November is GOOD NUTRITION MONTH

Let's start things off with a little quiz... 

Which is more likely to cause cavities?

1) Soda --OR-- Raisins

2) Crackers --OR-- Strawberries

3) Caramels --OR-- Taffy

4) Apples --OR-- Potato Chips

5) Chocolate --OR-- Breath mints

Answers: 1) raisins, 2) crackers, 3) both, 4) potato chips, 5) breath mints

There are several factors that determine the rate of cavity development of food. 

We all know that cavities are formed when specific bacteria in the mouth feeds on fermentable carbohydrates left in the mouth. And we all know that fermentable carbohydrates are refined sugars found in processed foods and complex carbohydrates found in fruits. 

Not all carbohydrates are considered equal, however. The rate at which a carbohydrate is considered cariogenic (i.e., cavity causing) is determined by these criteria: 

1. How long the carbohydrate stays in the mouth. 

The stickier the food the longer it stays in between the teeth and the harder is it to be removed. That's why in question 1 raisins are more cariogenic than soda. Raisins become stuck easily in between teeth and in grooves on crowns of teeth. Soda and other sugary drinks leave the mouth quicker. 

2. How many times a cariogenic food is eaten a day.

Someone who eats small quantities of potato chips all day without cleaning his or her teeth in between is more likely to get cavities than a person who eats a large quantity of potato chips.

3. How the food stimulates salivary flow.

Your saliva is an extremely important component of you mouth. Saliva speeds the clearance of food particles from the mouth and is a source of dietary fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel. Fresh fruits and vegetables encourage salivary production, so even though they can be acidic and cariogenic, residual food particles are flushed from the mouth. 

-----------------------------------------------------

When making food choices always think about what the nutritional benefit is for you. Fresh squeezed orange juice and soda are both acidic and can cause cavities but soda has absolutely no nutritional value. The orange juice, although cariogenic, still provides vitamins and antioxidants. And remember, as long as you practice proper at-home oral care and see your dentist twice a year you will always reduce your risk of dental caries! 

Please visit our website for more information on dental caries and other dental issues!

pjmouradiandmd.com

October is Pet Safety Month!

Think your beloved cat or dog is safe from the horrors of Periodontal Disease? THINK AGAIN!

Plaque, tartar, & calculus build-up occurs in cats and dogs the same way it does in humans. 

Food particles left on teeth, combined with bacteria found in the mouth, form the deadly combination causing plaque! 

Health risks are the same too. Studies have found that excessive periodontal diseases in dogs and cats cause kidney, heart and liver damage! 

If you can't stand the idea of these things happening to your precious Mittens or Fido, continue reading for warning signs and prevention.

Signs to look for in your pet...

(HINT: they are the same signs that you would look for in yourself if you suspected you had periodontal disease.) 

• bad breath 
• irritated, red, swollen, & bleeding gums
• loss in appetite because of pain in their mouth 
• loose/missing teeth

Prevention

(Pay close attention!)

The only way to save your dog and/or cat from pain and tooth loss is to take them for regular veterinary check-ups and to clean their teeth everyday with specialized pet toothbrushes and toothpastes.

Take a look at these videos to see how easy brushing your pet's teeth can be.

[source: http://www.vohc.org/perio.htm#cause]

[photo sources: http://www.syncrocloud.com/petdental & http://www.pet-care-unleashed.com/dog-dental-care.html]

Clear or metal braces?

Crooked and crowded teeth are not just bad for cosmetic reasons, they can also cause certain dental problems!

Misaligned teeth cause malocclusions (or "bad bites") which put unnecessary force on teeth. This can lead to cracks, fractures and jaw pain. 

Crowded teeth provide difficult to reach nooks and crannies in between teeth that food will regularly get stuck in. This causes painful and expensive tooth decay. 

Luckily... there are ways to treat these out-of-place teeth.

Welcome to the World of 

ORTHODONTICS!

Right now there are two types of orthodontic treatments to correct misaligned teeth:

(1) Traditional metal braces

(2) Clear aligners (i.e., Invisalign) 

Metal braces can only be placed on your teeth by a dentist who specializes in orthodontics (an orthodontist). 

