Can 1 yogurt = 1 soda?
29 01 2013
I have to say that Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s controversial soda ban, really hit home to so many due to the rising obesity epidemic that we have in this country. First, I want to point out, that not only is there an increased incidence of obesity and diabetes, there also is an increased incidence in tooth decay and periodontal disease. Research even shows that the high fructose corn syrup consumption in sodas may actually cause you to age more rapidly. I think, as most people have reasoned, that though the mayor’s intention is a good one, it really doesn’t address to any real measure, the totality of incidences that we find sugar in our diet, the hidden sugars.
When we ban large soft drinks, but kids still are able to enjoy a ketchup on their fries and hot dogs, do we pay attention to the fact that ketchup has 8% more sugar than ice cream? What about the hot dog bun? Most commercial baked goods, even those without a visible hint of sugar, are laden with hidden sugars. Almost all processed foods are rich in hidden sugars.
When you go to your supermarket, thinking you are choosing the healthier option of a yogurt, think again. The “fruit on the bottom” of a carton of yogurt contains up to nine teaspoons of sugar, almost the same as in a can of soda. Peanut butter and most cereals are laden with sugars. The best means of combating this obesity/dental disease epidemic is to read the labels before making a purchase.
Banning large sodas may seem like a good idea, but if manufactures are still able to inundate our food with hidden sugars, is it really going to make a difference?
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: dental care, food, health, hidden, soda, sugar
Categories : Dental Health, Food, Health
HAPPY, THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL!
28 01 2013
Ok, this is the mantra that I tell my teenage son all the time. He should be happy, thankful, and grateful. That’s our mantra. We should be happy for all of the many blessings that we have in our lives. Thankful that although we may not have some material possessions that others may have, it does not matter. Grateful we have people in our lives that love us, that we have our health, and that we are able to do things that may in some way help to make someone else feel better, or improve their lives in some way are the things that should give us so much joy. Well, today I was inundated with cakes, cupcakes, flowers, gifts, food, and so many, many wonderful wishes. Today is my birthday. Not a reason to blog, no real information today, however, I did want to make sure I told everyone, my wonderful family, my wonderful friends, and my Morningside Dental Care family, our patients and my exceptional staff (woot, woot!!!), that I am so happy, thankful and grateful to have them in my lives, and I cannot express the pure joy that I have of knowing them. Thank you for making my birthday so very, very special!!!!!!!! Tomorrow, I will have time to write a blog.
Dr. Donna
ps. I truly overdosed on sugar today. Well, here is a dental healthcare tip. First, drink copious amounts of water as soon as you are finished eating the sugary food. Make sure you brush and floss to raise the ph of your mouth to decrease the exposure of acids. Finally, it is much better to eat all of the junk food in one sitting, and then throw the rest of it out, instead of nibbling on it over a few days. If you eat it at one time, the ph of your mouth only drops one time. If you eat a little bit over time, the ph of your mouth goes up and down like a yo-yo. Every time you decrease the ph you increase the frequency of the acid buildup in your mouth and you are more prone to decay and cavities. So if you must binge, do it all at once and then get rid of the rest.
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: birthday, dental care, food, habits, sugar, teeth, tip
Categories : Insights, Teeth
Total Health and Wellness Begins with your mouth!
27 01 2013
When was your last dental visit? Have you noticed the difference? When you go to the dentist you are no longer seeing a tooth mechanic, with the drill and other scary tools. Today’s dentist is one of your primary health care providers on the front line of caring for your total health. The dentists of today are: concerned with relieving your dental pain; enhancing your overall appearance by performing cosmetic procedures; providing spa type experiences during your visits; and, also evaluating your diet and nutrition and overall condition of your entire body.
If the eyes are the windows to the soul then the mouth is the portal to everything else. The German physician Reinhardt Voll estimated that 80% of all illnesses stems from the mouth. Digestive problems, nutrition imbalances, diabetes, some cancers, and other systemic illnesses can be detected during a thorough dental evaluation.
Technology in the dental office has improved significantly in an attempt to improve the experience during your visit. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by up to 80 or 90% from traditional x-rays. Lasers are used to perform certain dental procedures with more predictable results, more efficiently, and, with less discomfort, such as periodontal gum surgery which in the old way was extremely painful. The evolution of CAD/CAM technology has reduced the time and number of visits needed to make crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays and onlays. These restorations look beautiful. Braces used to be an unattractive proposition especially for adults. However, Invisalign allows you to straighten crooked teeth and improve your appearance and they are barely noticeable.
