Popcorn: Friend or Foe of Your Gums?

Popcorn can be a healthy snack indeed: The puffy kernels themselves are unprocessed whole grains, containing plenty of fiber, and even some antioxidants. If you don't overload your popcorn with butter, oil or salt, it's low in fat, calories and sodium—and it fills you up, too. So what's not to like about this "ideal snack?" Ask your periodontist or dental hygienist that question, and they may reply with just two words: gum abscess.

Did you know: allergies caused by pollen can make your teeth hurt?

Did you know: allergies caused by pollen can make your teeth hurt?

Those beautiful blossoms coming out now can be a source of pain for your teeth: sinus problems that are worsened with the onset of pollen season often show up as tooth pain.

How Does Soda Impact Your Health?

5 Ways to Green Your Dental Routine
for Earth Day & Every Day

We are reminded of the importance of being environmentally friendly on Earth Day. You don’t have to eat tofu and wear all-natural fibers to green your dental routine. These 5 tips can help you keep your teeth clean and healthy while saving the environment:

• Turn off the water! Do you mindlessly brush your teeth with the water running? Turn on the water only to rinse your mouth and toothbrush.
• Go natural.  Try a toothbrush made from recycled or renewable materials and recycle it when it’s time for a new one.
• Compost. Yes, you can do it! A biodegradable toothbrush (typically made of corn starch) won’t clog our landfill and can even help your garden grow.
• Slow down. Don’t brush so hard and be gentle on your gums. It will make your toothbrush last longer, saving you money and reducing waste.
• Floss! By flossing regularly, you’ll help prevent major dental work, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

Take a moment to consider the changes you can make to help save the planet this year.

04/18/2013 Written by Ashlee Hackney

Health & Wellness Expo

Join Dental 2000 and other local businesses at the Health & Wellness Expo on Sunday, April 26th from 1:00 - 4:00pm at the Little Falls Rec Center!

Tooth-Friendly Treats to Fill Your Easter Basket

Okay parents, Easter is just around the corner and you know what that means, right? CANDY BLIZZARD! It's snowing jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and Peeps. And even if you're not worried about the juvenile diabetes epidemic sweeping the country, you're at least not looking forward to Easter basket o' sugar crashes and gummy bear-induced tantrums.

Here are a few ideas.

, I'm okay with some Easter candy in moderation. But I don't like the holiday to turn into a week-long candy spree. So -- what can I use to balance out the serious sugar action in my son's Easter basket this year?

Actual hard-boiled eggs: You've already dyed them. Might as well slip a few in. (Does your kid only eat the whites? Mine too. Here are some ideas for those yolks.)

Fresh berries: Put a handful of blueberries or blackberries inside a few plastic eggs for a sweet treat that's all natural.

Popcorn balls: These do have a bit of sugar from the marshmallows, but otherwise these are a high-fiber, low-sugar snack. Here's Martha Stewart's recipe for popcorn balls.

Dried fruit or nuts: For something different, try dried apricots, dates, yogurt-covered raisins, toasted hazelnuts or macadamia nuts.

Annie's Cheddar Bunnies: My son loves these. They're basically Goldfish crackers, only made with real cheese and, hello, they're BUNNIES! They also make Bunny Grahams.

Clementines: These are wee relatives of the orange with super-thin skin most kids over three can peel themselves. They're usually a less tart than oranges, too.

Squeezable yogurt: Most brands with cartoon characters on the package are still loaded with sugar, but they're still less sugar than candy. We like freezing ours first.

Home-baked treats: Just about any homemade cookie or muffin is still going to be less sweet than candy.

And how about a few non-edible options?

Cascarones: These are colored eggs filled with confetti -- so fun! I was thrilled when my mom sent my son some last year. Just remember to crack them outdoors unless you love vacuuming.

Polished rocks or crystals

Legos

Bouncy balls

Stickers

Play Dough

Bubbles

Egg-shaped sidewalk chalk

What other non-sugary treats do you put in your kids' Easter baskets?

