The condition of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. Dr.Shlafer may be the first health care provider to see the signs of a health problem.
If something out of the ordinary is discovered, a follow up with your physician may result in early detection and treatment of a medical problem.
How can Dr. Shlafer find illnesses like heart disease and diabetes? He wouldn’t diagnose these illnesses, but may find oral symptoms that could relate to problems that may affect the rest of your body.
Shouldn’t I count on my physician to find any health problems? Yes, that is part of your strategy. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health and Dr.Shlafer is a key member of your personal health care team. The lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands and oral tissues can all warn of trouble with your general health and what Dr.Shlafer sees in your mouth may reveal the first signs of systemic disease, or a disease that affects your entire body.
Good dental health goes hand in hand with regular medical check ups. Regular dental exams, just like your annual physical is an important part of health care. Regular dental examinations allow Dr. Shlafer to keep your mouth in first class shape and watch for any changes or signs that may indicate problems elsewhere in your body. A dental exam also picks up on poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and developmental problems, as well as improper jaw alignment. Tomorrow more on medical conditions and their oral symptoms.
We take pride in our ability to offer our patients the most advanced dentistry in a warm and caring environment. We are here to help!
- Serves: 10; 1/2 cup per serving
Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Cook’s Tip
Whether your schedule is go-go-go or hurry-up-and-wait, you’ll be glad you packed these tasty tidbits for healthy snacking.
For variety, substitute different nutrient-dense dried fruits, such as cherries, apricots, and plums, for the cranberries and blueberries. Cut them into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces before adding them to the cereal mixture.
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per serving
More about advances in dental care: New Gum Disease Treatments For Better Health. When supporting tissue and bone around your teeth doesn’t fit snuggly, “pockets” form in the gums. Bacteria then invades these pockets, increasing bone destruction and tooth loss. A variety of treatments may be recommended, they range from a root planing and scaling to laser(LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY) treatment to reduce the pockets. In recent years, the focus of gum disease treatment has expanded beyond reducing pockets and removing bacteria to include regenerative procedures. This is exciting news for our patients suffering from gum disease!
Better Dental Implants. Implants to replace lost teeth are now more common than in years past. A titanium implant or screw-like device is inserted to serve as a replacement root, fusing with the jawbone and protruding above the gum-line. An abutment covers the protruding part and a special implant crown is placed over that. The typical life of an implant is about 15 years or longer, and according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxiofacial Surgeons about 95% of implants place today are successful.
Lasers for Tooth Cavity Detection. Traditionally, an instrument called an “explorer” was used to find cavities. If it stuck to a tooth, Dr.Shlafer would take a closer look to see if he found decay. Now Dr.Shlafer can use DIAGNOdent, a high tech option for detecting cavities. This laser can detect pockets of bacteria inside a tooth, producing a digital readout of the level of bacteria. Dr.Shlafer can then choose to watch the tooth, comparing the levels at your next visit or advise that the cavity be removed and the tooth filled.
Dr.Shlafer and the team all take pride in our ability to offer our patients the most advanced dentistry in a safe and warm environment. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy smile!
Advances in Dental Care
Has time gotten away from you? Has it been a while since you’ve been in to see Dr.Shlafer? If so, be prepared to discover a lot of new options to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Here are a few of the newer dental care procedures and techniques:
- Improving dental health: How high-tech x-rays can help. For the last several years digitized x-rays have replaced traditional radiographs in our office. Digital x-rays are faster and more efficient. First an electronic sensor is place in the patient’s mouth to capture the image, that image is then relayed to our computer for viewing. Dr.Shlafer can store the digital images and compare them with previous images to see if there are any changes.
- CEREC–CAD/CAM technology stands for “computer assisted design/computer assisted manufactured” Together, with Dr.Shlafer’s expertise, this translates into an opportunity to have a porcelain crown or inlay fabricated and completed in one visit. This eliminates the impression we all enjoy, wearing a temporary for 2 weeks, and returning for a second visit.
- Better Bonding and filling materials–If you have chipped a tooth, you can have it fixed to look extremely natural thanks to improvements in bonding material and techniques. Today’s bonding material is a resin, which is shinier and longer lasting than substances used in the past. There is also a wider range of shades available that can be better blended to match your tooth’s natural color. This resin material can also be used in place of amalgam fillings on back teeth to give the tooth a more natural appearance. More on new technology tomorrow.
Do you know what’s lurking on your toothbrush?
Your toothbrush is loaded with germs. Researchers have found that one uncovered toothbrush can harbor more than 100 million bacteria! Don’t panic, your mouth wasn’t exactly sterile to begin with. The problem starts when there is an unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. It is important to remember that plaque–the stuff you are brushing from your teeth–is bacteria, so in essence you are putting bacteria back on your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.
What can you do?
- Don’t brush where you flush! Many bathrooms may be small and every toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air. Make sure you store your toothbrush loosely covered or in a cabinet.
- Keep your toothbrush rinsed, wash it thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.
- Keep it dry. Bacteria loves a moist environment.Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings.
- Keep it upright, rather than laying down.
