Dentist Sandy Springs: Energy Drinks, good or bad?

We routinely caution patients about the consumption of soda, juice and Gator-aide type drinks about the toll on teeth.  Water should be the drinking source for everyone.

But with the rise in consumption of energy drinks, the medical community is beginning to take aim at the ingredients used in these drinks that act as stimulants to their consumers.  And as you would expect, the American Academy of Pediatrics has focused on the harmful effects the consumption of some of these products have on children and young adults.    Some of these energy drinks contain as much caffeine as 10 to 15 cans of soda.   And without a better understanding of the amounts of caffeine (and Guarani and Taurine) being consumed and when they are being consumed, many of our youth are being unwittingly exposed to dangerous endeavors.  Adding to the confusion between sports drinks and energy drinks, many retailers place energy drinks next to sport drinks with inference that their consumption is similar to sport drinks.

We encourage parents to act with caution in the purchase of energy drinks.  The unknowns about these drinks coupled with a significant rise in their consumption should cause parents to be weary of the side effects and potential toxicities.  Energy (and sports) drinks should not be a staple part of the diet.  Drinking water is the better approach to hydration and a healthy body.

Unfortunately, there are no long-term studies on the effects of these energy drinks and their associated arrangement of stimulant ingredients.  So if you drink these types of products, do so in moderation.  Then your children are most likely to avoid the potentially harmful side effects.  We can only make suggests, but for teeth related issues please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

References:

1. Reissig CJ, Strain EC, Griffiths RR. Caffeinated energy drinks—a growing problem. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2009;99(1-3):1-10. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

2. Weise E. Petition calls for FDA to regulate energy drinks. USA Today. October22, 2008. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-21-energy-drinks_N.htm Accessed September 3, 2010.

3. Bryce DJ, Dyer JH. Strategies to crack well-guarded markets. Harv Bus Rev. 2007;85(5):84-92.[PubMed]

4. Ballard SL, Wellborn-Kim JJ, Clauson KA. Effects of commercial energy drink consumption on athletic performance and body composition. Phys Sportsmed. 2010;38(1):107-117. [PubMed]

5. Thombs DL, O’Mara RJ, Tsukamoto M, et al. Event-level analyses of energy drink consumption and alcohol intoxication in bar patrons. Addict Behav. 2009;35(4):325-330. [PubMed]

6. Miller KE. Energy drinks, race, and problem behaviors among college students. J Adolesc Health. 2008;43(5):490-497. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

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Dentist Alpharetta: Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty!

Cosmetic dentistry is not an ADA-recognized specialty.  In order to be a recognized specialty a discipline must demonstrate 6 requirements, of which in pertinent part,

[t]he specialty must document scientifically, by valid and reliable statistical evidence/studies, that it: (a) actively contributes to new knowledge in the field; (b) actively contributes to professional education; (c) actively contributes to research needs of the profession; and (d) provides oral health services for the public; all of which are currently not being met by general practitioners or dental specialists.[1]

These requirements as they relate to a post-graduate dental degree are fulfilled by the specialty in prosthodontics.  So the next time you read about a dentist claiming to be a ‘cosmetic dentist’, you need question by ‘who’s’ authority or recognition does he or she make that claim, because it doesn’t exist[2].

Prosthodontists make up less than 2% of all the dentists in the United States.  Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University trained prosthodontist and has practiced in metro Atlanta since 1988.  Go with a “PRO”.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] ADA News November 5, 2012, Pg. 27.

[2] This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetic_dentistry

 

Dentist Alpharetta: Cavities FAQs

Most of us have had at least one.  Some of us couldn’t help ourselves and have quite a few. So what makes cavities so persistent? Usually, the answer is simple: not enough brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting the dentist.  Snacking on sweets and slurping sodas doesn’t help either.  Even healthy cran-raisins are a culprit in the cause of cavities[1].  But rather than feel guilty, get informed and do some things to prevent cavities.

Q: What’s the difference between tooth decay and tooth cavity?

A: Good question! Most people think tooth decay and tooth cavity are the same thing. But they’re not. Tooth decay refers to a gradual process during which bacteria in the mouth produce acids that destroy the surfaces of teeth. Over time, tooth decay can erode enamel to the point that a hole, or cavity, forms.

Q: Can I get cavities from kissing?

A: Actually, you can.  But I am not sure if that’s a reason to give up kissing.  You might try brushing more frequently to disrupt the decaying process and keep kissing[2]!

Q: How do I know if I have cavities?