Source: Huffington Post

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At Every Age, Saliva Plays A Critical Role In Your Oral Health

YOU PROBABLY DON’T OFTEN THINK ABOUT YOUR SPIT (and frankly, we’d be a little worried about you if you did). And yes, drooling babies are a nuisance. But did you know that saliva is a critical component for healthy teeth and great oral health—regardless of your age? Here at our practice, we’re concerned about BOTH your teeth and your complete oral health. We thought you may find it interesting to learn how saliva helps keep your mouth protected and healthy, even when we’re not around.

Four Reasons Your Saliva Is Awesome

1. Your saliva slowly and continually builds your teeth into tiny fortresses. It carries minerals like calcium and phosphate ions which reinforce your enamel.
2. Saliva is an important part of your immune system. It contains immunoproteins that police your mouth, fighting bacteria and coating teeth in a protective layer.
3. It’s a lubricant. Thanks to saliva, your mouth and tongue are flexible. Talking and eating would be seriously difficult without it.
4. Saliva keeps your mouth clean. It washes away food particles and rebalances the pH level in your mouth every time you eat.

Source

National Puppy Day

One of the biggest challenges in raising a puppy is dealing with all of the chewing they do. It can be a bit less frustrating if you consider that for almost the first year of his life, your puppy is dealing with some big changes going on in his mouth.

Dogs have two sets of teeth: 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, which will eventually be replaced by 42 permanent (adult) teeth. When a puppy is two or three weeks old, the deciduous teeth begin to erupt through the gums, starting with the incisors, followed by the canine teeth, and finally the premolars. All of the deciduous teeth should be in place by about eight weeks of age. These first teeth are small, and painfully sharp, as owners of young puppies know. This is part of the reason most mother dogs begin to wean their pups at five or six weeks of age.

Losing Their Baby Teeth

By eight to twelve weeks of age, the roots of the deciduous teeth are starting to resorb and the teeth begin to loosen and fall out. This makes room for the permanent teeth to erupt normally. As with the deciduous teeth, the permanent incisors are the first to come in, followed by the canine teeth, and the premolars. The last teeth to erupt in the adult set are the molars. Puppies do not have molars, which is why there are fewer deciduous teeth. In most breeds of dogs, all of the permanent teeth should be present by about eight months of age.

Share your puppy's photos with us! 

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Saint Patrick’s Day: 

Alcohol and Your teeth

St. Patrick’s Day parties often get reputations for being epic. On the day of Irish pride, inhibitions are thrown out the window in favor of a good time. As much fun as St. Patrick’s Day parties can be, you will not only be left with a St. Patrick’s Day hangover, you will also pave the way for cavities to set up shop on your teeth.

Tooth decay is a big problem related to alcohol consumption because of the sugars and acids in alcoholic drinks. When these sugars combine with natural bacteria in the mouth they form an acid that attacks enamel, breaking it down. This is especially true when the teeth are constantly exposed to sugars and starches in alcohol without a break.

But it is not just the sugar and starches in alcohol that can be harmful to teeth. Alcohol dries out your mouth just like smoking does. Saliva is a powerful tool in reducing the incidence of cavities. Dry mouth can accelerate the damage caused by the sugar in alcohol.

So be warned. If you are going to partake in St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible!

For those that are heavy drinkers and plan on a week long St. Patrick’s Day bender, the probability of damage from drinking is much higher.

Heavy drinking can cause:

• Irritation of the gum, tongue and oral tissues
• Poor healing after dental surgery
• Poor dental health habits
• Increase in tooth decay
• Increased risk toward periodontal (gum) disease

Heavy drinkers are also at greater risk of developing cancer in the mouth, throat and esophagus. Obviously these are side effects that you want to avoid so if you are going out this week, take it easy. Your teeth will thank you!