Invisalign clear aligners can be placed by a certified and licensed general dentist. (FYI: My office does have an Invisalign certified dentist trained in the best way to align your teeth.) 

INVISALIGN 

The aesthetic answer to crooked teeth!

The benefits over traditional metal braces: 

• removable 
• no food restrictions
• nearly invisible 
• smooth and comfortable

Sounds like a dream come true for your smile. Just keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign so call my office to make an Invisalign consultation appointment. 

215.567.4949

Check out our website for more information on Invisalign and other dental services. 

pjmouradiandmd.com

Forensic Dentistry

n. 

The application of dentistry to legal problems, as in using teeth to identify the dead. 


Teeth are highly resistant to destruction and decomposition after death. In order to identify remains, forensic dentists establish a dental profile to narrow down the possible identity of the victim. 

Observations of the deceased's dental records, impressions, and bite marks give the forensic dentist a profile to work with. This profile includes:

• age
• ancestry background
• sex
• socio-economic status
• occupation 
• dietary habits
• habitual behaviors 
• dental/systemic diseases

Once enough matches are established the forensic dentist can make a positive ID. If more information is needed, in some cases, DNA can be extracted from the pulp chamber of the teeth and compared to the possible victims DNA. This DNA can be extracted from a toothbrush or hair brush.

Forensic dentistry can also be used to identify a suspect in a criminal case. There have been many documented trials that have used the bite marks left on victims to match with the bite marks of a suspect. One famous case where this was applied was the trial of Ted Bundy. His severely misaligned teeth were compared to a bite mark left on the buttocks of one of his victims. 

Forensic dentistry has been used by archaeologists and anthropologists to identify certain cultural and historical evidence from ancient human mummies and remains. At one point a CT-scan was performed on the mummy of King Tut in order to determine his cause of death. It was discovered that the scan of his skull showed extremely impacted wisdom teeth. Suggesting infection and an abcess could have contributed to the young king's demise. 

Anthropologists can determine from a human's remains what his or her occupation could have been. The remains found could show that the person was a tailor or seamstress, for example, by the tiny fissure cracks in their front teeth. These are caused when the person would hold the sewing needles in their mouths by their teeth. 

Diets and diseases are documented after analysis of teeth and surrounding bone structures. It has been noted that prehistoric humans who were mainly hunter and gatherers showed significantly less tooth decay and signs of periodontal diseases. These two dental issues exploded after humans became a more agricultural species and fermentable carbohydrates dominated the diet. 

Forensic dentistry is a fascinating dental specialization that isn't only applied to modern day human identification but on humans who were alive more than 3,000 years ago! 

Sources: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1771750-overview

http://www.forensic-dentistry.info/wp/?page_id=4

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/03/0308_050308_kingtutmurder_2.html

http://www.forensic.to/webhome/bitemarks1/

Grub (That's good for your teeth!)

It's been drilled (no pun intended!) into us that there are certain foods that are downright dangerous for our teeth. You mention that you enjoy the occasional handful of gummy bears and people gasp and wag their finger at you, "Don't you know they're bad for your teeth?!" 

But today we're going to mention foods that are actually beneficial for our teeth. 

Detersive foods. 

Crunchy or hard foods that "brush" debris off of teeth while being chewed. 

Examples: 

lettuce
raw vegetables
carrots
apples 

These foods have very little sugar (if any) and when raw act as a toothbrush would; lightly massaging gums and brushing teeth surfaces. 

Antibacterial foods.

Some foods have certain chemicals and minerals that kill certain bacteria in your mouth that can be harmful. 

Examples: 

onions

garlic 

Onions and garlic contain sulfur (odor causing, eye tearing sulfur!) which has impressive antibiotic capabilities. 

Maintenance foods. 

Your teeth have got it rough sometimes. They have to bite, chew, and grind your food and be the vessel for your bottled-up stress. So they need a little repair every once in a while. Here are some foods that provide the minerals needed for enamel rejuvenation.

