Building a strong relationship with your dentist

You’ll give yourself the best chance of good oral health if you build a strong relationship with your dentist.

That can sometimes mean asking the right questions and helping them to assist you in the best way possible.

So you want to make sure you have a dentist who will first of all explain techniques that you should use to help prevent dental health problems. They should be willing to show you step-by-step what you need to do.

You should also choose a dentist who is willing to take time to answer your questions, especially when they are recommending a course of treatment.

If you don’t understand any part of what your dentist recommends, don’t be afraid to ask for more information.

You may want to ask if there are other options to the solution they recommend. For example:

– How do the options differ in cost?
– Which solution will last the longest?
– Do all the options solve the problem?

Ask the dentist which treatments are absolutely necessary, which are elective and Which are cosmetic.

Ask which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent. Your dentist will help you prioritize between problems which need immediate attention and those that are less urgent.

Often, treatment can be planned over a period of time but make sure you understand any consequences of delaying treatment.

It’s naturally also important to make sure that you are given full information about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled.

Essential Oils That Boost Your Immune System

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has deeply infected the United States, and the world. It has become important more so now than ever to put your health first and give your immune system its best chance at combatting viral infection.

Properties and Benefits of Essential Oils:

Essential oils are biologically active, meaning they have specific cellular targets that can help to stimulate cell function. Essential oils are liquid soluble and can pass through tissues and membranes of a cell. They have 6 million molecules in one drop that can penetrate into a cell and boost the immune system by promoting cell function.

One example is eucalyptus oil. In one study, eucalyptus oil was proven to stimulate cell response in reactive oxygen species, responsible for cell signaling.1 Below, our team at Dentistry for Health New York have included Our Daily Recipe for Health that uses essential oils and natural ingredients to boost your immune system.

Our Daily Recipe for Health: What You Need

You can order any of these quality doTerra products through our website or simply call the office:

• On Guard hand sanitizer: use regularly
• On Guard throat drops: as desired
• On Guard foaming soap: use regularly
• Breathe respiratory blend: diffuse or roll on to the chest
• Breathe respiratory drops: as desired
• Eucalyptus: diffuse or massage onto chest

Our “Immune Boost” Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree oil)
• 2 drops On Guard Blend
• 2 drops Oregano
• 4 drops Lemon
• doTerra Veggie Caps (empty capsules)

Directions:

Place all drops into an empty doTerra Veggie Cap. Take one capsule every 4-6 hours. Be sure to fill each Veggie Cap immediately before ingesting as the essential oils dissolve the capsules very quickly. Repeat daily as desired during cold and flu season to support your immune system.

Order your doTERRA immune support here.

Or simply call our office to order: 646.992.5253

Your best treatment for disease is prevention. Our patients are our first priority and making sure that they remain well is of utmost importance to us. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is frequent and thorough hand washing. Also, refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose – especially prior to washing your hands. It is important to review the detailed CDC guidelines for additional suggestions and recent information.

If you have:

• Flu-like symptoms including fever, aches, or cough
• Traveled abroad in the last 14 days
• Recently experienced shortness of breath
• Have come in contact with anyone who has these symptoms

It is important to self-isolate and refrain from coming in for treatment. Our Dentistry for Health New York team will gladly reschedule your appointment after a two-week waiting period.

How Gum Disease Makes You More Susceptible to Viruses

Gum disease is a condition that can occur at any age and even in healthy adults. It is prevalent in the US, according to a CDC report. About 47% of adults 30 years old and above have some form of periodontitis (gum disease) that also increases with age.

The same report states that adults 65 and older (about 70.1%) have it.

Gum Disease Affects Your Health

Studies show that gum disease may worsen any health condition because it’s a bacterial infection, which could spread throughout the body, if untreated. The bacteria responsible release toxins that travel into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and clogging of the arteries. This condition may increase one’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. And if you have diabetes, periodontitis may worsen it because the gums are inflamed, and this inflammation can increase blood sugar levels. And as your body fights the gum disease, diabetes can be harder to manage.

What is Interferon and Why is it Important?

Interferon is considered to be our body’s first immune response in the oral cavity. It is a naturally-occurring substance in the body that fights infection and diseases, like cancer. Interferon plays a huge part in our body’s natural defense against pathogenic infections and diseases, including the Coronavirus. When our body is infected by pathogens, including viruses, cells release interferon as part of the body’s defense system. There is a specific type of interferon, which is generated by cells in your mouth. These specialized proteins protect us from both viral and bacterial infection. But here’s the problem: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), the primary pathogen causing periodontitis (gum disease), makes interferon less effective in shielding us from viral and bacterial infections. These oral pathogens prevent the infected gum cells from alerting the immune system.

Gum Disease Makes You More Susceptible to Viruses

Research has shown that the presence of P. gingivalis can suppress the production of interferon and make people more susceptible to viral infection. What’s even worse, P. gingivalis can shut down immune responses in patients suffering from periodontitis and therefore increase the severity of the original periodontitis.

How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?

Having an oral hygiene routine that provides regular attention to your mouth will you’re your gums healthy. And that will strengthen your immune system so that it can better protect you from viral (and bacterial) infection. Here are some oral care tips:

Brush teeth twice daily.

Quit smoking – because it increases the risk of gum disease.

Eat a well-balanced diet, particularly a fiber-rich diet.

Use an oral irrigator daily. Oral irrigation is more effective than flossing. Our favorite is Hydro Floss, an innovative oral irrigation system that has helped many patients improve their oral health, using plain tap water! Use our code (14031) to save money when you purchase.

Replace your toothbrush every few months.

Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year, recommends the American Dental Association, but you should visit more often if you have a history of gum disease.

Prevention is STILL the key to keep gum disease away. Take care of your oral health to improve your immune system and its ability to effectively protect you from any disease.  

Maintaining proper nutrition as an older adult

Maintaining proper nutrition is important for everyone, young or old but many older adults find it difficult to eat a balanced diet.

They may avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh fruits because they have trouble chewing or swallowing.

These problems can be caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial muscles.

Others find their sense of taste has changed, sometimes due to a disease or certain medications.

As a result, older adults often have diets lacking in calcium, protein and other nutrients essential to dental and overall health.

A balanced diet has to be based on the five food groups:

•  Milk and dairy products
•  Breads and cereals
•  Meats and dried beans
•  Fruits
•  Vegetables

Sometimes a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement will help but it’s best to use supplements only after discussion with your physician.

If your teeth are stopping you from eating the food you enjoy – or that you need for good health – your dentist will be able to help you find a solution.

What dentists are doing to improve services for older adults

As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults.

This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years.

However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult.

And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist.

For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs.

Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and techniques now available.

Dentists are increasingly sensitive to the special needs of and the importance of dental health in the older patient.

As many older patients are more health conscious than ever before, regular visits to the dentist ensure their oral health is an important part of their overall health.

Treating facial pain and jaw problems

Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans.

Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.

If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.

Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.

But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.

These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ’s.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated.

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.

Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.

Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a “cast” of your teeth to see how your bite fits together.

To help you deal with this pain, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment you need and may refer you to a specialist.

The keys to keeping your mouth healthy

A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come.

There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible:

•  Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush
•  Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months
•  Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner
•  Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations

Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health.

For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Also, fluoride mouth rinses can help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that using mouth rinses provides valuable protection over and above that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone.

Look out for the ADA seal when buying toothbrushes and other dental products. This is a sign that the product has met American Dental Association standards for safety and effectiveness.

Following these steps can help ensure that you continue to enjoy great oral health.