Source: Delta Dental

Makeup Tricks to Make Teeth Look Whiter

We love the color yellow. It’s happy and sunny and seems to lend fun flair to any ensemble or makeup look. The only time yellow can ever go wrong is when it’s reflected on your teeth. Quite frankly, yellow teeth are not cute! However, sometimes this unattractive tinge can’t be avoided and we don’t always have time (or money) to invest in fancy shmancy teeth whitening procedures. For these times, it’s good to have a few makeup tricks up your sleeve. This is where we come in! Take a look at these handy tricks that will make your teeth look white a snow!

#1. Brighten Up Your Pout. Bold lipstick shades with blue undertones like bright reds and berry shades deflect the yellow tint on your teeth. Lucky for you, these stand-out shades never go out of season and are hotter than ever this fall!

Product Recommendations: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Lip Color in Curtain Call,Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb

#2. Embrace Bronzer. Give your face a subtle glow. The contrast in color of your skin will make your teeth appear pearly white!

Product Recommendations: Giorgio Armani Maestro Bronzer, Lancôme Star Bronzer

#3. Highlight Your Curves. Use concealer or a highlighting pencil to better define and accentuate the lips and make them appear fuller. Combined with a bold lip color, your teeth are sure to shine like no other!

Product Recommendations: L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Highlighter, Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

#4. Cool it Down. Similar to the bold lip effect, cooler eyeshadow shades will deflect any yellowing of the teeth. Opt for pastel purples and blues for the ultimate bright and shiny smile.

Product Recommendations: YSL Beauty Pure Chromatics in No.3, Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gravity

What are your tricks to making your teeth look pearly white? Spill your secrets in the comments below. 

Photo: thinkstock

Source: Makeup.com

From Dental Pulp to the Eye's Cornea

Current Issue

Stem cells from dental pulp can be turned into corneal cells, study says

March 02, 2015

Pittsburgh — Stem cells from the dental pulp can be coaxed to turn into cells of the eye’s cornea and could one day be used to repair corneal scarring due to infection or injury, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. 

The findings, published online Feb. 23 in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine, indicate they also could become a new source of corneal transplant tissue made from the patient’s own cells. Corneal blindness, which affects millions of people worldwide, is typically treated with transplants of donor corneas, said senior investigator James Funderburgh, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology at Pitt and associate director of the Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, a joint program of UPMC Eye Center and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

“Shortages of donor corneas and rejection of donor tissue do occur, which can result in permanent vision loss,” Dr. Funderburgh said. “Our work is promising because using the patient’s own cells for treatment could help us avoid these problems.”

Experiments conducted by lead author Fatima Syed-Picard, Ph.D., also of Pitt’s Department of Ophthalmology, and the team showed that stem cells of the dental pulp, obtained from human third molars, or wisdom tooth, extractions performed at Pitt’s School of Dental Medicine, could be turned into corneal stromal cells called keratocytes, which have the same embryonic origin.

The team injected the engineered keratocytes into the corneas of healthy mice, where they integrated without signs of rejection. 

They also used the cells to develop constructs of corneal stroma akin to natural tissue.

“Other research has shown that dental pulp stem cells can be used to make neural, bone and other cells,” Dr. Syed-Picard noted. 

“They have great potential for use in regenerative therapies.”

In future work, the researchers will assess whether the technique can correct corneal scarring in an animal model.

Source: ADA

Dentists Detect Diseases

Diabetes? Heart disease? Osteoporosis? Your dentist may know before you do.

Bill Radley is 62 and, like many “baby boomers,” he is thinking about retiring in the next few years. He’s worked hard most of his adult life, and he’s looking forward to getting some rest and relaxation while traveling with his wife Susan.