Examples: 

tea

dairy products

vegetables 

sesame seeds

protein high foods

Tea contains fluoride which strengthens enamel. Dairy products, protein high foods, and sesame seeds are all calcium-rich foods which promote strong enamel formation. Vegetables containing vitamin A form healthy tooth enamel in children. 

So, eating a diet rich in these food groups paired with proper at-home oral care and regular dental cleanings should give you significantly less dental problems and a beautiful smile! 

[source: http://www.dental.net/dental-nutrition/foods-good-for-teeth ]

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Syndrome

Sounds a little ridiculous, doesn't it? But this is actually a very serious condition that affects more babies than you think. 

Here's the 

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, & HOW  

of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Syndrome. 

WHO is affected by Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Syndrome?

Babies whose primary (baby) teeth have started to come in are the most common sufferers of this condition but it can extend to older children.

WHAT causes it? 

Primarily sugary drinks that are given to babies in their bottles. These drinks include: 

• milk 
• juice 
• sodas
• formulas 
• etc...

WHEN does Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Syndrome occur? 

Babies are at risk for this condition when they are put to bed with a bottle or sippy cup that contains any of the drinks listed above and their teeth are not immediately cleaned. 

WHERE does the decay happen?

The upper front teeth are the ones that are the most affected but children's back teeth are also at risk. 

WHY does this condition happen? 

Adults sometimes think that because children's teeth are just temporary they don't need the same care as permanent adult teeth. So parents don't clean or make sure that their children's teeth are getting the required care. 

Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay and other dental problems as adult teeth! When sugary fluids are allowed to sit on children's teeth the bacteria in their mouths feed on it and cause decay. (As they do with adult teeth!) 

HOW can Baby Bottle Tooth Decay be prevented? 

1. Never allow your child to go to sleep after drinking a sugary (this includes milk and formulas!) drink without cleaning their teeth first! 
2. If you need to put your child to bed with a bottle only put water in it! 
3. Always brush and clean your child's teeth until they are capable of doing it themselves. 
4. Take your child to their regular dental cleanings! 

If you would like to schedule you or your child for a dental check-up please call our office.

215.567.4949

Please check out our website!

pjmouradiandmd.com

Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay.aspx 

Photo Source: http://www.oralhealthnet.co.uk/detail/45/bottle-caries-kids/

Kids & The Dentist

September is Baby Safety Month so we wanted to dedicate the first week of September to issues and facts about Pediatric Dentistry.

Preventative Pediatric Dentistry

Good oral health practices should be instilled into children early! Here are a couple of steps to make it easier... 

Taking them to see a dentist. 

Many parents have asked us, "When should I start bringing my son/daughter to the dentist?" 

We always respond: "As soon as possible!" 

Even if your child does not have any teeth, bringing them in when you have an appointment allows them to become comfortable with the office, doctor and staff. 

Children learn by example, so seeing their parents (bravely) getting their teeth cleaned regularly will encourage them to be less apprehensive when it's time to get their teeth cleaned. 

At-home oral care.

Cleaning your child's mouth should be done every morning and every night before bedtime. 

Also, don't think you have to wait until their baby teeth start coming in! Take a clean, wet washcloth and rub your baby's gums to acclimate their mouth to cleaning. 

Once they have their baby teeth in begin brushing them with a child's toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of children's toothpaste. 

So remember, begin teaching proper oral care early and make sure that they see a dentist! 

If you would like to make an appointment please call our office at 

215.567.4949

Also, check out our website for office and other dental information!

pjmouradiandmd.com

The Daily Grind

Bruxism [bruhk-siz-uhm]

Here's a scenario...

It's 6am and your alarm is going off. Immediately you're feeling the stress. Traffic is already happening and you haven't even had breakfast yet. 

You finally get to work and it's one of those days where everything is going wrong.

You sit in traffic again on your commute home and find out that your children were wreaking havoc on the house. You get through dinner and are getting ready for bed at 11:45pm.  

The next morning you wake to your alarm again but this morning your jaw feels tense. It hurts to yawn. Chewing your bagel at breakfast is painful. All throughout the day you have a headache. 

