While both men and women require an appropriate amount of calcium to build bone mass during their early developmental years, women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a progressive loss of bone mass due to aging. This makes women more susceptible to fractures and possibly loss of teeth from weakening of the jawbone.
For women in the age range of 19-24 years, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium is 1,200 milligrams. This decreases to 800 milligrams thereafter. Foods rich in calcium include milk, cheese and ice cream, but these also are high in calories and fat. So, shop wisely and check the labels. Alternatives such as skim or no fat milk will solve the problem. There are a reasonable variety of cheeses and yogurts that are low fat as well as ice cream substitutes. Besides dairy, other healthy foods rich in calcium are salmon, tofu (soybean curd), broccoli, peas, beans, nuts and calcium-enriched grain products.
If we can be of assistance or answer any questions surrounding your oral health, do not hesitate to contact us or call for a complimentary consultation. We serve Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Dunwoody, East Cobb, greater Marietta, Woodstock, Acworth, Buckhead and Vinings communities.
The cost of having a root canal done depends upon where you live, the type of dentist and whether or not you have dental insurance.The procedure is usually done by a specialist known as an endodontist, but can be performed in a general dentist’s office.The procedure can range anywhere from $900 to 1500.00 depending on the tooth location and the number of root canals involved.The diagnosis will require an initial x-ray, which can be performed by your general dentist and forwarded to the endodontist’s office.Sometimes there are issues that arise where the endodontist wants to charge for an initial consultation.This may or may not be necessary depending on the relationship the endodontist has with your referring general practitioner.If you have insurance it will usually cover about half to eighty percent of the cost.One of the added costs to a root canal that should be taken into account is either an amalgam (or composite) or crown restoration of the tooth by your general dentist upon completion of the procedure.
The root canal involves opening the tooth and removing the pulp of the tooth, which contains the tooth nerve that’s causing you so much pain. What necessitates the procedure is the root of the tooth being infected and no known treatment to preserve the nerve from further deterioration. The two most common causes of infection of the pulp are deep cavities and fractures or broken teeth. As treatment, the pulp tissue is removed, the root is cleaned with files and filled with an inorganic material that keeps bacteria out of the root and tooth.Generally, a root/nerve involved tooth only gets worse over time without treatment.And the longer you wait, the greater possibility you might suffer the loss of the entire tooth.
Prices don’t always reflect the quality of your treatment. Having a sense of trust in your general dentist will usually result in the referral to an endodontist that’s also worth trusting.If we can be of service or you have further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or by email.
Mouths, like people, are affected by years as well as by genes. If you’re over 60, your oral chemistry is changing—and thorough examinations of gums and salivary glands can be a lifesaving early detector of oral cancer or other disease.Older Americansare becoming a larger segment of our population and suffer disproportionately from oral diseases, with the problembeing particularly acute for individuals in long term care facilities.They generally requiremultiple medications, and common side effects of the more than500 medications used to treat their overall health issues usually reduce salivary flow.[1]Usually the reduction in salivacan adversely affect their quality of life, the ability to chew, and lead to significant problems of the teeth andtheir supporting structures.
The elderly may also have difficulty performing routine oralhygiene procedures because of physical limitations, such as Parkinson’s or rheumatoid arthritis.In addition,oral infection is now recognized as a risk factor for a numberof systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases,diabetes, mellitus, and respiratory disorders.Also,it is important to note that once people have lost their teeth and are using complete dentures, their oral healthneeds do not decrease.Our jaws are not static and may continue toresorb over time.Besides the continued resorption of bone, improperly fitted dentures can adversely affectchewing, leading to poor nutrition.In addition, those without teeth remainsusceptible to oral cancer, mucosal diseases, and alterationsin salivary gland function.
As early as 55 patients are developing twice as many cavities as children do. All these health issues and their medications that create reduced saliva and cause dry mouth have become an open invitation for tooth decay and periodontal disease.Does the patient have to make a choice between his or her general health verses their oral hygiene?They shouldn’t have to.
What should you expect from a visit to your dental hygienist? Along with your dental cleaning you may need professional scaling and root planing to remove harmful plaque and calculus deposits. Your hygienist should also record the depths of your periodontal pockets (that space between your teeth and gums where decay and periodontal disease flourish).
Keeping track of you is a key part of the hygienist’s job. It includes keeping your dental chart and health history current, making preliminary oral inspections, and creating tooth impressions.
Your hygienist is also an educator—someone who can teach you preventive dentistry skills—brushing and flossing techniques that make for healthy, trouble-free gums and teeth, regardless your age or your onset of other health issues. Together, you two can make an unbeatable team!
