of your dentures to keep your mouth balanced. This is something that will become easier with time.
As a general rule of thumb, denture wearers tend to have a poorer diet than non-denture wearers, so getting a healthy balanced diet is key. If you find difficulty eating with your dentures, check with dentist as adjustments are routine to keep everything functioning and feeling as it should. Dentures should be a supplementary device intended to add to a person’s quality of life, not detract from it. Speech may also be affected by dentures, and although it may seem difficult or cumbersome in the beginning, after about a month, speech should improve. If not, speak with your dentist about the situation.
Remember, keeping your dentures clean is just as important as keeping your mouth clean. Dentures should be cleaned after each meal, during which the mouth should be cleaned with rinse or lightly scrubbed with a soft bristle toothbrush, to prevent food from sitting beneath the dentures and irritating the gum (which can lead to a fungus infection). Remember, do not sleep with dentures in – the gums need a chance to rest!
It is possible to have a fruitful, fulfilling life with dentures , if the dentures after multiple adjustments or even new sets still have problem to stay in or hurts, there are other options , maybe selections or set up of different denture teeth,ridge augmentation or dental impalnts, Be sure to find out what will be the best restorative options to regain abilit to eat healthy and feeling healthy. every 6 months with your dental professional to prevent any unexpected problems.
Being able to smile is a beautiful thing – we all deserve a beautiful one! Some of us might need some work to obtain a dazzling smile, and cosmetic dentistry has been very popular and reaching that dazzle. Just don’t let your dream turn into a nightmare while pursuing your smile make over!
If you are planning on having any elective cosmetic work done, make sure your physician is familiar with different cosmetic options and has a good training background. The most common cosmetic dentistry problems can be prevented if you do your homework, including unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes or clinical and technical shortcomings! These problems can lead to a not so happy nor healthy smile, altered speech, gum irritation, increased tooth sensitivity , chipping, loose teeth and even breakage of porcelain (from insufficient bonds between natural teeth and porcelain veneers from an overly trimmed tooth structure or bite issue). These errors end up needing additional work (like crowns, root canals or gum surgery) and can be painful and infuriating.
It is important when considering any kind of cosmetic work – dentistry or otherwise – that you evaluate your own needs, and knowing your own health as a foundation for your own future. The consequences of only looking at cosmetic dental procedures without the health side can put your long term oral health at risk. If you have a fairly healthy mouth with well-aligned teeth, it may be easier to get satisfactory cosmetic results with the average cosmetic dentist . If you have seriously mis-aligned teeth, gum disease or lots of dental work / TMJ problems (or are prone to cavities), you have a much more sensitive oral cavity and must be very careful with who you choose to be your cosmetic dentist. Also, you may require multiple steps in order to attain a healthy, long lasting result.
It is also important to have a well thought-out plan before the procedures starts as good communication with your cosmetic dentist and technician is key. Not only is it necessary to be able to convey your desires clearly, but it is also best to go through the proper diagnostic steps to analyze the problem, plan the treatment scientifically with a mock-up or wax-up procedure and set up the detailed 3-D blueprint of your smile makeover before proceeding with dental reconstruction work. Make sure your dentist and ceramist are well experienced by asking other patients what kind of work you can expect and by checking into his or her credentials, education and training background (www.aacd.com is a good reference site). Look at pictures of past cases the dentist has worked on, and get a feel of what kind of sincerity and caring attitude the dental team will be able to provide you, in order to help make your important decision. Make sure you ask questions about what will make the procedure a long term success before proceeding the work.
It is a wonderful thing to have a great smile, but maintaining it will be just important. Proper home care and regular professional check-ups are musts – proper diet and healthy habits will keep your smile beautiful for a long time! Finally, wear a night guard if you are prone to bruxism as they can help maintain the structure of your oral system.
The vegetarian diet can be very beneficial in many ways: the choice to be vegetarian has been shown to help fight illness and disease, vegetarians help the environment and make positive impacts in their carbon footprints. The diet, consisting especially of whole grain, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes can lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers. For these reasons, many people are choosing to become vegetarian, however, the nutritional deficiencies that sometime result from the vegetarian diet can often reveal themselves during dental exams.
Even though we assume that vegetarians are well aware of what goes into their body (and are well versed in keeping proper nutritional habits up), it’s easy for vegetarians to become malnourished – especially young vegetarians under the age of 18. Common vegetarian deficiencies include calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12 or complete proteins. The good news is that by eating the proper combination of fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and legumes, these deficiencies can be avoided. If you have youngsters on vegetarian diets, be sure to instill the importance of a balanced diet, and the seriousness of vitamin deficiencies, which can cause illness and other systemic problems, including dental maladies.