As days go by you notice that the discomfort in your jaw, mouth, and head have not gone away and now your back teeth are really sensitive. 

You go to your dentist and he or she asks you if you're grinding your teeth. And you look at them in confusion and say, "I don't know. How can I tell?" 

Sound familiar? 

What you may have is bruxism or a habitual grinding of the teeth, usually done at night while you're sleeping, and is usually caused by stress. The jaw pain associated is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ).

All the stress and tension of your day that you've been suppressing is expressing itself when you are sleeping and your mouth, jaw, and head are the victims! 

So, what can your dentist do for you?

Stress is not always an easy thing to relieve so a dentist will design for you a Night Guard to cushion the teeth when you're grinding. This prevents the wearing away of tooth enamel and lessens the pressure on your mouth and jaw. 

If you are experiencing headaches, jaw pain, tooth sensitivity or pain that might be associated with bruxism, call us to schedule an evaluation!

215.567.4949

For this and other dental issues please take a look at our website:

pjmouradiandmd.com

TOOTH ENAMEL

The Do's & Don't's 

for tooth enamel protection

The truth about tooth enamel...

Enamel is the outer most protective layer of your teeth and the strongest mineral in your body. Certain things can damage tooth enamel despite its strength and once enamel is lost it's gone for good. Basting the teeth in acids leaves the enamel soft and vulnerable. 

DON'T: Excessive consumption of acidic foods & beverages.

The acid in some fruits and vegetables along with certain drinks contributes to the erosion of tooth enamel. So try to limit them from your diet, if you can, or neutralize the acid in your mouth by drinking or rinsing with water immediately after their consumption. 

DO: Sugar-free gum. 

Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum after consuming anything acidic will promote saliva to flow and coat your mouth and teeth. Saliva has natural chemicals and enzymes which neutralize acidic conditions in your mouth. 

DON'T: Brushing after eating or drinking anything acidic.

If you brush immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages you run the risk of scrubbing away your softened enamel forever. 

Instead rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing which, as we stated above, will neutralize the acid and also allow your enamel to re-mineralize. 

DO: Use a straw. 

When possible drink with a straw to minimize the exposure of your teeth to the acid in your drink. 

DON'T: Ignoring certain medical conditions

Bulimia, gastroesophageal reflux, and other similar medical conditions which involve acid from the stomach to come in contact with your teeth will cause serious and irreversible damage to your teeth. 

DO: See your dentist!

Even if you think you are not suffering from tooth enamel erosion, your dentist may find areas of damage. See your dentist at least 2 times a year for regular dental cleanings and oral examinations. 

If you would like an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning give us a call! 

215.567.4949

For information on other dental issues check out our website: 

pjmouradiandmd.com

August 26th is Woman's Equality Day

Women throughout history have made great strides to become great in whatever they pursue. 

For as long as dentistry has been practiced women didn't really start making waves until the mid-19th century. 

So today we will celebrate some of the ground-breaking women who pioneered the way for today's female dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. 

Lucy B. Hobbs-Taylor (1833-1910) 

First woman to graduate from a recognized dental college in 1866.

Irene Newman (1875-1958) 

First dental hygienist in 1906. Having dental hygienists allowed the dentist to concentrate on more involved procedures. 

Malvina Cueria (1893-1991)

First female dental assistant in 1885. This made it acceptable for women to come to the dentist without a chaperon.   

Xerostomia (zeer-oe-STOE-mee-uh)

How many of you are or know someone suffering from the following symptoms:

• Frequent thirst
• Difficulty eating and/or swallowing (especially dry foods)
• Change in taste
• Painful or burning tongue

You could be suffering from a common but serious condition called Xerostomia (a.k.a., dry mouth). 

Xerostomia is dryness of the mouth caused by reduction of saliva. In our previous blog post it was mentioned in detail how important saliva is not only for digestion but for the health of your teeth. Therefore, if your body is producing little or no saliva it can have very stressful consequences on your teeth and body. 

So, what causes Xerostomia? 