The cost of having a root canal done depends upon where you live, the type of dentist and whether or not you have dental insurance. The procedure is usually done by a specialist known as an endodontist, but can be performed in a general dentist’s office. The procedure can range anywhere from $900 to 1500.00 depending on the tooth location and the number of root canals involved. The diagnosis will require an initial x-ray, which can be performed by your general dentist and forwarded to the endodontist’s office. Sometimes there are issues that arise where the endodontist wants to charge for an initial consultation. This may or may not be necessary depending on the relationship the endodontist has with your referring general practitioner. If you have insurance it will usually cover about half to eighty percent of the cost. One of the added costs to a root canal that should be taken into account is either an amalgam (or composite) or crown restoration of the tooth by your general dentist upon completion of the procedure.
The root canal involves opening the tooth and removing the pulp of the tooth, which contains the tooth nerve that’s causing you so much pain. What necessitates the procedure is the root of the tooth being infected and no known treatment to preserve the nerve from further deterioration. The two most common causes of infection of the pulp are deep cavities and fractures or broken teeth. As treatment, the pulp tissue is removed, the root is cleaned with files and filled with an inorganic material that keeps bacteria out of the root and tooth. Generally, a root/nerve involved tooth only gets worse over time without treatment. And the longer you wait, the greater possibility you might suffer the loss of the entire tooth.
Price don’t always reflect the quality of your treatment. In our case, having a sense of trust in your general dentist will usually result in the referral to our in-house endodontic treatment that’s always worth trusting. If we can be of service or you have further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or by email.
Sandy Springs’ Right Smile Center, a full service dental practice is excited to announce the addition of Nanci Lubell, DMD as a new associate in the practice.
Dr. Lubell brings the Right Smile Center 20 years of experience with a focus in restorative and endodontic treatment.
We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Lubell’s experience and training in our practice,” said Dr. Novy Scheinfeld. “She brings a successful track record of great service with the added technical expertise that allows us to offer our patients in-house endodontic treatment.
Dr. Lubell grew up in East Cobb and returned to practice there after receiving her degree from MCG in 1991. Married to native Atlantan Dr. Mark Rosing, Nanci currently resides in Dunwoody with their two sons who attend The Davis Academy. In addition to her dental degree, Dr. Lubell has Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Georgia. Throughout her career she has been active in various cancer-related charities and women/children shelters in metro Atlanta.
The Right Smile Center is one of the largest active comprehensive dental practices in North Atlanta and has been trusted by thousands in metro Atlanta with 4 generations of patients. If we can be of assistance in your oral health care needs please do not hesitate to call our office for a complementary consultation.
Sandy Springs’ Right Smile Center, a full service dental practice is excited to announce the addition of Nanci Lubell, DMD as a new associate in the practice.
Dr. Lubell brings the Right Smile Center 20 years of experience with a focus in restorative and endodontic treatment.
We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Lubell’s experience and training in our practice,” said Dr. Novy Scheinfeld. “She brings a successful track record of great service with the added technical expertise that allows us to offer our patients in-house endodontic treatment.
Dr. Lubell grew up in East Cobb and returned to practice there after receiving her degree from MCG in 1991. Married to native Atlantan Dr. Mark Rosing, Nanci currently resides in Dunwoody with their two sons who attend The Davis Academy. In addition to her dental degree, Dr. Lubell has Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Georgia. Throughout her career she has been active in various cancer-related charities and women/children shelters in metro Atlanta.
The Right Smile Center is one of the largest active comprehensive dental practices in North Atlanta and has been trusted by thousands in metro Atlanta with 4 generations of patients. If we can be of assistance in your oral health care needs please do not hesitate to call our office for a complementary consultation.
Expecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you’re already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you’ll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.
If you’re planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren’t harmful, it’s recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it’s best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby’s development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.
If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.
Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It’s extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.
The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning. If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
According to research presented at the American Academy of Periodontology conference in 2004, gum disease is linked to women who use infertility treatments.[1] The study said women undergoing infertility treatment for more than three menstrual cycles experience increased inflammation and bleeding of the gums. These women also have increased levels of gingival crevicular fluid, which contains tissue breakdown products that may be markers for the progression of gum disease.[2]
The lead author Dr. Cenk M. Haytac, from Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey, postulates that these effects occur because these agents increase body levels of estrogen and the gums apparently are a target for estrogen since they contain estrogen receptors. Though not definitive, several studies have shown evidence that gum infections are associated with unsuccessful embryo development or the failure of in-vitro fertilization. Poor oral health is as bad for fertility as obesity – delaying conception by about two months says latest research.[3]
Experts at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Sweden were presented with evidence how women with gum disease took over seven months to conceive, compared to the usual five months. The researchers believe the underlying cause is inflammation. Unchecked, this can set off a chain of reactions capable of damaging the body’s normal workings.