A: Cavities are one of the first things your dentist looks for during a regular dental exam. X-rays allow your dentist to diagnose whether you have dental cavities and how extensive they are.  Other methods of discovery come from the probing in the top surfaces of the tooth[3] for ‘stickiness’.  Sometimes a tooth cavity is visible to the naked eye, but that may mean you haven’t seen your dentist in a while.[4]

Q: How do dentists treat dental cavities?

A: Treatment depends on the size of the cavity and the degree of damage.   Although many dental cavities are treated with fillings, onlays may be necessary to treat large cavities affecting the cusps of teeth, while cavities affecting the areas in between the cusps may be treated with inlays. In some cases, dental crowns are used to protect a tooth from further tooth decay. Dental sealants are often applied to children’s and adult’s teeth as a preventative measure against cavities.

Still have questions about cavities or other dental problems? Your dentist will be happy to answer them during your next checkup or give us a call or email.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

Info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Raisins stick to your tooth, ergo bacteria attachment site.

[2] Kissing has a lot of immune building advantages.  There are costs and benefits to everything.

[3] In between the cusps of the tooth.

[4] If you see black holes in your teeth, those could be signs. Another cavity red flag is a toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.

 

Dentist Alpharetta: Why do we survey patients?

Because your opinion matters!

At the Right Smile Center, our goal is to exceed your service expectations.  That is why we regularly survey our patients to determine what we are doing right…and what could use some improvement.  The results from these surveys are one of our most important patient-satisfaction measurement tools. Being able to read about the quality of our services from the patient’s perspective allows us to make meaningful changes in our clinical and administrative practices.  These surveys help us do our jobs.

By completing our brief email survey, our patients provide us with genuine, anonymous (if preferred) feedback[1], which we use to make improvements throughout the practice and as part of our team evaluation system. This feedback also helps us to measure the success of pilot programs and patient initiatives.

Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial uses an outside company called RateaDentist.com to survey our patients.  While patients return the surveys directly to RateaDentist.com, the company provides all the timely, specific feedback to the Right Smile Center so that we can accurately track results and act on feedback.[2]

We greatly value our patients’ feedback.

Our patients have allowed us to publish over 450 reviews.

We encourage you to see what our patients say at:

http://www.rateadentist.com/reviews/Georgia/SandySprings/NovyScheinfeldDDSPC

If we can be of service to you, please contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

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[1] We get a lot of feedback where the patient does not want their response published.  So the over 450 published responses do not represent the totality of the surveys.  We have thousands of disallowed responses the go into the calculation of our rating, but only the 450 allowed responses.

[2] While it’s a part of the survey company’s policy, the responses that are anonymous make it difficult to access the circumstances surrounding the patient-practice interaction.

Dentist Alpharetta: Mayor Bloomberg and Soda Drinkers

My preference is to have government stay out of my arena even if the Mayor might be right. Dentists can usually spot a soda drinker a mile away.  These patients are often prone to dental cavities and white spots on their teeth known as decalcifications, which are actually the start of new cavities.

A cavity is an infection caused by a combination of carbohydrate-containing foods or beverages and bacteria that live in our mouths.  Sweetened soda contains a high amount of sugar, a carbohydrate that can promote cavities.  Sodas may be even more damaging to the teeth than other sugar containing beverages because they are acidic as well.

Before we drink a sugar-sweetened soda, the pH in our mouth is about 7.0, which is slightly more acidic than water. When the bacteria in our mouths are exposed to sugar, they metabolize it and produce acid. The acid causes the pH on the tooth surface to drop. At a pH of 5.2 or below, the acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel that forms the outer coating of our teeth. Over time this leads to erosion that causes cavities and painful toothaches.[1]

Of all of the sodas tested, cola caused the most decalcification. Sweetened soda seems to damage teeth in two ways. The soda has a low PH and makes the mouth acidic, and the sugar content causes tooth decay when it comes into contact with bacteria in the mouth.

The easiest way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount and frequency of eating sugary foods and beverages.  If you can’t stop the consumption then consider brushing your teeth at least three times a day, especially after eating or drinking and before bed.

If you have to have sweetened soda, drink it through a straw in one sitting, to bypass the teeth altogether.  If we can answer any of your questions or concerns please contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Teeth exposed to cola, orange and lime soda had significantly more decalcification than those exposed to mineral water.  Mayor Bloomberg has no restrictions on mineral water, yet.