- Keep it to yourself. Do not share toothbrushes. Don’t store them side by side or in the same cup with other family members. Whenever toothbrushes touch, they can swap germs.
When to toss your toothbrush.
- The best way to limit the amount of bacteria on your toothbrush is to replace it on a regular basis.
- The American Dental Association recommends throwing out your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If the bristles become frayed, you are sick, or have a weakened immune system, throw it out even more often.
- If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you would discard a disposable toothbrush.
Every time you are tempted to skip brushing and flossing your teeth, remember how many bacteria lurk in your mouth! Dr.Shlafer wants all of his patients to have healthy mouths and beautiful smiles.
News Leak! Dr.Shlafer wins golf tournament! Staff finds trophy!
- Serves: 4; 2 kebabs (3 ounces chicken and 1/2 cup vegetables) and 1/2 cup brown rice per serving
Description
Ingredients
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, all visible fat discarded, cut into 16 cubes
16 whole button or cremini mushrooms (about 1/2 ounce each), ends trimmed
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces
16 cherry tomatoes
Cooking spray
1/2 cup uncooked instant brown rice
1 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch squares
Cooking Instructions
In a medium nonmetallic bowl, stir together the lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, oil, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. The chicken can marinate for up to 8 hours for even more flavor. Turn several times if marinating for more than 30 minutes.
Soak eight 8-inch wooden skewers for at least 10 minutes in cold water to keep them from charring, or use metal skewers. Preheat the grill on medium high.
Drain the chicken and discard the marinade. Alternately thread the chicken, mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomatoes on the skewers. Lightly spray all sides with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and tomatoes to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Meanwhile, grill the kebabs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (8 to 12 minutes total), or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the vegetables are tender. Serve with the rice on the side.
Cook’s Tip
These grilled chicken-and-vegetable kebabs feature the flavors of sunny Tuscany—lemon, rosemary, garlic, and oregano. Serve them with brown rice studded with sun-dried tomatoes for a rustic and satisfying dinner.
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per serving
Many of the most common symptoms are red, swollen, tender gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath or loose teeth will alert a patient that something is wrong. Dr.Shlafer offers the opportunity for patients to schedule a complimentary evaluation, where he can determine if you are a candidate for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY. Patient’s may be interested in how the laser works, Dr.Shlafer can show you the tiny laser fiber and give you a short demonstration of how it is used.
Why is LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY better for the treatment of gum disease?
- No cutting or sutures
- Significantly less discomfort with greatly reduced recovery time.
- It takes less time than traditional surgery.
- Better, longer lasting results. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY treated patients remain stable after 5 years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery.
- Dr.Shlafer will likely recommend a soft diet for a day or two, but in most cases patients feel good enough to eat anything they want after the procedure.
- With less than a 24 hour recovery period, so you won’t lose time from work. Following traditional surgery, recovery can take 2-4 weeks, during which patients experience pain and swelling.
- LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is safe for patients with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV,or those taking medications such as Plavix and aspirin.
The good news is LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is a patient friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a fantastic alternative to traditional gum surgery. Call for your complimentary consultation today!
People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30’s or 40’s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
Any of these symptoms may be the sign of a serious problem,if you have any of these symptoms it’s time to schedule an appointment. Dr.Shlafer is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. A periodontal evaluation would include taking necessary x-rays to determine the extent of any bone loss, reviewing your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease. He would examine your gums for signs of inflammation, and use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters.
What are the different types of periodontal disease?
- Gingivitis–the mildest form of periodontal disease, gums are likely to be red, swollen and tender causing them to bleed easily during cleaning and flossing.
- Mild periodontitis—untreated gingivitis leads to mild periodontitis. This stage of gum disease shows evidence of the bone around the tooth starting to erode. Prompt dental attention is necessary to prevent further erosion and damage.
- Moderate to advanced periodontitis–This most advanced stage of gum disease shows significant bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth. This condition is treated with LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY.
Tomorrow–What is LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY? Why is this the superior treatment for gum disease?
If you or someone you know have been told that you need the traditional scalpel and suture gum surgery, there is a laser alternative you need to know more about. It’s called LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY. This procedure allows Dr.Shlafer to treat your periodontal condition with very little discomfort and most patient’s return to work right afterwards. If you are like 100 million other Americans you could be one of the 50% who have periodontal disease, this breakthrough is something to seriously consider.
What is periodontitis? Periodontitis means inflammation around the tooth. When you have periodontal disease your gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called pockets) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
Some risk factors:
- Smoking–Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease.
- Diabetes—People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
- Medications—There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth becomes vulnerable to infections such as gum disease.
- Illness–Diseases like cancer of AIDS and their treatments can also negatively affect the health of your gums.
- Genetic susceptibility—Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others. Tomorrow we’ll discuss symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
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| Individuals in the Farmington, Livonia, and Detroit area who seek exceptional cosmetic dentistry treatments can turn to Roman Shlafer, DDS, PLLC At Dr. Shlafer's practice, state-of-the-art laser dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, bonding, and smile makeovers are the norm.
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