So at your next visit, enjoy your regular, thorough cleaning. Whiten your teeth and enhance your smile. Always remember, your dentist is one of your primary care providers who is committed to improving your total health and well being, as well as your overall dental experience.
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: dental care, health, technology, teeth
Categories : Dental Habits, Dental Health, Teeth
The Most Important Meal of the Day
24 01 2013
Have you ever really thought about what you eat for breakfast? Most people choose a hot or cold cereal, or some type of microwaveable meal. And some choose to eat something that is definitely unhealthy, like a muffin, doughnut or some other sugary delight while buying that morning cup of coffee. The unhealthy choices are usually made while running late for work or school, and this is definitely not the way you want to start your day.
Yes, grabbing junk food for breakfast is the easy way and we do it without thinking. But that is the point- Stop and think about how you want to start your day. A healthy smoothie (fruit/veg combo…but leave out the sugar!) or a meal containing protein would be a better way to begin a day that is, probably at some point, going to include some stressful situations. If you start with a breakfast that is healthy and nutritious, then you are going to have the right tools to fight with when it is time to deal with stress during your day. And as we all know, stress is not good for your health or your teeth; stress may make you clench and grind your teeth, often subconsciously.
We need to make better food choices for all of our daily meals, for both for our health and our dental care. So, set the alarm to give you a few extra minutes in the am, and make a healthy choice for breakfast tomorrow.
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: dental care, diet, food, habits, health, smile, sugar, teeth
Categories : Dental Habits, Food
Letter from a Conscientious Physician
23 01 2013
One of my patients who I hadn’t seen in a few years came in to see me for treatment. She brought with her a letter from her physician of which I will share. It goes as follows:
“RE: Pre-Transplant Dental Evaluation
Thank you for agreeing to evaluate patient______________ as you know, this individual is currently being evaluated as a potential kidney transplant recipient. Because there are a number of well documented risk and potential complications associated with dental disease during post transplant period, this evaluation represents a critical component of our pre-transplant evaluation procedures……”
Finally it stated “Perhaps you could also reiterate our concerns regarding the importance of meticulous dental care after transplantation, and reinforce this with our recommendation for meticulous plaque control”.
I am upset that one of my patients has to become a candidate to receive a kidney transplant, however, I am always pleasantly surprised when physicians are aware and understand the connection between the oral cavity and the rest of the body. I know that this patient will be in good hands.
In this day and age, anyone who is going to be a recipient of any type of transplant or knee and hip replacement surgeries and the like, must ensure that part of the preparation for the surgery includes getting a thorough dental examination and treating for any infections in the mouth, lest they spread elsewhere and cause complications for the surgery.
Most of us forget that the area of the body laden with the most bacteria is the oral cavity, the mouth. Often people who have bleeding gums, usually, they don’t bleed all of the time, but on occasion. Also, when your gums bleed it doesn’t hurt, so we are inclined not to pay attention to it. Unfortunately, the same areas that are bleeding are the entryway for the bacteria to enter the blood stream and cause problems and disease in other areas of the body. Heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, lung disease, even premature low birth weight infants are linked to infections in the mouth. Though we often fail to pay attention to the mouth, it really is one of the most important areas of the body to devote time to ensure it’s health. The health of your entire body can stem from your mouth.
I feel comfortable that the patient made a very good choice choosing a conscientious physician who is up to date on the latest research and most importantly has her best interest at
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: body, dental care, gums, habits, health
Categories : Dental Health, Health
RIVETED!
22 01 2013
Yesterday, I was riveted for the entire day watching the inauguration ceremony. The pomp and circumstance are amazing, and I just loved watching all of the politicians dressed in their finest. Yes, I too was waiting on pins and needles to see the dress Michelle Obama would arrive in for the ball. She did not disappoint. She looked gorgeous and elegant as usual. The dress was stunning! The red dress complimented her complexion beautifully, and the halter top, showed off her fabulous arms. She and the president flashed those fantastic smiles throughout the entire day. Not withstanding, what the day means to our country of hope, and new beginnings, and bright futures. Yesterday was truly a monumental day, so full of meaning. I could not keep my eyes away from the television for too long, for fear of missing any cherished moments.
