More habits that you may be unaware of that could be harming your teeth.         

1. Potato Chips. Seem like an innocent snack alongside your sandwich, but the bacteria in plaque will break down starchy foods, like potato chips, into acids. This acid can attack your teeth for the next 20 minutes after you have eaten—-even longer if the food remains stuck between your teeth, or you snack often. Flossing after eating starchy snacks and foods is the best way to avoid problems.

2. Constant Snacking. Snacking produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for  hours longer. Avoid snacking too frequently and stick to snacks that are low in sugar and starch–for example, carrot or celery sticks.

3. Drinking Coffee. Coffee’s dark color and acidity can cause yellowing of the teeth over time. Fortunately it is one of the easiest stains to treat with whitening methods. Talk to Dr.Shlafer if you are concerned about the discoloration of your teeth.

4. Smoking. Cigarettes, as well as other tobacco products can stain teeth. Smoking can also lead to periodontal disease which can cause teeth to fall out as a result. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips, and tongue. If you were looking for one more reason to quit———–think of your smile.

5. Drinking Red Wine. The acids in the wine eat away at tooth enamel creating rough spots that make teeth vulnerable to staining. Red wine also contains a deep pigment called chromogen and tannins, which help the color stick to teeth. This combination makes it easy for the wine’s red color to stay with you long after the glass is empty.

6.  Binge Eating. Binge eating often involves excessive amounts of sweets, which can lead to tooth decay. Binging and purging can also cause extensive damage to teeth. Regular purging can erode teeth, making them brittle and weak. These acids can cause bad breath. Bulimia can lead to some very serious health  problems, so be sure to seek help from your doctor.

7. Drinking White Wine. You might think that sticking to white wine would spare your teeth, but the acids weaken enamel, leaving  your teeth porous and vulnerable to staining from other beverages, such as coffee. Swishing with water after drinking or brushing with a whitening toothpaste can fight the staining effects of red and white wines.

We all have habits that may not be good for us, but we may not realize what they are doing to our teeth!                                                                                                                               

1. Chewing on Ice.  It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think it is harmless. But munching on frozen ice cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. Mindless chomping will irritate the  soft tissue inside the tooth and a toothache may follow. Next time you get the urge to chew some ice, reach for some sugar free gum.
2. Playing Sports Without a Sports Guard.  Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don’t get in the game without a mouth guard! By not wearing a sports guard your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough.
3. Bedtime Bottles. It’s never too early to your protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new developing teeth on the path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in her/his mouth , bathing the teeth  in sugars overnight. It’s best to keep the bottle out of the crib.
4. Tongue Piercings. Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk and when it rubs against the gums it can cause gum irritation and tooth damage. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores.
5. Grinding Teeth. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear teeth down over time. It is most often caused by stress and sleeping habits. This makes it hard to control. Wearing a custom mouth guard at night can prevent grinding while sleeping.
6. Cough Drops.  Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn’t mean they are healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. The cough drop reacts with the plaque that coats your teeth, then the bacteria in the plaque converts the sugar into acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities!
7. Gummy Candy. All sugary treats promote tooth decay, but gummy candies stick in your teeth, keeping the sugar stuck to your teeth for hours. If your day just isn’t the same without a gummy critter, try having them along with a meal instead of a separate snack. More saliva is produced during meals, which helps to rinse away candy bits and acid.
8. Opening Stuff With Your Teeth. Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this habit will make Dr. Shlafer shudder! Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.
9. Sports Drinks. There is no doubt a cold sports drink may be refreshing, however these drinks are loaded with sugar. Like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. A better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to drink sugar-free, calorie-free water.
10. Fruit  Juice. Fruit juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, but unfortunately, many are loaded with sugar. For example, there are only 10 grams more of sugar in orange soda than in orange juice. Fruits are naturally sweet, so look for juice that has no added sugar. You can also reduce the sugar content by diluting juice with some water.

Stay tuned for more habits that will make Dr.Shlafer cringe!

Q: What choices are available for over-the-counter teeth whitening products?

A: Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are what many people might consider to be the most affordable teeth whitening options available. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are popular–no need for an appointment and with many affordable options. You can choose from:

• Trays or strips
• Whitening toothpaste or mouth rinse
• Gum and breath strips

All promising to whiten your teeth, it is possible to achieve some whitening results with any of these bleaching options. However, keep in mind that these methods merely remove surface stain by using lightly abrasive materials. This is true, specifically in the case of whitening toothpaste. These abrasive additives are similar to the ones found in professional polishing paste, and do not actually whiten the dentin layer of the tooth. Care should be taken when using whitening toothpastes on a daily basis, as it may begin to wear down the enamel layer, causing tooth abrasion.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening gels and solutions contain a percentage of hydrogen peroxide, that may not effectively whiten badly stained teeth. Many patients are disappointed with the minimal impact that these over-the-counter products have. We have professional strength products in the office, that can offer a significant change in the shade of your teeth. Tooth sensitivity is also a common side effect and can create problems if not managed properly. This is why it is important to be monitored by your dental professional to achieve the professional results you are hoping for. In order to get the that great result of a brighter smile, it is always best to discuss with Dr.Shlafer what whitening methods will work best for you.

