Best Friends For Life: The Link Between Your Teeth & Heart

Periodontal disease, heart disease and stroke may seem to be unlikely bedfellows, but researchers have found that gum disease sufferers are nearly twice as likely to also suffer from coronary heart disease.  In addition, research studies have discovered that oral infection is indeed a risk factor for stroke.  People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were more likely to also be experiencing some degree of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition in which the gingival tissue surrounding the teeth is infected by the colonization of bacteria.  Bacteria found in plaque colonize first above, then below the gum line, causing the tissue to pull away from the teeth.  If periodontal disease is left untreated, deep pockets form between the gums and the teeth and the tissue of the underlying jawbone is also destroyed.  The destruction of bone tissue causes the teeth to shift, wobble or completely detach from the bone.

Coronary heart disease occurs when the walls of the coronary arteries become progressively thicker due to the buildup of fatty proteins.  The heart then suffers from a lack of oxygen and must labor significantly harder to pump blood to the rest of the body.  Coronary heart disease sufferers sometimes experience blood clots which obstruct normal blood flow and reduce the amount of vital nutrients and oxygen the heart needs to function properly.  This phenomenon often leads to heart attacks.

Reasons for the Connection

There is little doubt that the presence of periodontal disease can exacerbate existing heart conditions.  The periodontist and cardiologist generally work as a team in order to treat individuals experiencing both conditions.

There are several theories which may explain the link between heart disease, stroke and periodontal disease, which include the following:

• Oral bacteria affect the heart – There are many different strains of periodontal bacteria.  Researchers assert that some of these strains of bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels (coronary arteries).  This attachment then contributes to clot formation causing grave danger to the individual.
  
  
• Inflammation – Periodontal disease causes severe inflammation in the gum tissue which elevates the white blood cell count and also the high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels.  Research studies have shown that elevated levels of C-reactive proteins have been linked to heart disease.
  
  
• Infectious susceptibility – Individuals who experience particularly high levels of oral bacteria may have weaker immune systems and an inadequate host inflammatory response.  These factors may induce specific vascular effects which have previously been shown to contribute in the onset of certain forms of heart disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Since periodontal disease appears to be a risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, it is extremely important to seek immediate treatment.  Initially, the periodontist will conduct thorough examinations to assess the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.  X-rays can be helpful in determining whether bone loss is prevalent in the upper and lower jaw.

The dentist is able to conduct deep cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove hardened calculus (tartar) deposits from the gum pockets.  An antibiotic may be prescribed to ensure that the bacterium is completely destroyed and the periodontal infection does not spread.  In most cases, periodontal disease can be prevented with regular cleanings and proper home care.

Source

www.dental2000nj.com

5 Quick & Easy Healthy Snacks for 2015!

5 QUICK, EASY, & HEALTHY SNACKS 

TO KICK-START THE NEW YEAR

Like majority of the rest of the world, one of my top New Years resolution of 2015 is to live a healthier lifestyle.

Which for me mainly means eating cleaner & eating better. Towards the end of the year I caught myself getting pretty lazy with my food choices, typically opting for whatever was quickest & easiest.

Let’s just say, I am pretty burnt out on milk & cereal for all of 2015.

The problem I have is that I am not a fan of cooking/being in the kitchen. Not only do I have zero patience to whip up a gourmet meal, but I also don’t have the time (really though, who does?!).

So, to help me stick to my NY Resolution throughout the whole year, I’ve become the master of quick, easy, & healthy eating on the go.

Below are my top 5 fave snacks that are super simple to whip up, have wayyyy more nutritional value than cereal, & require minimal time in the kitchen.

Happy New Year guys & cheers to your health! xx, E

Head over to Fashionlush to find even more great quick & easy recipes

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Inspired by the Danish & their fancy open-faced creations, aka smørrebrød, this toast gets the gourmet seal of approval with very little work required.