One thing that was apparent so frequently, but not appreciated enough, was the constant smiles that the president and first lady flashed so effortlessly. I wondered who maintains their oral health? Just who is the dentist who allows the first family to smile so brightly without concern and embarrassment. I thought about the previous presidents, some who had dental problems that affected them in a public way. George Washington’s wooden teeth were actually made of gold and ivory. His clumsy ill-fitting dentures were what made the sour expression we see in pictures. It was not that he didn’t like to smile. He couldn’t. Washington had no teeth by the time he was middle-aged. John Adams lost his teeth and refused to wear false ones, that is why he spoke with a lisp. Abraham Lincoln was so afraid of dentists from an earlier painful experience, that he brought his own chloroform to the dentist when he needed another extraction, put it to his nose, and instructed the dentist to come over when he felt sedated enough. As you can see in pictures, Woodrow Wilson’s teeth were awful. He had a stroke, and it was said that he had atherosclerotic disease which was in part due to his poor oral hygiene. When the White House released the records of George W. Bush, they said he had extensive dental work and no wisdom teeth. Ronald Reagan had to have cortisone injections for TMJ problems.
When thinking about presidents and history, there is a long history of their oral health that historians gather as well. It makes you wonder how their oral health affected their lives. Well, to Michelle and Barack’s dentist, keep up the great work!
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: dental care, health, history, inauguration, president, smile
Categories : Dental Health
Harlem!
19 01 2013
I love Harlem. I live and work here. I love the energy of this place, I love the vibe. Contrary to the portrait painted of living in the big city of New York, Harlem is still a neighborhood. I walk to work most of the time, and here people greet you on the street in the morning, and it just gives a warm feeling everyday. You see a lot of the older people on the side of the street who just keep an eye out and know everything that is taking place in the block. Harlem is truly a rainbow. In the summers you see clearly that Harlem is a mixture, a melting pot, people live here from all over the world. While walking up the street you see a kaleidoscope of many different shades and colors; black, brown, yellow, white, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, European, African; hear so many different language; see so many different fashions, shapes and textures, people with many different attitudes, the the lively and animated speak; and my favorite – all of the smiles!
One of the most fabulous things I love about the smile, is that they are all so different. Each and every individual has teeth of different shapes and shades, from super white, to shades of yellow, to brown, even dark brown; some have spaces, some are crowded together. Oftentimes, some are missing. The fact that no two individuals have the same teeth is fascinating to me. Each and every mouth is different. There is no monotony in the area of dentistry, it is a wonderful thing. When I take a look around at the different teeth, the smiles, this is Harlem, this is home!
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: Harlem, neighborhood, smile, teeth
Categories : Neighborhood
Candy Wrappers
17 01 2013
I figured that before I post too many blogs giving my insight about dentistry and thoughts I have, I also must make confessions of my own and really divulge where my perspective originates from. As a newborn, my son (who is now a teenager) was very ill. He was a 2 lb 1 oz preemie who had to be hospitalized over 9 times during the first 2 years of his life. He was placed on a ventilator to help him breathe many of those occasions and he even coded once. Having been in the healthcare profession and with family members who were health care practitioners and physicians, I felt the medical profession should be able to cure patients and make them better. One of the times he was intubated ( on the ventilator) I asked the pediatrician “what is it we are going to do to make him better to fix him”. Wonderfully, the physician explained that “the only thing we as physicians are able to do in this case is to give him oxygen, support the airway and keep it open, the body has to do the rest”. It was in that moment and while my son was healing that I began to truly understand just how fascinating and complex the human body truly is. It is where I came to see that the key a long and healthy life is to keep the body strong and in proper shape. It was also at that time that they were offering fellowships in holistic dentistry with the Institute for Natural Dentistry. I enrolled in the program right away and it truly opened my eyes to an entirely different world of wellness; mind/body/spirit interrelationship; energetic pathways; nutrition; and the list goes on… It really allowed me to truly understand that the teeth do not walk in on their own, but are attached to a body, and the interrelationship between the teeth and the whole individual.