Periodontal disease has already been linked with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and miscarriage, plus poor sperm quality in men. An Australian study involving over 3,700 women indicated that those with gum disease had raised blood levels of markers for inflammation.[4] Although speculative, as a precaution researchers suggest that the treatment of gum disorders might influence the outcome of infertility treatment. According to Dr. Michael P. Rethman, president of the AAP, “[i]t is reasonable to assume that if low levels of plaque are established and maintained during the infertility treatment, gingival inflammation would not affect the success of infertility treatment,” “[which] would require meticulous oral hygiene and routine professional cleanings, perhaps at the beginning of each menstrual cycle to ensure the presence of healthy gums.”
Professor Roger Hart advises women trying to get pregnant to get a check-up by their dentist along with other measures like stopping smoking and drinking, maintaining a healthy weight and taking folic acid supplements. UK fertility expert Dr. Allan Pacey said, “It’s common sense advice really to make sure you are in a healthy condition [including good oral health] if you want to try for a baby.” Around 10% of the population is believed to have severe periodontal disease.[5]
So if you are trying to get pregnant and are unsure of your oral health please see your dentist.
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, there are two distinct causes of oral cancer. One, which I have mentioned in an earlier article is through the use of tobacco (and alcohol), a long time historic environmental cause, and the other is through the exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), which is a newly identified etiology, and apparently the same one which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. And a small number (under 5 %) of people acquire oral cancers from no currently identifiable cause, presumably caused by some genetic predisposition similar to other cancer causing agents.
While most think this is a rare form of cancer, mouth cancer (popularly thought to be the result of chewing tobacco) is diagnosed in about 100 individuals each day here in the US alone, and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers like Michael Douglas was recently treated for (and most likely a result of his smoking and consumption of alcohol), the rates of occurrence accounting for about 10,000 additional new cases per year, then the death rate is significantly higher. But these statistics can be drastically reduced when found at the early stages of development. With early diagnosis, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 % survival rate.
Unfortunately at this time, the majority of cases are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis. The reason for these late stage diagnoses is not because these cancers are hard to discover, rather it is because of a lack of public awareness. The American Dental Association states that only 60% of the US population sees a dentist every year, which leaves 40% to happenstance. If heightened public awareness were coupled with a national program for screenings, diagnosis of oral cancers would yield early discovery by both medical and dental professionals.
Ironically, it is potentially easier to obtain public compliance to oral cancer screenings, because unlike many other cancer screening procedures, there is no invasive technique required to look for it, no discomfort or pain involved, and it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease. Realistically, it only costs about $35.00, usually 10 times less than a blood test at your annual physical.
It is important that patients realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but actually an exam that is a matter of life and death. It’s important for patients and dentists to start a dialog today. Even if talking about cancer is difficult, there are mechanisms around this. Creating awareness, discovery and diagnosis is the purpose of April being Oral Cancer Awareness Month. So when it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are primary responsibilities of the dental community. The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery. And no group has a better opportunity to have an impact than members of the dental community. If our practice can be of help we are offering free cancer screening during the month of April.
Some Research and statistics provided by: The Oral Cancer Foundation. Kuper H, Adami HO, Boffetta P (June 2002). “Tobacco use, cancer causation and public health impact”. Journal of internal medicine251 (6): 455–66. Seitz HK, Pöschl G, Simanowski UA (1998). “Alcohol and cancer”. Recent developments in alcoholism : an official publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism. “Screening for Oral Cancer”. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2004. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsoral.htm.
I read this article the other day by the Mayo Clinic staff and it appears very much worth republishing. Please read this and adjust your life accordingly. It’s really not that difficult to lead a healthy life style and live longer lives.
Oral health: A window to your overall health
Your oral health is more important than you may realize. Get the facts about how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums may affect your general health.
Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health? Or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.
What’s the connection between oral health and overall health?
Your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dental procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth or breach the mouth’s normal protective barriers may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
What conditions may be linked to oral health?
Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.
HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
Alzheimer’s disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren’s syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.
Be sure to tell your dentist if you’re taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you’ve had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition.
How can I protect my oral health?
To protect your oral health, resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
While both men and women require an appropriate amount of calcium to build bone mass during their early developmental years, women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a progressive loss of bone mass due to aging. This makes women more susceptible to fractures and possibly loss of teeth from weakening of the jawbone.