Ingredients: gluten free toast (or any toast of your liking), avocado, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, Meyers lemon, hemp hearts

Steps:

1. Toast your bread
2. Toss together the avocado, goat cheese & pomegranate seeds.
3. Pile mixture on your toast
4. Top off with a squeeze of lemon & a sprinkle of hemp hearts (a great superfood!).

 

I’m a huge sucker for ice cream, so these creamy (protein packed) blueberry bites are right up my alley lately. Just mix together the ingredients, pop in the freezer, & enjoy these lil’ cubes of goodness all week long!

Ingredients: organic blueberries, slivered almonds, coconut chips, Greek yogurt.

Steps:

1. Mix together blueberries, almonds, & Greek yogurt in a large bowl.
2. Scoop spoonfuls of your mixture into a silicon ice cube tray.
3. Sprinkle each cube with shredded coconut.
4. Freeze for 8 hours & enjoy!

This high protein/low calorie snack is one I try to keep in my pantry at all times! It’s the perfect replacement for those sodium-packed chips you’re always reaching for, but with way more flavor & benefits.

 

Ingredients: 2 cups shelled Edamame (frozen okay!), 2 tsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. sea salt

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Mix together the Edamame, olive oil (I used Jalapeno infused for some spice), & sea salt.
3. Bake for around 15 minutes or until golden brown & crispy.

Nothing goes together better than fruit & peanut butter, but sadly one lil’ tablespoon of yummy peanut butter is a whopping 95 calories (ouch!!). Blending it with Greek yogurt cuts down the cals and makes for a creamy & delish fruit dip.

 

Ingredients: natural peanut butter, honey Greek yogurt, your choice of fruits.

Steps:

1. Blend together peanut butter (organic if possible) with honey flavored Greek yogurt.
2. Sprinkle with any garnish of your liking. I did coconut shreds but you can also do dark chocolate, honey, cinnamon, Chia seeds, etc.
3. Serve with fruit on a stick!

My fruity & healthy take on the cake pop, minus all that extra sugar & carbs! Simply swap out the cake for a frozen grape, the icing for Greek yogurt, & the sprinkles for Chia seeds.

 

Ingredients: green grapes (frozen), Chia seeds, greek yogurt

Steps:

 1. Put a toothpick in your grape & freeze for 12-24 hours.
2. Once frozen, dip your grape pop in Greek yogurt & then into the Chia seeds
3. Place back in the freezer & enjoy!

For more recipes, cute DIYs, and fashion inspiration, check out Erica’s blog!

Let us know which of these tasty treats you enjoyed most in the comments below!

Eat fresh, natural, whole foods; organic is better if it is an option for you. By choosing organic produce you are reducing your exposure to chemicals and pesticides.

Try not to buy too many processed or packaged foods and when you do, learn how to read the nutrition panel on the back. If the product has ingredients in it that you can’t pronounce, it is probably not going to be good for you. Try to consume foods that have either come out of the ground or fallen off a tree.

www.dental2000nj.com

23 Tips For Drinking More Water Each Day!

Not EVERYONE requires exactly eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. The Institute of Medicine has determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
So the traditional rule should really be stated as: “Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day,” because all fluids count toward your daily total.


But there’s no doubt that drinking WATER is important to our overall health and well-being. Water helps to flush toxins and waste products from our bodies. It aids our digestion and “keep us regular”. Drinking water prevents dehydration, and It helps us look better too. Water is proven to help with weight loss and helps hydrates the skin which in turn reduces the signs of aging.
There is no denying that your body feels happier and healthier when you consume enough water.
So how do we go about getting enough each day? If I knew EXACTLY how that could be accomplished I could write a book, it would become a best seller and I would become a gazillionaire! Since I don’t know EXACTLY how it’s done (because to be quite honest I really am BAD at it!) here are 23 ideas from your fellow readers for your consideration.

I personally am going to try them all!

