Multiple Sclerosis and Oral Health

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive, neurological, and degenerative disorder which affects the central nervous system.  It affects about 400,000 people in the US alone and  usually more women than men are affected and diagnosed between 20 years and 40 years of age.
There are several symptoms of MS that can interfere with adequate care of the teeth and gums. These are distinctive and typical for the illness: fatigue, spasticity, weakness, tremors, facial pain, numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the hands, all of which can challenge a person’s effort to brush and floss adequately. Patiens feel absorbed and preoccupied  in their effort to control the symtpoms  of MS and fail to  maintain good oral habits. Therefore the tendency of poor dental hygiene in patients diagnosed with MS is becoming more prominent.

The following tips can compensate for these problems:

• use toothbrushes with built-up handles(or cut a small slit in the sides of a tennis ball and slide it onto the handle of the toothbrush);
• use flossing tools; consider electric toothbrushes and flossing devices;
• sit to brush and floss, if standing at the basin is tiring; 
• floss in the morning if you are too tired at night; 
• allow a family member or personal assistant to help with tooth brushing and flossing;
• manage tremors by wearing a weighted glove while brushing.

Since some medications used to treat MS symptoms can cause dry mouth, it could be especially challenging  for affected patients to maintain proper dental health.
Here is how you can minimize the effects of dry mouth:

•  sip water or sugarless drinks often;
•  avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol;
•  use a small squirt of lemon in the mouth or sugarless lemon candies to stimulate the glands controlling saliva production;
•  use a humidifier at night;
•  use special products that are available in pharmacies to moisten dry mouth!

If you have any questions or concerns about this condition and the state of your dentition, please feel free to contact us at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.


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References: http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com

Cleaning My Baby's Teeth

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr.Song!

Cleaning you infant's teeth is a habit you should definitely start early! The teeth must be cleaned as they erupt. Use a damp wash cloth or a soft rubber sleeve with toothbrush-like bristles to gently massage gums and the newly erupted baby teeth.

If your pediatrician agrees, use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste for infants. Tooth brushing is definitely a parent's job during the preschool years as well. You should always monitor the brushing process to minimize toothpaste swallowing and to ensure proper oral hygiene has been performed.

Children are usually able to brush their teeth well when they are 8 years old. Be sure to check your child's teeth regularly for any chalky white or brown spots which could be the beginning of tooth decay.

If you have questions regarding your baby's teeth, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at  appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.



Best Regards,

Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center

Sugarless Gum and Xylitol Help Fight Cavities!

Good afternoon from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam , Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

We all  love chewing gum, the proof is all over our streets- we chew gum and after it looses its taste we spit it on the street ( well, maybe not all of us do that, but a great number unfortunately do! ).  However, not just any gum being sold in the store is actually helping us in our fight against cavities. 

 The American Dental  Association ( ADA) has created a list of products that have met its requirements to be awarded with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which is an indicator that the product owning it has met the requirements needed and the manufacturer has accordingly presented the corresponding data from clinical or laboratory studies that support the product's safety, effectiveness and promotional claims  ot in other words that it basically does what is advertised on the packaging.

The products in the group of the chewing gum contain Xylitol which reduces decay-causing bacteria.  By using Xylitol products throughout the day, bacteria is prevented from adhering to the enamel and creating the acids that damage the teeth. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel, normalize the  pH levels, prevents demineralization.  Xylitol's naturally cooling and sweet tastes also increase saliva production which is another way to fight the growth of cavity causing bacteria.

 If you are a regular gum chewer and can not help it but chew often, here is a link to the ADA approved sugar free gums on the market: http://ow.ly/l6jQc. 

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References: http://www.xylitol.org

Asians Are at Greater Risk of Periodontal Disease?

Good Afternoon from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

A recent study of the clinicians from the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) suggested that the teeth roots are significantly shorter in people with Asian origin, which automatically predisposes them to higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Previously, the reason given for the higher incidence of periodontal involvement in Asians was attributed to poor hygiene, however this study rules this out as the cause and confirms that Asians are genetically predisposed to develop periodontal disease. Regular preventative care in these patients  is of ultimate importance to maintaine healthy gums. If you are periodontally involved or if it has been a while since your last hygiene visit, please call us at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com to schedule an appointment with our hygienists - Paola and Alicia today!

We hope to see you soon,

Herald Square Dental
&The  Denture Center
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References: http://www.dental-tribune.com

Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Lower Grades in School

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

Have you heard that dental problems could affect your child's performance in school?
Children who reported having recent tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low grade point average when compared to children without oral pain, according to an Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC study.

The findings of the reasearchers are that dental problems do not just appear to be connected to lower grades, but also cause more absences from school for kids and more missed work days for parents. Oral health problems are a very significant factor  for children's predisposition for a lower GPA when compared to children without oral health issues.

If it has been a while since you had your child see the dentist for a routine visit, please take a moment and call us at 212-689-0024  or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com to schedule their check up! Let's give our children the best care we can and have them smile more than ever!