Worn Teeth—Why should I be concerned? When the enamel of a tooth is worn away, the tooth often becomes sensitive and may be more susceptible to decay. If the tooth has worn down significantly, a crown may be necessary to save the tooth.

Tooth enamel may be worn away in several ways. One or more of the following factors may cause premature wear:

Attrition—Attrition is the gradual loss of enamel through”wear”. A small amount of attrition may be caused by normal speaking and eating, but this doesn’t typically produce excessive wear. More extreme cases of attrition are typically caused by bruxism, the grinding or teeth against teeth. Bruxism typically occurs at night while a person sleeps, so often you are unaware of what is happening.

Abrasion—- Abrasion is wearing away of tooth enamel by a foreign object. Common causes of abrasion are:

• Brushing to hard or to long
• Fingernail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, holding needles or pins between your teeth, chewing ice, etc.
• Oral piercings–patients with pierced lips and/or tongue often wear away the enamel on the adjacent teeth from the jewelry rubbing on a daily basis.

Erosion—-Erosion is the chemical wear of tooth enamel. Typically  this kind of wear is caused by an acid. Citric acid is one of the most common agents. Citrus fruit–lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit all contain citric acid, as do most soft drinks and citrus juices. Some candies also contain citric acid. Coffee and tea also contain corrosive acids. Bulimic individuals also expose their teeth to very strong stomach acids.

Occasional exposure to most dietary acids is rarely a problem, but repeated exposure to high levels of these acids can cause premature wear. Some common habits to avoid are:

• Regularly sucking on lemons and limes
• Regularly eating or sucking on candies, especially “sour” candies as they often contain sugar and citric acid.
• Drinking several soft drinks daily, even “diet” soft drinks
• Drinking several glasses of lemonade daily
• Drinking several cups of coffee or glasses of tea daily

Even if you only occasionally eat or drink acidic foods, it’s a good idea to at least rinse your mouth with fresh water when you are finished to reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the acids. If you are concerned, Dr.Shlafer can examine you and determine if you have premature wear of your enamel.

Q: What are Porcelain Veneers?                                                     

A:  Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of porcelain, about the thickness of a fingernail that are bonded onto teeth (usually the upper front teeth) to create a smile makeover. Since porcelain mimics the tooth structure better than any other restorative material, they create a beautiful result. The porcelain is harder than enamel, so it resists wear and can last for many years. Dr.Shlafer can manipulate the color and translucency to re-create the look of any tooth. Porcelain will resist staining better than tooth enamel and rarely discolors unless the surface of the tooth has been damaged.

Some patients are concerned that their teeth will have to be “ground down” to place veneers, it would be more accurate to say that the teeth are shaved down a little. The amount of reduction is minimal and doesn’t damage the teeth.

Many problems with your teeth can be solved with porcelain veneers. They are great for restoring worn or chipped teeth and can also be used to cover stained teeth. For patients with tetracycline teeth staining, this is your only option to whiten your teeth. Dr.Shlafer has the ability to alter the shade to your liking, and in many instances reshape teeth as well. Porcelain veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth and lengthen them as well. In some cases, veneers can be an alternative to braces, you can have your teeth straightened and reshaped in two or three appointments rather than years of orthodontics. If you would like to discuss veneers, let us know at your next visit and Dr.Shlafer can evaluate your options with you.

Veggie Stir Fry Recipe                             

This side dish contains vegetables rich in vitamin A and C.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/3 cup broccoli florets
• 1 1/3 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 1/3 cup carrot slices, cut at the diagonal
• 1/3 cup low sodium vegetable broth (more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon minced or chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon powdered)
• 2 teaspoons lite soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water.

Preparation:

1. Heat large, nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, turning the pan to coat well. Add the vegetables and saute for a minute.
2. Add in the vegetable broth, garlic, and ginger, and toss to blend. Cook about four minutes, stirring constantly. Add more vegetable broth if more moisture is needed.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, push the vegetables to one side of the frying pan, and stir in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture. Heat and stir until thickened (about a minute). Stir in the vegetables to coat with the sauce.

Yield:

4 servings

Nutritional Information:

Per serving: 67 calories, 3 g protein, 10 g carbohydrate, 2.7 g fat (0.4 g saturated fat, 0.9 g monounsaturated fat, 1.1 g polyunsaturated fat), 0.4 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 129 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 33%.

A healthy attractive smile is not only a boost to self-esteem; it is also a barometer of your overall health for you and your family members. Discolored teeth, cavities and gum disease can cause other health problems or may be signs of an existing condition. Poor oral health can cause painful problems, along with serious health issues.

It has been shown that excessive plaque and oral bacteria can lead to clogged arteries, which can cause strokes and heart disease. Another concern are diabetic patients who are more susceptible to gum disease. People with respiratory issues may be linked to poor oral health as well. Concerns over children’s dental habits, behavioral and developmental challenges are associated with children who have untreated cavities. Your digestive system may also suffer additional stress if teeth are in such poor condition that you find it difficult to chew and in turn not allow you to get the proper nutrition your body needs.