• Don’t allow yourself a diet soda until you’ve had two to four glasses of water. Eventually you will find that you won’t crave the soda as much.
• Have a big glass of water at every transitional point of the day: when you first get up, just before leaving the house, when you sit down to work, etc.

• Make it convenient – keep a big, insulated water bottle full on your desk and reach for it all day.
• Down a full glass several times a day. Go over to your kitchen right now and fill up a glass. No sipping over time. Just drink it down right after you fill it up.

• Track it. Make a chart and tick it off each time you drink a glass. Do a chart for 30 days and you will have made drinking water a part of your routine.
• Have one glass every hour on the hour while at work or school. When the work/school day is done, your water quota is met.

• Freeze peeled pieces of lemons, limes, and oranges and use them instead of ice cubes – it’s refreshing and helps get in a serving or two of fruit.
• After each trip to the restroom, guzzle an eight-ounce glass to replenish your system.
• Set a goal to drink X amount of water a day, then write it down along with your reasons WHY! Remembering your motivation will help you keep going when enthusiasm fades.

• Every time you walk past a water fountain, take a sip or two. (This is actually advice my own doctor gave me recently after a nasty kidney stone incident!)
• Fizz it up!  Get a home seltzer maker like a Soda Stream and make your own fizzy H2O!  Add a dash of lemon or a splash of O.J. and you’ll have a super refreshing drink!
• Fill up a large cup with crushed ice or ice cubes and snack on them (like candy!) throughout the day.
• Make a bet with a co-worker to see who can drink more water in the course of a day.

• When drinking juice (apple, grape, or orange) fill half the glass with water or ice and make sure to consume all of it.
• Bring a two-liter bottle of water to work and try to drink it all before you leave work. If you don’t finish, drink it in traffic on the way home – it’s like a race.

• Keep a large cup full of ice at your desk and keep re-filling it with water. The key is drinking with a straw – you take bigger gulps and drink more at a time.
• Here’s a tip if you’re trying to shed some pounds: Let ounces of water double grams of fat: when eating something containing 10 grams of fat, drink 20 ounces of water.
• Drink two full glasses at each meal, one before and one after. Also, drink one glass before each snack so you don’t eat as much.

• Put reminders into your phone or calendar to drink at regular intervals. Surprisingly, this helps me a LOT!  I know it sounds lame, but I just plain FORGET to drink water!
• Carry a small refillable water bottle at all times and drink during downtime; while waiting in a bank line, sitting on the train, etc.

• Not ALL your water has to be COLD…drink some of it HOT. Have a nice warm cup of tea instead. But be sure it’s decaf since caffeine actually robs you of water (it’s a diuretic).
• Always keep a bottle of water handy while watching TV, doing laundry, making dinner, etc.
• Add drinking two glasses of water to your daily skincare regimen. Drink, cleanse, moisturize, then drink again.

If you’re like me, it might be necessary to use these ideas to TRICK yourself into doing something good for you….just until it (hopefully!) becomes a habit! 
Note: the amount of water that each person should drink daily depends on your physical health, the amount of exercise you do daily, whether you live in a hot or cold climate and other factors (such as pregnancy). Please get advice from a medical professional to find out how much water you should drink daily.

Source: One Good Thing by Jillee

www.dental2000nj.com

Healthy Teeth: 5 Tips for Dog's Dental Health

One of the first things your vet checks during an exam is the state of your canine companion’s dental health.  Gum disease, tarter build up, and a lack of a hygiene regimen can literally be the root of many health ailments, including liver disease!  What can you do besides throw your dog a bone to keep his mouth clean, odor free, and healthy? Follow these 5 tips to begin a healthy tartar free lifestyle for your pooch.