Well around that time, you can say that I became a “food nazi”. I really watched what I was eating, made sure my son only had organic, healthy food, no sugar, he took every vitamin supplement he should have, etc. Well, or so I thought. After a while, this toddler would find ways to spit out just what he didn’t like. “Oh, no Mommy, I just won’t have that”, and he said it so politely. I would try and hide the supplements in the food. He would find it and spit it out. It has become a never ending struggle. As he has gotten older and in school with other children, the challenges have become even greater. When you share your food with others and they share back, it’s when you really get tastes for sugar and other foods that may not be so good or healthy for you. Then, the first time this happened I was shocked. I went to make up his bed and found candy wrappers in the bed! Not only was he eating the sugar, but he was leaving the sugar to bathe in his mouth all night long – a dentists’ nightmare!
We have had our moments. We have had our struggles. I have really, really relaxed my habits. As adults, we have our challenges that we have to deal with ourselves. At one point, I became frustrated and felt there was nothing I can do. We went, as they say “buck wild”. But there is no way you can be in the dental field, and see all of this sugar addiction and the health problems it causes and just do nothing. These experiences have really let me know how strong an addiction sugar really can be. It has also let me know that in this society, and especially living in New York City, it is very difficult to control the environment and here children have access to so many things. What I do know that is great is that as he is getting older, he is learning how do make some better choices. That is my hope and shining star. As parents it is our responsibility to always try and help them understand what is best for them, but also, not just leave things and say it is hopeless, but just keep trying. So that’s what I do.
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: candy, food, habits, health, reflections, sugar
Categories : Dental Habits, Insights
Sugar, Sodas, Celebrities……
16 01 2013Why Do Stars Think It’s OK To Sell Soda
Beyonce’s Pepsi Advertisement
I read this article last week about Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Brittney Spears and their participation in ad campaigns of sodas and other products that are harmful to our health, however, they create great profit to the celebrities who endorse these brands. It makes me question what are our core beliefs as a nation? Are we going to remain true to our core beliefs, or does that take a back seat when it comes to making money? I understand that we live in the United States of America, in this great consumer driven economy, but, what if we stayed true to our core beliefs? What if celebrities aligned their core beliefs with opportunities for making money? I think our country would look a bit different now. But to take that personally, what if we as consumers stuck to our own core beliefs and thought a bit deeper prior to making our purchases, to ensure that it aligned with what we know is healthy and good for us as individuals and for our families? Imagine what our country, our nation would look like. I think we would see less obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and a much healthier nation. I think too often we make decisions because we see everyone else doing it, and quite frankly because of the convenience. To take back our power and to improve our health, we must not always choose the easy way. Sometimes should make harder choices and taking the more difficult road, which in fact, may take longer, make you more tired and can be quite lonely, but the scenery along the way is beautiful, and when you get to the finish line, it will be all the more rewarding!
Ok, that’s the philosophical portion of this blog. What does this article have to do with teeth? Well, it’s all about teeth. Well, the obvious, eating too much sugar increases your risk of cavities. Do you ever look at the perfect smiles of the stars and think well, if they were truly ingesting all of the sodas they are selling, what would their smiles look like? Probably a lot of holes, dark spaces, and red inflamed gums. It would not a pretty sight. A cosmetic dentist would be necessary to fix the broken teeth that were created by drinking all of those sodas. What about the periodontal disease/diabetes link. Are you aware that there is a high correlation between gum disease and diabetes. Did you know that if you treated the periodontal disease, the diabetes improves. Oftentimes, it is your dentist, your first line of defense who can spot that you may have a problem with diabetes. Dentists are definitely crucial as they assist in managing the diabetes.
What are your core beliefs pertaining to your health? Take a close look at the sodas, juices and other sugary drinks you consume. How many sugars do put in your coffee or tea and how often do you drink them? Just by really evaluating your consumption of sugary beverages and making the choice to drink fewer of these drinks, dilute them with water, reduce the sugars in your diet. You are making a conscious choice to be healthier, your teeth will be protected and more beautiful. It may be a bit lonelier as your co-workers are routinely consuming the unhealthy beverages, but it will certainly be more rewarding, starting with easier dental visits to improved overall total health!
Dr Donna Williams
Dr. Williams began her career in the field of dentistry at Howard University and graduated from Baltimore College Dental Surgery/University of Maryland. She is one of a select group of general dentists who have completed a fellowship in Holistic dentistry, and is also certified to use the only FDA approved laser for periodontal surgery. She is passionate about improving the health status of people throughout the community and beyond. Contact her at: Morningside Dental Care.
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Tags: beverages, dental care, diet, health, sugar, teeth
Categories : Dental Health
Dental HealthStyles 