Your dentist may be the first to know

Bill recently scheduled a dentist visit because he had noticed he had bad breath that wouldn’t go away no matter how many times each day he brushed his teeth or used mouthwash. During the oral exam, his dentist also noticed that Bill’s gums seemed red and inflamed and were bleeding. Bill’s dentist advised him to go to his physician for a medical check-up, since his persistent bad breath and bleeding gums could be an early indicator of diabetes.

Bill scheduled a check-up with his physician and took a series of diagnostic blood tests. When the results came back, Bill found out he had diabetes. “I couldn’t believe it!” he said. “I never had a sweet tooth and I’m fairly active, playing golf regularly. Sure, I’m a little overweight, but I just figured it was typical for my age.”

Oral health reflects overall health

Research shows that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Some of these diseases include:

• Diabetes
• Leukemia
• Oral cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

Baby boomers are especially vulnerable to developing diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease, the risks of which increase with age. Researchers believe that symptoms of these conditions can manifest in the mouth, making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases. For example:

• Bad breath and bleeding gums could be indicators of diabetes.
• Dental x-rays can show the first stages of bone loss.
• A sore and painful jaw could foreshadow an oncoming heart attack.

Seeing the dentist regularly is a good idea

Bill hadn’t visited the dentist in over two years and it had been even longer since he’d been to his physician for a regular check-up. “I wasn’t having any problems other than the usual aches and pains, so I didn’t see any need to go to the dentist or to my doctor. Boy, am I glad that I went to the dentist! If I hadn’t gone to see the dentist about my bad breath, I wouldn’t have discovered my diabetes so soon. Now I can get the treatment I need and prevent it from getting any worse.”

In many cases, a dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem in its early stages since many people have regular oral examinations and see their dentist more often than their physician.

What can you do?

Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, improper jaw alignment and signs of developing oral and overall health problems.

When you visit your dentist, be sure to provide a complete medical history and inform him or her of any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health. In addition, you can play a major role in improving your oral and overall health by following these practices:

• Brushing your teeth for two to three minutes, twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline.
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Eating a healthy diet to provide essential nutrients (vitamins A and C, in particular).
• Avoiding cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
• Limiting your alcohol intake.
• Carefully following your physician’s and dentist’s instructions about health care, including using prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.
• Seeing your dentist immediately when you have any unusual oral symptoms like bad breath, mouth sores, red or swollen gums or sore jaws.

Source: National survey reveals baby boomers miss links between oral and overall health. Academy of General Dentistry.http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/toc-overall.html

www.dental2000nj.com

How Does Fluoride Work?

There's fluoride in your toothpaste and even in your water. But how does it work to keep teeth healthy? Let's find out.

Fluoride is a natural element found in the earth's crust as well as in water and air. Decades ago, scientists discovered that kids who naturally had more fluoride in their drinking water had fewer cavities. In the mid-1940s, communities started to put more fluoride in their water supplies to protect people against tooth decay.

Fluoride helps because, when teeth are growing, it mixes with tooth enamel — that hard coating on your teeth. That prevents tooth decay, or cavities. But fluoride can help even after your teeth are formed. It works with saliva to protect tooth enamel from plaque and sugars. By using fluoride toothpaste, for instance, everyone can enjoy some cavity protection. Fewer cavities means healthier teeth when you're an adult — and less chance of having to wear false teeth (dentures) when you're old!

So how do you get your fluoride? Ask your dentist the next time you have an appointment. In addition to fluoride toothpaste, he or she might recommend a mouthwash that has fluoride in it. And if your drinking water doesn't have fluoride in it, your dentist might suggest supplements — which are like vitamins containing fluoride.

Just how effective is fluoridated water? Thanks to it, dentists say half of kids between 5 and 17 have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth. We hope you're one of them!

Source: Kidshealth.org

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Celebrities Who Straightened Their Smile

Did you know these celebrities had Invisalign treatment?! Being in the public eye all the time, it's no wonder these A-List celebrities wanted to straighten their smile on the down low. If Oprah approves of Invisalign, you know it's legit!