“An adult on a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period can be at increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease from a lack of vitamin D and calcium,” says Dr. Leibsohn of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). For this reason, it is very important that any adult (or parent of any child) considering “the green gateway” should first consult with their dietitian or dental professional. The specific diet you or your loved ones may be undertaking could have key deficiencies which could lead to serious health problems down the road. For example, a vitamin D deficiency can actually make your teeth and gums more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Vitamin D is produced in the body with sun exposure, so deficiencies are rare, but deficiencies can develop in those who do not consume milk or fish. Adding vegetable margarine or soy milk may help, though a better idea is to supplement the vegetarian diet with a weekly salmon steak, tuna salad and/or low fat cheese, milk or yogurt to supply a healthy foundation for your body and smile.
It might surprise you to learn that over 20 million individual teeth are extracted from American mouths every year – the devastating news is that many of these extractions could have been avoided. Once teeth “pass the point of no return,” costly implants or other techniques must be used to restore a person’s smile or chewing function properly – and if said person is unable to afford proper treatment, their missing teeth may cause subsequent dental problems or humiliation and devastating blows to his or her self-esteem, even harming job security, depending on what career path said person has taken.
The sad fact of the matter is that less than 10% of people suffering from tooth pain or other signs of future tooth loss ever see a dentist (or dental professional); because nearly all tooth loss is preventable, this is simply unacceptable! Dental phobia, the fear of being judged by a dentist or financial troubles are often contributing factors in why most people suffering from tooth pain never see a dentist, but the consequence of delaying (or avoiding all together) a dental check-up often results in edentulism (missing one or more teeth). Worst of all, oral health problems are systematic (meaning they can affect other systems or parts of the body), and problems grow with time, making the need to see your dentist that much more urgent if you are suffering from tooth pain.
Of course, tooth loss in rare incidences could be due to injury or genetic problems, mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, bad oral habits leading to tooth and gum disease and eventually tooth loss. For starters, brushing and flossing twice daily and after meals is essential! When food particles are left behind embedded between tooth crevices, bacteria begins a destructive process which eats away at your teeth and gum. Secondly, eating sugary, carbohydrate-laden foods and drinking sugary beverages [frequently] without prompt proper care can erode the enamel on your teeth, making you more prone to tooth loss and gum disease. Without timely dental care, these habits will lead to an untreatable situation and inevitable tooth loss. To prevent all that unpleasantness (and the costly consequences of tooth loss), the best solution is prevention. Prevention means having a terrific home care program, proper diet and habit and getting your regular dental cleanings and check ups every year. When the problem is small (or in a earlier stage of deterioration), problems are much easier to correct and restore. To the end the effort is all worthy, and having a healthy mouth is truly the foundation of good physical health (you can eat and digest healthy, high fibrous food) and mental health (self esteem and being able to smile with confidence)!
In the current recession, unemployment rates are at all time highs! It’s a scary prospect to be faced with possible job loss, but especially in professions where appearance is key (like business), your teeth can make or break a first impression. Just as you wear a suit to appear professional, tidy and attractive, having a great set of teeth will accent the professional, attractive winning smile on your face. The people businessmen encounter every day (colleagues, clients and the like) are constantly evaluating the people they work with. Your job just may get that extra boost of security with a clean, healthy and brilliant smile.
A healthy smile could secure your job!
According to a study recently completed by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts. Nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men don’t see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 percent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. This disturbing trend of not visiting the dentist could not only have devastating effects on one’s teeth and oral health, but on their professional well-being and livelihood!
“In my practice, more men are coming in and requesting bleaching, veneers and bonding,” says AGD spokesperson J. Nick Russo, Sr., DDS, FAGD. “Many have noticed the positive effects from a colleague’s improved smile and realize that a great smile has a lot of value in the business world.” A poorly cared-for smile not only looks bad, but portrays an image of uncleanliness and sloth. “Can a person who doesn’t take care of his teeth, of himself, take care of my portfolio?” This is a question that may be asked in the minds of the people you work with and the people you work for!
As the job market becomes more and more competitive, employers are constantly looking at ways to differentiate potential candidates for positions, and a healthy smile is a great way to make a great first impression. Existing employees are also facing tough competition with young grads who have been raised in households emphasizing the importance of oral health more so than past generations – so what are you waiting for? A healthy and beautiful smile will improve your overall health, your image and your self confidence – it could even improve your job security!
It is almost summer time, and typical family vacations are being planned in many families! Whether you are planning on taking a family road trip or are trekking across the globe, remember to get a dental checkup before your trip – dental care abroad isn’t always convenient, and can in fact be risky business.
Especially when traveling to remote destinations or developing regions of the world, it can be difficult to find adequate or specialized dental care depending on what needs you may have, or what dental emergencies may arise during your trip. In the most extreme places, dental treatment can be both painful and dangerous, depending on the tools and medicines available to the dentists on staff – dental qualification standards are also frequently much lower abroad than those in the western world.
Many Americans wishing to avoid expensive dental care by voyaging outside the borders of the United States travel to Mexico or Eastern Europe every year, and while this may be a way to save money, it is important to be aware that all American dentists hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from an accredited dental school, and hold practicing licenses which are issued only after rigorous examination periods which must be renewed every year. These strict practicing guidelines do not always exist abroad. Guidelines for strict sanitation and hygiene in dental offices are regulated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), another safety precaution which developing nations often are lacking.
