GO DADDY???!!!

7 02 2013

kiss with bar rafa

I know this Go Daddy ad sparked quite a lot of controversy after Sunday’s Super Bowl.  Many were uncomfortable about the “geek” kissing the beautiful woman.  Some were wondering about the appropriateness of that intimacy of affection during prime time.  Frankly, as a dentist, some other thoughts also ran through my mind.  So, with St. Valentine’s day coming up next week, now would be an appropriate time to share these thoughts with you.

Did you know that bacteria can be passed between two people by mouth to mouth contact?  The same goes with sharing your toothbrush.  What about sharing that appetizer? Maybe a little smooching on the couch? Bacteria can be passed between people not just through toothbrushes or other dental implements, but also from shared silverware or any other mouth-to-mouth contact.  Parents and children are not immune either, and bacteria can be passed between them. The family pet may even serve as the source of a bacterial infection.Did you know that the bacteria that causes juvenile periodontitis can be transferred from the infected site to an uninfected site within the same mouth? Even between a husband and wife, there can be bacterial transfer.

Recurring dental infections are commonly caused by infected toothbrushes. In addition to dental problems, a toothbrush may also result in the formation of a bacteremia (bacterial infection in the bloodstream) which, if left untreated, can lead to endocarditis (infection of the heart). A typical toothbrush may be infested with various viruses and bacteria, which can then be transmitted to a new user.

For example, if the toothbrush owner has the herpes simplex virus, 50% of the virus can remain on the toothbrush for up to a week. If you suffer from gum inflammation (gingivitis), you may be able to find relief by using a new toothbrush every two weeks. Wondering if it’s still okay to share a toothbrush with someone you trust?

We now understand that oral infections are not restricted to the mouth but can move through the body and be transmitted that way to other people. You don’t need to become obsessive about your toothbrush, and you can still share a sample at your favorite restaurant, but for your own well-being and that of your family, you should develop a good dental health program.

You can remove 100% of the bacteria on your toothbrush by soaking in an essential oils mouthrinse for 20 minutes. Another good way to clean your toothbrush is ultraviolet light. You may have seen a toothpaste that contains triclosan, a common disinfectant, that claims to clean your toothbrush; however, recent studies* show that this toothpaste is not very effective at removing bacteria.

What are the best ways to eliminate the bacteria that are on your toothbrush? Place them under ultraviolet light, soak them in a mouthrinse with essential oils, or, perhaps easiest of all, replace your old toothbrush with a fresh new one on a routine basis. There’s not much you can do about the kissing since most people won’t want to give that up…just keep an eye on the health of your mate’s mouth!

Have a happy Valentine’s Day!
 

 

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.

 


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : Dental Habits, Dental Health, Teeth

Are my mercury fillings making me mad?

5 02 2013

mercury fillings

The amalgam or mercury fillings used commonly in dentistry contain up to 50 percent mercury.  Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that most scientists believe can be harmful to your health. The name “Mad Hatter” was inspired by the phrase “as mad as a hatter”.   Mercury was used in the process of curing felt used in some hats, making it impossible for hatters to avoid inhaling the mercury fumes given off during the hat making process; hatters and mill workers thus often suffered mad hatter disease, mercury poisoning causing neurological damage including confused speech and distorted vision  Mercury has been removed from the shelves in our pharmacies and drug stores, because we know the dangers of inhaling mercury.

You can no longer get mercurochrome antiseptic nor mercury thermometers at the pharmacy, because the FDA has deemed the mercury to be hazardous to your health.

The manufacturers of mercury fillings themselves place warning labels on the outside of their containers.  The labels state that mercury fillings are nephrotoxic, neurotoxic.  It states that they are skin sensitizers, that they should not be used in small children, or expectant mothers, the list of warnings goes on and on.

When you have a mercury, or amalgam filling placed, your dentist can no longer use a squeeze cloth to remove the excess mercury before placing a filling.  The amalgamators (what we use to mix the filling together) have to be sealed so that while the mixing process is taking place, the mercury vapors are not released.  An amalgam separator is a special apparatus required to be in place in all dental offices to ensure that as you are removing the mercury fillings, the mercury do not get into the water supply once it is out of your mouth.  In translation, before the mercury filling is placed in your mouth it is toxic, and after it is removed from your mouth, it is toxic.  Why does the ADA say that during the time the fillings are in your mouth, they are safe?