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References: http://dentistry.usc.edu

Know Thyself: Self-Screening for Oral Cancer

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

When it comes to leading a long, healthy life, it's always best to know yourself. While this advice can take on significant philosophical meaning, I'm talking about knowing yourself better physically. Being in tune with your body and watching out for early symptoms of disease can be your ticket to perpetually good health.

Every hour of every day somebody in the United States dies of oral cancer. This serious dental disease, which affects the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in its early stages. When you go in for your regular dental exam, you're also being screened for oral cancer. While that's fine and dandy, it's best to go a step beyond, screening yourself at home regularly. This is doubly true for those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol, use tobacco products, are regularly exposed to sunlight, have lip-biting and cheek-chewing habits or have ill-fitting dentures, as all of these characteristics put you at greater risk.

Here's how to screen for oral cancer at home:

Examine yourself in the mirror. The left and right sides of the face and neck should have the same shape. Check for swelling, lumps and bumps.

Look at your skin and note any changes in the color or size of sores, moles or other growths.

Press your fingers along the sides and front of your neck. Do you feel any tenderness or swelling?

Pull your lower lip out and look for any sores. Use your thumb and forefinger to feel the upper and lower lips for lumps or texture changes.

Examine the insides of your cheeks for red, white or dark patches. Gently squeeze and roll each cheek between your index finger and thumb to check for bumps and tenderness.

Tilt your head back to check the roof of your mouth, and then run your finger along the surface. Do you feel or see any unusual lumps or discoloration?

Check out the top, bottom and sides of your tongue, including the soft tissue under it. Once again, note any swelling, discoloration or unusual lumps.

Symptoms of oral cancer include: sores on the face, neck or mouth that do not heal within a couple of weeks; swelling, lumps or bumps on the lips and gums; chronic bleeding in the mouth; white, red or dark patches in your lips, cheeks, gums or tongue; and numbness, loss of feeling or general pain in any area of the face, mouth or neck. If you experience any of these symptoms, or find something unusual during your self-exam, call our office at (212)689-0024 immediately for an appointment! And don't forget during the entire month of April  2013 we will be performing the Velscope screening for oral cancer at the reduced fee of $39 (50% off the regular price of $79) and will donate half of the proceeds to The Oral Cancer Foundation in an effort to beat oral cancer! Also, on Wednesday April 24,2 2013 our office will be  performing complimentary Velscope oral cancer screenings! Fore more information about this event please log in http://www.oralcancer-screening.org/events/index.php?eID=5541. 

If you have questions, please call us at (212)689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today!



Best Regards,



Herald Square Dental &The Denture Center

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References: www.idanewsletters.com

Stroke Prevention - Routine Dental Hygiene Appointments

You may wonder what a tooth cleaning has to do with a stroke — that sudden, devastating paralysis in which blood supply to the brain is blocked. Simply put, it's the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Yes, the same sort of plaque that builds up on teeth and can go on to cause inflammation and gum disease if not professionally cleaned at least once every six months.

A hygiene appointment is probably the easiest and most painless way of eliminating at least one of the risk factors leading to stroke. We have two registered hygienists on staff -Paola and Alicia, to meet the needs of preventative care of all of our patients.  And here are a few tips from them to help you get educated about the most beneficial way of caring for your teeth:

Brushing
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing
• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

Mouth rinse
A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay, however not everyone should use a fluoride mouth rinse. For instance, fluoride rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them. Always check the manufacturer's label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with your dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.

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References: http://internetdentalalliance.com, http://www.knowyourteeth.com

The Stress and Gum Disease Connection

You've seen the headlines. It seems like each day people in white lab coats discover some new health anomaly is linked to stress. Now you can add one more to the list: stress is bad for your teeth. (Just one more reason to go on that vacation you've put off!)

According to a study printed in the Journal of Periodontology, short term psychological stress can lead to elevated plaque levels, while physical stress is linked to gingivitis (gum disease). What's more, caregivers helping people under these physical and emotional stresses are also at increased risk for gum disease.

So, how does stress lead to elevated plaque levels and gum disease?

Experts believe chronic stress may lead to a malfunction of some biological functions. Also, those who are struggling with stress and those who care for them often become depressed and slide on oral hygiene, if not giving up on themselves altogether.

Enough of the scientific jargon. How does this affect me?

Virtually all of us find ourselves dealing with excessive stress now and again, and some must deal with it day in and day out for years. It is important that you are aware of the risks associated with this stress so that you can prevent them from wrecking havoc on your teeth (not to mention the rest of you!)

What can I do to prevent gum disease?

Gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It can affect the integrity of your teeth and the bone that supports them. If unchecked, gingivitis can lead to loose and missing teeth. When this happens, teeth can often shift. It can be uncomfortable and painful for your bite (not to mention your smile). Brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night are the first step toward protecting yourself from gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. If you've missed an appointment or would like us to create a care schedule for you, call our office at (212)689-0024.

While these steps can help reduce the risk of stress-related periodontal disease, they don't resolve the key problem – stress! Exercising and eating right can help, and developing a hobby can be a fantastic release. Talking about it can help as well.

As always, your health is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to call us at (212)689-0024 or email us atappts@newyorkdenturedental.com if you have any questions about periodontal disease or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health!


Best Regards,

Dr. Pasch & Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!