Smoking, as we all know is detrimental to your overall health (lungs, skin, heart and more) and it is also responsible for oral cancer and dental disease. It is our goal to assist our patients in any way possible to help them stop smoking when they are ready.

Dental problems occur in senior citizens and can frequently go undetected until they become painful, which may create an infection and more serious dental treatment needs. If aging parents or elderly family members oral health is left untreated for long periods of time, gum disease can occur and lead to lost teeth and other medical complications. The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth to other parts of your body, aggravating  existing conditions. Preventing cavities and gum disease are the keys to maintaining good oral health.

Change your lifestyle for a healthier smile by starting with a consistent dental routine. This would include, regular hygiene visits and exams, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, using a mouth rinse to cut down the bacteria in your mouth and maintaining a healthy diet. We can help you with specific suggestions based on your individual needs at your next appointment!

Baked Potato Soup                            

Ingredients

For 8 servings

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400.

2. Pierce potatoes with a fork; bake at 400 for 1 hour or until tender. Cool. Peel potatoes; coarsely mash. Discard skins.

3. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Place flour in a large Dutch oven; gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly (about 8 minutes). Add mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts. Remove from heat.

4. Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup onions. Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated (do not boil). Sprinkle each serving with cheese, onions, and bacon. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups soup, 1 1/2 teaspoons cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons onions)

Nutritional Information

CALORIES 329 (30% from fat); FAT 10.8g (satfat 5.9g, monofat 3.5g, polyfat 0.7g); PROTEIN 13.6g; CARBOHYDRATE 44.5g; FIBER 2.8g; CHOLESTEROL 38mg; IRON 1.1mg; SODIUM 587mg; CALCIUM 407mg;

One of the latest laser treatments available to treat gum disease today is offered by Dr.Shlafer. PerioLase is a special laser technique which is essential when treating our patients with periodontal disease. If  you are like 100 million other Americans, you could be one of the 50%  who have periodontal disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults!

Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, which eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbour bacteria which infect the gums. In the early stages, this is commonly referred to as gingivitis, and is characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. When gingivitis is left untreated it progresses to periodontal disease, which is much more serious. Pocckets are now formed, separating your teeth from your gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, the infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, resulting in tooth loss.

The way to repair this damage is to get rid of the infection and tighten up the pockets. Until recently, that meant traditional scapel and suture gum surgery however, there is now an exciting laser alternative called Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) LANAP®  available. This is the only laser assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontal disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue.

PerioLase is a reliable alternative to traditional surgery, and ideal for patients who have recurring gum issues or health complications that may prevent them from having the traditional surgery. (for example: patients who take coumadin–a blood thinner–who often cannot stop this medication to have traditional surgery done.  It is not necessary to stop coumadin for LANAP®) Patients who opt for laser surgery will experience less swelling, very little bleeding, and a  comfortable recovery with little time missed from work.

If you feel you could be helped by LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY, Dr.Shalfer offers a complimentary visit to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

PerioLase is the latest laser treatment for gum disease. What is laser gum treatment? Laser Periodontal Therapy™ utilizing PerioLase is an advanced technique that Dr.Shlafer uses to treat periodontal disease, saving many teeth that had been previously considered hopeless.

A laser light is used to gently remove harmful bacteria and diseased tissue from the gum pocket. This allows the body to heal naturally so that the gum pockets improve and the teeth become more stable. The Laser Periodontal Therapy™ is a wonderful treatment to bring patients back to a healthier state.

There are dramatic patient benefits:

1. Significantly less traumatic, yet highly effective alternative to traditional “cut and sew” gum surgery.
2. With no cutting of the gum tissue with a scalpel and no stitches, it means an easy recovery with minimal bleeding and very little time off work.
3. This treatment option preserves your gum tissue, rather than cutting it away like traditional surgery.
4. It reduces root exposure and sensitivity.
5. It reduces infection.
6. The cost is the same as traditional surgery and covered by most insurance plans.

Who Is A Candidate For This Therapy?

Anyone that has moderate to severe gum disease is a candidate. These are patients with gum pockets of 5mm or greater and bone loss.

Who Can Perform This Procedure?

Only specially trained dentists can provide PerioLase. This requires licensure from the FDA and certification from the Institute for Advanced Laser Technology. Dr.Shlafer is one of the first dentists in America to have this distinction.

The Procedure:

After measuring the bone loss, a tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the teeth and gums. The infection is gently cleared away leaving healthy newly sterilized tissues.

Because there is no cutting or stitches, people don’t experience the pain and bleeding associated with traditional gum surgery. This impact for treating gum disease is similar to that of Lasik laser surgery for eyes.

This is gum therapy that you don’t have to fear……………call for a complimentary evaluation to see if you are a candidate for the revolutionary PerioLase Laser Perio Therapy™