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentists plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every 2 weeks, until the treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you have always wanted. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know that you are straightening your teeth.

Looking to schedule a no charge consult to see if you're a candidate? For more information about the clear alternative to brace, give us a call! 973-890-0600

www.dental2000nj.com

10 Best Foods for a Healthy Heart

American Heart Month is in full swing and ways to keep your heart healthy are right at your fingertips. One of the biggest and lasting changes you can make is for your diet. Along with eating less unhealthy fats like butter and bacon, you should be selective about the foods you put in your body to help your heart be its healthiest. Here are 10 of the best foods to make your heart healthy and some yummy recipes to help incorporate them into your diet.

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, any berries — they’re all packed with anti-inflammatories which reduce the risk of heart disease and help with your vascular health. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce the risk of coronary disease. Try this recipe: Flatout® Delicious Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Ups.

Dark chocolate: That’s right — chocolate literally heals broken hearts. You need to be smart about this one. According to Prevention, you need to pick one that doesn’t contain saturated fats and that does contain at least 70 percent cocoa. Dark chocolate relaxes the arteries and increases blood flow, helping you work towards a healthier heart. Try this recipe: Skinny Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

>> Read more: 13 Healthy Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Flaxseed: Here is another ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids in addition to lignans and fiber. Flaxseed helps keep your arteries clear, lowers blood pressure and regulates your heartbeat. Try to eat a few tablespoons each day by using it to top your oatmeal and salads. Try these flax products for an easy way to add heart health to your diet. (via WebMD)

Nuts: Any kind of nut, especially almonds and walnuts, are easy to add to your diet. They’re inexpensive and quick to pack for a snack at work. Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids among other nutrients. The benefits that are crammed into such a tiny package include lowering your cholesterol, reducing the risk of blood clots and improving the lining of your arteries. Try this recipe: Skinny Blueberry and Almond Trail Mix.

>> Read more about why nuts are such a great addition to your diet.

Oatmeal: Oats give you a tasty serving of omega-3 fatty acids, folate fiber and potassium. A big bowl of oatmeal is the perfect way to lower your cholesterol and clear your arteries right at the start of your day. Try this recipe: Cranberry Banana Oatmeal Bake.

Red wine: One glass every now and then is all you need. While it’s often not wise to add alcohol to your daily routine, red wine contains ingredients like antioxidants and resveratrol, which helps protect the blood vessels, lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots. Click here to read more about whether or not red wine is actually good for you.

Salmon: Oily fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fats which lower blood pressure and help open up your arteries and encourage blood flow. According to Eating Well, two or more servings of fish each week lowers the risk of heart disease by 30 percent over the long term. Try this recipe: Skinny Sweet and Spicy Salmon.

Soy milk: While you might not prefer soy milk, try using it more frequently because it’s high in an organic compound called isoflavones, which helps reduce cholesterol. This gem is naturally low in fat and doesn’t have cholesterol like animal milk does. It can also help with blood circulation. Click here to learn more about soy. (via Prevention)

Spinach: Take it from Popeye, you need this leafy green in your diet. Spinach is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help lower the risk of heart disease. You really can’t get enough of this one. Try this recipe: Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce.

>> Read more: 8 Recipes for Sneaking In Spinach

Tea: Antioxidants in tea, particularly green tea, make it the preferred beverage for lowering the risk of a heart attack. According to Eating Well, people who drink at least 12 ounces of tea each day are about half as likely to have a heart attack as those who don’t drink tea. Try this recipe: Hibiscus Strawberry Rhubarb Iced Tea

It can’t hurt to add these items to your grocery list. They’re versatile and wonderfully healthy and will certainly help boost your heart health. So stock up and try some new recipes! Your heart will thank you.

>> Read about how adding cardio to your daily routine can help your heart health.

Written by: Melissa Parkerhttp://www.skinnymom.com/2015/02/06/10-best-foods-for-a-healthy-heart/#/1

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