Because it is very challenging to diagnose when a symptom in your body is the result of mercury toxins from your teeth, the ADA still allows for the placement of these fillings in our mouths.  They are also more cost-effective than some of the other materials that we use to restore teeth.

But the bottom line is there are other options, the composite fillings, and porcelain restorations look most natural,and they are a safer option for you.  In future blogs, I will discuss safe protocols for mercury removal.  But suffice it to say, when you go to your dentist to have fillings placed, insist on other options.  They are out there!

 

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.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Dental Health, Health, Teeth

The French Fry – A right of passage?

4 02 2013

baby with french fry

A right of passage:  That first time you take your child on a fast food adventure , isn’t it cute when they take that first nibble on a crispy McDonald’s french fry, often drenched in ketchup.  The child is so adorable, the french fry tastes so good.  Nobody thinks for a moment how we are starting that child down the road towards a possible addiction to unhealthy foods, towards diabetes, obesity and other health issues that will plague them for the rest of their lives.  That first trip to McDonald’s is commonplace in so many households here in the United States, and everywhere around the world, will start them on the path to dental disease  including cavities and gum disease.

The month of February is recognized as Children’s Dental Health Month.  I really think it is important to establish healthy nutritional and oral health routines from the time a baby is an infant.  Here are a few helpful tips that can help prevent dental disease from the start:

From infancy, the routine of cleaning your babies  mouth out after they have milk or formula is important. The sugar in the milk can cause decay from the time the first teeth erupt into the mouth.  It is especially important to refrain from allowing children sip on milk, or juice in a bottle throughout the day and especially at night.  Baby bottle, or nursing bottle caries are really a struggle for the parent and the child, when their baby teeth erupt into the mouth rotten from the sugar in these drinks.

Really pay attention to food labels.  Watch for the hidden sugars in a child’s diet that they might be consuming.  Try and avoid processed foods as much as possible.

Brushing after meals, and especially at bedtimes is critical, as most of the bacteria builds up in ones mouth at night when they are sleeping and their mouth is closed.  Also, ensuring that they develop healthy routines when it comes to brushing and flossing, starts when they are very young.  In fact, one of the best things you can do is let them watch you as you brush and floss so they can emulate some great behaviors.

Sealants, which are a thin plastic coating, a protective layer that should be placed on all of the back teeth, once they have erupted into the child’s mouth, have shown to significantly decrease the amount of dental decay a child will get in the grooves of their teeth.

Finally, soon after the teeth start coming into your child’s mouth, is the right time to take them on their first visit to a dentist.  Let them get used to the environment.  It will help to prevent them from developing a fear of the dentist, that their parent’s might have had.  It will also allow the dentist to evaluate their teeth and make sure to prevent and detect any dental problems before it will arise.  Let your children develop a lifelong healthy relationship with one of the best preventive healthcare providers they will have for their entire lives.

Happy Children’s Dental Health Month!

 

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.


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Dental Habits, Dental Health, Food

2 02 2013

Before you watch all of the commercials during tomorrow’s Super Bowl, please read this post…..

 

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.

drdonnarae's avatarDental HealthStyles

Why Do Stars Think It’s OK To Sell Soda

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…

View original post 510 more words


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Dental Health, Food

Can 1 yogurt = 1 soda?

29 01 2013

so why let them drink it

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?

read labels

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.


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Dental Health, Food, Health

Total Health and Wellness Begins with your mouth!

27 01 2013

Morningside Dental Care

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.

Invisalign pictures CERECLANAP
 

 

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.

 


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Dental Habits, Dental Health, Teeth

Letter from a Conscientious Physician

23 01 2013

Image

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

heart
 

 

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.

 


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Dental Health, Health

RIVETED!

22 01 2013

obamas inauguration

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.

 


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Dental Health

Sugar, Sodas, Celebrities……

16 01 2013

Why Do Stars Think It’s OK To Sell Soda

Beyonce's Pepsi Advertisement

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.

 


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Dental Health

Next Entries »