• Certain medications
• diuretics
• antihistamines
• anti-psychotics
• anti-hypertensives 
• analgesics 
• Chemotherapy/radiation therapies
• Aging (the elderly are the most prone to Xerostomia)
• High alcohol consumption
• Diabetes
• Only breathing out of the mouth
• Oral inhalers 

If you think you or a loved one have Xerostomia make an appointment to see a dentist. 

If you would like to make an appointment for an evaluation with our office please give us a call.

215.567.4949

Please take a look at our website for other common dental problems and issues! 

pjmouradiandmd.com

Source: Bird DL, Robinson DS. Modern Dental Assisting. 9th ed. St. Louis, MI: Saunders and Elsevier; 2009

Saliva: your mouth's best friend.

How much do you think you know about saliva? 

We all know it plays a role in digestion. The breakdown of food begins with enzymes in your saliva. 

BUT...

Saliva is also a type of defense for your teeth. Did you know that saliva provides physical, chemical, & anti-bacterial  protection from tooth decay? 

The Defenses

• The Cleansing Effect: this is the physical defense against plaque and food particles. Salivary fluid dilutes and removes acidic components from dental plaque.

• Remineralization: saliva contains certain chemicals (e.g., calcium, phosphates & fluoride) which re-build minor damages to tooth surfaces.

• The Antibodies: immunoglobins found in saliva fight against cariogenic (cavity forming) bacteria in your mouth. But remember... once bacterial levels increase drastically in number the immunoglobins in your saliva are no longer strong enough to fight them alone.

Source:Bird DL, Robinson DS. Modern Dental Assisting. 9th ed. St. Louis, MI: Saunders and Elsevier; 2009

ATTENTION ALL TEA DRINKERS!

Drinking tea can help strengthen your teeth! 

It's common knowledge that tea (green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong, etc.)  is good for you. Studies are beginning to show that tea consumption may be linked to decreasing the risk of heart attacks, preventing cancers, and other serious diseases. 

What is not so common knowledge is that certain teas have tooth strengthening qualities. Research has found that there are significant levels of fluoride in tea leaves.  

Fluoride is a mineral used in dental products to make teeth stronger and more resistant to cavities. Fluoride is naturally found in the atmosphere, this includes water supplies. 

Tea plants absorb fluoride from the surrounding environment. The older the tea leaves the more fluoride is present. 

So drink up! But remember, as with anything we ingest, tea and fluoride should be consumed in moderation! Excess tea drinking can cause stains on teeth and excess fluoride can produce white patches on teeth or fluorosis. 

If you do experience stains on your teeth from drinking tea, get your teeth cleaned by a dental professional.

Further whitening can be done through bleaching. We offer these two whitening options: 

• Opalescence Trés White Supreme, prefilled and disposable whitening trays.
• Opalescence PF Take-Home System, a customized bleaching tray which provides a snug fit on your teeth.

$25⁰⁰ off any bleaching product!

EXP: 12/31/2012

Call us today to make a free smile consultation appointment!

215.567.4949

Please visit our website for more information on fluoride and cavity prevention!

pjmouradiandmd.com

Sources:

http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20534999_2,00.html
http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/fluoride_facts.htm
http://robynleetea.com.au/organic-loose-teas/ {photo source}
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/tea/

Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridge

Missing teeth are never a good look. Socially, having gaps in your smile over the age of 11 is not cute anymore. Clinically, missing teeth can cause more dental problems than expected. 

So you have a missing tooth you want to replace; what should you do?

First, see your dentist. He or she will probably treatment plan you for either an implant or a bridge. 

What's the difference? 

Implants are endosteal anchors embedded in the bone acting as root tips.

Bridges are a prosthesis composed of three components: 2 abutment teeth and one or more pontic (artificial, fake) teeth.

Implants are the preferred method of tooth replacement. Why? Simple, implants allow for isolated replacement whereas with a bridge the two teeth on either side of the gap must be shaved down to serve as abutments. 

If you have any missing teeth you would like to replace, please call the office to make an appointment! 

215.567.4949

For more information on this and other dental services please take a look at our website! 

pjmouradiandmd.com

Dental Caries 101

Dental Caries (i.e., tooth decay, cavities)

Almost everyone knows what causes tooth decay, right? Or at least they think they do. The biggest and most common known cause of cavities is high sugar intake. So basically someone who eats candy all the time is going to have lots of cavities. 