Alpharetta Dentist: Green Tea and Your Oral Health

Drinking green tea is in style, but guess what, it may also be good for your teeth.  A recent study found that those who regularly drank green tea had better oral health than those who didn’t.[1]  Examining three indicators of gum disease, researchers found that for every cup of green tea consumed per day, a decrease in all three indicators occurred.[2]

In the study, the researchers examined 940 men ages 49 through 59 on the three indicators of gum disease by measuring the pocket depth between the gums and tooth, loss of the bone attachment of the tooth and probing bleeding gums[3]. They found that the men who had regular intake of green tea had healthier gums and teeth than those who drank less green tea. They noted that a cup a day increase in consumption resulted in the shrinking of the above indicators or symptoms.

Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, so its active ingredients remain unaltered. Green tea’s protection comes from a powerful antioxidant, a polyphenol called EGCG.[4]

Because our mouths are an oxygen-rich environment closely connected to our blood vessels, they provide an ideal habitat for the growth and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Scientists have confirmed that green tea not only halts the growth of new oral cancer cells but actually breaks down and kills existing oral cancer cells.  A double-blind study of people with leukoplakia (a precancerous oral condition), showed that those in the green tea group compared to those in the placebo group had significant decreases in the pre-cancerous condition.[5]

This is why we examine your mouth closely at each visit to determine any changes in texture or color that might indicate the presence of oral cancers. This early screening is just one more reason to make sure you don’t miss your regular checkup.

Ingredients in green tea may reduce the risk of getting dental cavities. One study compared two groups. The one that rinsed each night with an alcohol extract of oolong tea leaves had significantly less plaque formation than the group that did not.[6]

Another benefit of green tea is that it stunts the growth of odor causing bacteria, thus helping you maintain a fresh breath.

To fully obtain the benefits, we should have at least four to six cups a day.  Decaffeinated tea is recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia.  This seems like an awful lot of tea to ingest, so if you don’t want to drink that much, simply use it as a mouthwash.

If we can be of assistance or answer any of your questions or concerns feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Journal of Periodontology, March 2009, Vol. 80, No. 3, Pages 372-377 , DOI 10.1902/jop.2009.080510

[2] Ibid

[3] These 3 methods of examining gum tissue are the most common methods utilized by your dentist when you have your teeth cleaned.

[4] Graham HN. Green tea consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-50.

[5] Li N, Sun Z, Han C, Chen J. The chemopreventive effects of tea on human oral precancerous mucosa lesions. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999;220:218-24.

[6] Otake S, Makimura M, Kuroki t, et al. Anticaries effects of polyphenolic compounds from Japanese green tea. Caries Res 1991;25:438-43.

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Alpharetta, Right Smile Center, About Us

About us is about you.  First and foremost, you are the reason we are here.  Our multi-specialty office provides you with the dental care you need, convenient office hours, a convenient location, and a trustworthy team of professionals that delivers the best care possible. Our emphasis is simple – you are why we are here.

We appreciate the trust you place in us.  And we promise to do our best to live up to your expectations and deliver the right smile for your lifestyle.  It’s that plain and simple.

There are many ways we can give you a youthful, attractive and most of all a natural looking smile – the right smile.  Our goal is to help you and your family reach a healthy oral hygiene regime through our restorative and preventative practice and training.

We look forward to you being a part of our practice.  Give us a call today.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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50 Shades of Grey – Teeth Bleaching – Dentist Alpharetta

Grey is definitely out.  But, how white is enough?  Well, no one really knows given the rush in recent years to have a whiter smile.  What we do know, is that there are additional benefits beyond bleaching your teeth.  So while attempting to achieve the right smile with a bright smile, whitening your teeth with 10% carbamide peroxide may actually help prevent cavities (dental caries).[1]  The bacteria that causes cavities flourish when the pH of your mouth is slightly acidic, which is a bi-product when you eat or drink. There is evidence according to Dr. Van Hayword of GRU that a 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel in a custom tray can help elevate the pH, which helps fight decay.[2] There is also some evidence that the same regimen can help keep plaque from forming on the teeth, which may help prevent gum disease.

Deciding how white is enough is a personal decision where weighing the costs and benefits of any cosmetic transformation probably should involve the input of your dental provider.  I encourage you to contact your dentist.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.[3]

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Carbamide peroxide (10% and 15%) has been classified by the United States Food and Drug Association as Category 1, which means there is sufficient data to demonstrate that these agents are safe and effective for use in the oral cavity as oral antiseptic agents (Haywood, 1993; Dental Product Spotlight, 2001).

[2] Van B. Haywood, DMD, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Georgia Regents University.

[3] Parts of this article were derived from http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-100/issue-1/features/bleaching-and-caries-control-in-the-elderly.html.

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