 1. Don’t rely on food!

While crunchy kibble bits may remove some of the top layer of plaque on a dog’s teeth, it can actually cause more problems around the gum lines.  It also most certainly does not get rid of the tartar.  The gum line is where most of the damage that can be done to a dog’s mouth tends to occur, as the build up can cause inflammation, infection, and rot in the fleshy parts around his teeth.  Relying solely on your kibble to clean your dog’s teeth is not just ineffective, but may aid in the build up of harmful substances around his gums!

 2. Brushing is for dogs, too!

It may seem weird at first, but brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis can remove all the debris his mouth has built up through the day.  Removing these top layers of plaque can prevent it from hardening and turning into a harmful build up that can lead to disease and decay.  Many tooth brushes and tooth pastes exist on the market today made specifically for dogs.  Training your dog to accept a toothbrush nightly is a fun and easy task, especially with meaty flavored paste!

 3. Consider natural bones

In the wild, the domestic dog’s ancestors did not have the luxury of a human brushing their teeth for them. Instead, they would use the bones of their prey and even some rocks (in which they would obtain essential minerals from) as chew toys that naturally cleaned their teeth.  Today, we have the option of using a raw diet that contains raw meaty bones.  The chewing involved in eating a raw meaty bone, along with a dental care regimen, scrapes away any plaque and debris, prevents tartar, and keeps your pup happy!

 4. Routine deep cleanings

We humans tend to utilize the cleaning abilities of our professional dental care specialists on a regular basis. Usually, we will visit at least once a year, sometimes twice a year so that they may clean those hard to reach places we cannot get to.  They will also scrap away the tartar build up that our toothbrushes can’t get a grip on. This is no different for our pets! Veterinarians are capable of providing this same service for our precious pooches to keep any and all dental problems at bay.

5. Stay observant!

If your dog is suffering from any dental health problems, he cannot simply tell you or complain about the pain he is in. Instead, it is up to you to keep tabs on the condition of of teeth and gums and take action when needed.  This should be easily done if you are brushing his teeth every day, and you will quickly notice any tart build up, gum bleeding, swelling or soreness.
Make use of more than just one of these tips, and use them all if you can! Keeping your dog healthy goes beyond his diet and exercise, but much of it lies within the hygiene of his mouth.  Poor oral health could lead to more serious conditions that can even become life threatening. Don’t let your pooch suffer from dental disease and pain. You can do your own research and learn more ways to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and pearly white!

Source: www.berganpet.com

Can Your New Year's Resolution Be Linked to Your Dental Health?

Everyone sets a resolution for the new year, whether they stick to it or not. But did you realize that many of those resolutions link back to dental health. For instance, you want to save more money in the new year. Well, preventative dentistry such as regular exams and cleanings is a heck of a lot cheaper than negligence. Only going to the dentist when a tooth is bothering you can cost you. When you're experiencing pain or discomfort, that's a sign you've waited too long to see the dentist. And the work you'll need done is most likely more expensive than a regular cleaning and exam every six months. 

Another example is making the resolution to get healthy and become more active in the new year. I bet you didn't know that the mouth is actually a gateway to overall health. Look at this chart explaining the effects of poor oral hygiene on your whole body. Pretty shocking, huh? Thus, getting healthy and staying healthy starts with taking care of your dental health and hygiene.

Another popular resolution is to be less stressed. Stress can actually reek havoc on your oral health! According to WebMD, too much stress affects your whole body, including your mouth, teeth, and gums. The potential impact includes mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores, clenching or grinding your teeth, not taking care of your teeth, eating a bad diet, gum (periodontal) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease, and bad habits like chewing your nails, ice, pencils, or other objects which can damage your teeth. This too links back to your resolution to save money/get out of debt. Stress can lead to unexpected dental visits and procedures which I'm sure were not anticipated in your budget.

The list can go on and on about how any resolution can link back directly or indirectly to proper dental health. You know the saying, you only have one life to live? Well, you only have one mouth during that life so why not take care of it?! 