While that is partially true, there are other factors that must be present in order for dental caries to occur...

1. A susceptible tooth (e.g., that tooth way in the back of your mouth that you can't reach so you leave it alone.) 
2. A diet high in fermentable carbohydrates (sugars). (FYI candy is not the only source of sugar that causes caries.)
3. Certain bacteria (Yes, there are bacteria in your mouth.)

Once you have a tooth that is neglected from proper oral cleanings, the combination of sugars (sugars found in fruits count too!) and cooked starches (potatoes, rice, and pasta) and the two types of bacteria Streptococci mutans (MS) and Lactobacilli, you are at serious risk of TOOTH DECAY! 

If you feel that you are at risk of having one or multiple cavities please call the office for an evaluation!

215.567.4949

Visit our website for more information on this and other dental issues and services!

pjmouradiandmd.com

POP QUIZ: Periodontal (Gum) Disease

TRUE or FALSE

1. Bleeding gums are not a sign of periodontal disease.

FALSE! Bleeding gums when you brush or floss is a sign of inflammation and is an indicator of periodontal disease.

2. Periodontal disease can only be prevented by proper at-home oral care and seeing a dentist every six months for dental cleanings and oral exams.

TRUE! Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! 

3. If I bleed when I floss I should stop because the floss is cutting my gums.

FALSE! Your gums are bleeding because they are inflamed and/or infected. The inflammation is your body's immune response to the plaque and bacteria that are multiplying under your gum line. 

4. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that can lead to permanent bone and tooth loss.

TRUE! Once periodontal disease has passed a certain stage, destruction of bone in the jaw and eventual tooth loss are inevitable without proper professional care.

5. Individuals who smoke are less likely to get periodontal disease.

FALSE! Smokers are more at risk for periodontal disease. Also people who smoke may not even realize they have periodontal disease because they do not experience the same basic symptoms. Frequent tobacco use constricts the blood vessels in the mouth; therefore, bleeding gums are not always prevalent and periodontal disease may go undetected unless you see a dentist!

How did you score? For more information on periodontal disease please see our website:

pjmouradiandmd.com

If you are experiencing any red, swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums call us today for a periodontal evaluation!

$120 

New Patient Special

Periodontal Exam & Full-Mouth X-Rays

Exp: 12.31.2012

  

215.567.4949

July is National Blueberry Month

The blueberry is one of those super fruits that packs so many health benefits in one tiny berry. Blueberries are teeming with vitamins and minerals that maintain your immune system, repair damaged tissues, and help with digestion.  Here are just a few reasons to eat blueberries.

Blueberries have an impressive amount of vitamin C in them (and we all know how important vitamin C is, right?) Vitamin C is a big player in keeping your immune system functioning at optimal levels. The high level of anti-oxidants provides skin rejuvenation, protection against age-related memory loss, and cancer protection.

So what could possibly be a downfall from eating blueberries? THEY STAIN YOUR TEETH! The high pigmentation of blueberries as well as the acidity they have both contribute to wearing away tooth enamel and staining teeth. Brushing right after eating blueberries seems like the right thing to do but it can actually damage your teeth more. The acid from blueberries weakens tooth enamel so when you brush it’s so abrasive that you’re just brushing away your enamel forever!

The Remedy: Don’t stop eating blueberries (their nutritional benefits are too important!)

Instead, rinse your mouth out with water after eating blueberries to neutralize the acid. If you want your teeth whiter, whiten your teeth! Our office offers two types of whitening products:

• Opalescence Trés White Supreme, prefilled and disposable whitening trays.
• Opalescence PF Take-Home System, a customized bleaching tray which provides a snug fit on your teeth.

$25⁰⁰ off any bleaching product!

EXP: 12/31/2012

Call us today to make a free smile consultation appointment!

215.567.4949

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306607,00.html

http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/health-benefits-of-blueberries/blueberry-nutrition/

http://www.healthyreader.com/foods-that-stain-teeth/