If you choose to go abroad to a remote or developing location to seek dental treatment, be sure to check with that country’s health ministry to inquire about health and safety standards for practicing dentists. Call local health offices and get a feel of what you can expect. If possible, research and find a specific doctor you will visit, and check up on his or her qualifications and practicing history. Once you arrive, your eyes will be your best tool to determine the state of his or her practice! Make sure hands are being washed, instruments are coming from sterilized packaging, and “get a feel” of the place. If you are suspicious, do not proceed!
The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has published a Traveler’s Guide to Safe Dental Care, which should be read by any and all persons traveling abroad to receive dental treatment – www.osap.org. Finally, dental referrals may be available from the consolate of the country you are a citizen of! Be sure to call the embassy once arriving in your destination country and get all available information. Make sure to be healthy, be prepared, and have a fun and safe trip.
Have you ever thought “when I grow into my golden years, I’ll never smile – my teeth will have fallen out!” It should be common knowledge that teeth do not fall out naturally as part of the aging process, quite the contrary! Teeth are lost in seniors primarily due to poor oral hygiene, resulting in tooth and gum disease. If seniors properly take care of their teeth and maintain regular check ups with their dentist, their teeth will be healthy and strong throughout their entire lives!
It’s no surprise that senior oral health is a top priority and concern for dental professionals across the United States – senior citizens are the fastest growing demographic due to the baby boomer generation, and will soon make up the largest age group in the country! For such a big group, it would seem common sense that dentists are seeing increasing numbers of senior patients, but this is sadly not true. “Seniors often take long absences from seeing the dentist,” says AGD spokesperson Nick Russo, DDS. “Sometimes they stop caring as much because they’re not out in the public very much, and they think oral hygiene doesn’t matter.” I have even had patients in their 80s and 90s who have even received orthodontic treatment (braces)! A person is never too young.
The truth of the matter, however, is that oral health matters just as much for seniors as it does for middle aged people and even young adults! Deteriorating oral health in old age is a choice, not a factual occurrence – and can be prevented rather easily. A person’s smile is the gateway to their heart, and whether that person is 15 or 115, that smile defines who you are. Keep it beautiful! The most important step for seniors (or their children or caretakers) to remember is that oral health is not a luxury – declining oral health is not purely aesthetic, and systemic problems can arise due to declining oral health. For example, genetic links between gum disease and heart disease have been proven to exist. Be sure to schedule biannual (twice yearly) dental checkups and cleanings. Not only are these appointments important for cleaning the teeth and gums beyond what a person can do at home, these appointments are essential in identifying poor habits, developing oral health problems and even cancer screenings.
After a biannual checkup plan has been cemented, it is key to remember to brush and floss, for two minutes, after every meal. If brushing and flossing is not occurring after meals, food particles turn into bacteria which destroy enamel and gum tissue. Also, stay away from sodas (diet or otherwise!), candy and other sugar-laden foods and drinks. Water or tea would be a much healthier substitute. Extend your beauty and your life by taking your oral health seriously. Your teeth and gums will take care of you, if you take care of them!
Meth mouth refers to the state of a meth user’s mouth, the psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug considered by many to be the most addictive and dangerous drug in existence, worse than crack-cocaine. Although most users of the drug are not concerned about their oral health, it is important for parents and caregivers to understand how meth can harm the oral cavity, and pass the information along to their children and young adults.
The mouth of a meth user.
The relatively inexpensive cost to produce meth and its highly addictive nature make the drug highly popular with young people of all demographics, income levels and races. Methamphetamine enters the brain and triggers a cascading release of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine inducing intense euphoria, with high risks for addiction. The drug causes damage to the central nervous system often causing jitters, nausea, increased risk for heart attack and heart disease, as well as widespread tooth decay.
Many meth users complain about stained or blackening of the teeth in early stages of addiction, with teeth often becoming rotted after periods of neglect, leading to necessary extraction (if the addict has access to dental care). The widespread tooth decay caused by meth is mainly attributed to the highly acidic content of the drug – ingredients like bleach, cough syrup and chlorine are common additives to home-made meth. The very-long-lasting effects of the drug can often leave users unaware of the state of their oral health. Because meth causes users to crave salty, sweet and carbohydrate-rich foods, the bacterial factor of meth mouth is only further hazardous.
The statistics of meth use in America leave the drug’s risk to all children undeniable: over 5% of Americans age 12 and older have used the drug (12.3 million Americans in 2003 according to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health), and of those users the majority have had severe oral health problems. “Say no to drugs” – talk to your kids about the dangers and consequences of drug abuses. If you feel there is need for professional to get involved, get the appropriate help you need to make sure your loved ones stay healthy and enjoy a high quality of life.
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