Dental 2000 is entering it's 33rd year of servicing the community under the lead of Dr. Larry Kaplan. Our unique approach to dental care is designed to integrate an awareness of your health, nutrition and well being in conjunction with a comprehensive assessment of your dental needs and values. Embark on a wondrous journey into a world that transcends all expectations of any trip to the dentist you have ever experienced. We promise to offer the ultimate experience in comfort, health and beauty in a PAIN FREE manner or you DO NOT pay for the visit. What other office do you know that has that guarantee?! 

Dr. Kaplan and his caring team use the latest technology to create beautiful and healthy smiles! We are pleased to offer our patients the following services in a friendly and comfortable environment.

• Pain Free Dentistry
• Super Smile Teeth Whitening
• Free Whitening for Life
• KöR Teeth Whitening
• Zoom! Teeth Whitening

• Candlelight Spa Dentistry
• Facial Cosmetics
• Cosmetic Cleaning
• Porcelain Veneers
• Dental Implants

• Dental Crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Periodontal Therapy
• Root Canal Therapy
• Same Day Emergency Dental Care

For more information about Dental 2000,
visit www.dental2000nj.com or call 973-890-0600.

Dr. Kaplan Teams with MGE & Other Dentists in the Battle Against Illiteracy

Dr. Larry Kaplan of Dental 2000, MGE and Other Dentists Working With The US Marines Strike Again In The Battle Against Illiteracy

Totowa Dentist MGE Management Experts and Dentists from across the nation gathered with U.S. Marines for the annual MGE Benefit Dinner to raise funds for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. As a result of this year’s event, hundreds of thousands of new books and audio books will be given to underprivileged children this Christmas.

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Dr. Larry Kaplan said, “We are committed to giving back to our community and feel that donating to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program to give the gift of hope and reading to underprivileged children is one of the best ways to do this.

Totowa, NJ (PRWEB) December 23, 2014

Dr. Larry Kaplan and Dentists from across the nation gathered with US Marines in November for the MGE Annual Benefit Dinner to raise funds for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. This year’s event raised funds for hundreds of thousands of new books and audio books for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program that will go to underprivileged children this Christmas. It represents another major strike in the battle being waged against illiteracy and helping underprivileged children break the cycle of poverty.

The Benefit Dinner raising funds to help these children was kicked OFF with the Clearwater High School Marine Corp Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp Color Guard and Drill Team. Their Senior Marine Instructor is Lt. Col. Kirk Kumagai U.S. Marine Corp (ret).

During the event presentation, Captain Joseph Draeger of the U.S. Marines said, “Literacy is at the core of academic achievement for all children and it’s critical that we work together to help every child have access and exposure to books at home and in their communities. By giving the gift of reading to a child in your life or a child in need, you are not only opening up a world of opportunity for them, but you are giving them a lifetime of joy.”

In 1947, after WWII, Toys for Tots began in Los Angeles when Major Bill Hendricks and a group of Marine Reservists collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Then, in 2008, in order to do something about illiteracy, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program was launched with the mission to offer our Nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and succeed in life.

MGE Management Experts, Inc. located in St. Petersburg, FL, offers business and marketing training to the owners of dental practices. The training is based on the Hubbard Management System as recognized by the Hubbard College of Administration International that is used in more than 100,000 companies and organizations across the globe to their benefit and prosperity.

Dental 2000, a full service dental and wellness spa, has been serving the Passaic County Community for over 32 years. Team Dental 2000’s vision statement is to offer meticulous, uncompromising, personalized services and attention to the needs of our patients and their families. Team Dental 2000 is a talented team of leading professionals honoring their word and committed to service, education, health and happiness provided in a fun

(Pictured Above: Joseph Draeger of the US Marines and Sergeant Jose Zambrano join Dr. Larry Kaplan of Dental 2000 (center) at the November Benefit Dinner in St. Petersburg, Florida to raise funds for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The Benefit Dinner raised funds of hundred of thousands of new books and audio book for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program that will go to underprivileged children this Christmas.)