Effects of Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep can make you more than just grumpy. Here are some serious effects that sleeping less than 7 to 8 hours a day can have on you.

Sleep Deprivation Can Cause:

- Accidents: Sleepiness and drowsiness can slow reaction time as much as driving drunk. Studies show that sleep loss and poor-quality sleep also lead to accidents and injuries on the job.

-Difficulties in Learning and Memory: Lack of sleep hurts thinking and learning processes. First, it impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem solving. Second, during the night, various sleep cycles play a role in “consolidating” memories in the mind. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to remember what you learned and experienced during the day.

-Serious Health Problems: Sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss can put you at risk for:

                                 Heart disease

                                 Heart attack                           

                                 High blood pressure

                                 Stroke

                                 Diabetes

-Decreased Sex Drive: Sleep specialists say that sleep-deprived men and women report lower libidos and less interest in sex. Depleted energy, sleepiness, and increased tension may be largely to blame.

- Depression: Over time, lack of sleep and sleep disorders can contribute to the symptoms of depression. The most common sleep disorder, insomnia, has the strongest link to depression. Insomnia and depression feed on each other. On the positive side, treating sleep problems can help depression and its symptoms, and vice versa.

- Aging of Tissues: Chronic sleep loss can lead to fine lines and dark circles under the eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol which can break down skin collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth and elastic. Sleep loss also causes the body to release too little human growth hormone. When we’re young, human growth hormone promotes growth. As we age, it plays a role in tissue repair.

- Weight Gain: Lack of sleep increases hunger and appetite. It stimulates cravings for high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods, leading to obesity. Sleep stimulates peptides that regulate and suppresses appetite.

 

Back to School -- Nutrition & Health

 

Those three words are music to all parents ears! But with a new school year comes busy schedules, frantic mornings, and after school activities that make it harder for parents and children to get nutritious meals.

It may seem easy to just rely on over-processed foods to save on time and money but foods consumed with high levels of simple carbohydrates (sugars) and little to no nutritional value can have a severe negative impact on your family's health.

The benefits of healthy eating for your teeth can be found here.

People today seem like they will only eat healthy foods if they have these three criteria:

• Tasty
• Quick and easy
• Inexpensive

It's easier than people think to cut out over-processed foods and replace them with healthier, homemade options.

How, you ask? We'll break it down for you...

Always remember this phrase when making food choices: "What is the nutritional benefit of ____________?"

If the nutritional value outweighs the price or effort it's worth it!

Example: Tomato sauce.

When you choose a jar of ready-made tomato sauce over homemade sauce, you give up control on how much sodium and preservatives are in them. Making your own tomato sauce does take more time and effort than just opening a jar, but in the end it's worth it.

Swap out high sugar food items (your teeth will thank you!)

When you and your children are running late in the morning, instead of handing them a sugary pop tart, give them whole grain toast with peanut butter and bananas.

Prepare healthy meals ahead of time!



(And get the kids involved!) It's been proven that when children are part of meal preparations they are less likely to be picky about what they're eating!

The night before a school day:

• Have your children slice bread and prepare it so that all that has to be done in the morning is pop it in the toaster oven!
• Have your children pack their own school lunches.

Create a dinner menu for the week and prep anything that can be done the night before. This includes:

• slicing vegetables
• defrosting
• marinating

This way all that needs to be done when you get home from work and school is to cook it.

Proper nutrition and food choices should be taught to children early and by example! Telling your children to eat their vegetables will have more of an effect if you're eating yours!
 

Brace Face!

 

There are very few adults out there who were lucky enough to not ever need to straiten their teeth. For the rest of us, there were those awkward teenage years where you had a mouth full of metal braces, food restrictions, and painful orthodontic visits.



So why do we need to have strait teeth other than for the obvious aesthetic reasons?

The reasons are very simple. While having strait teeth is more attractive, serious dental issues can arise if you ignore your teeth's alignment.

Reason 1: PERIODONTITIS (a.k.a., gum disease)

Teeth that are misaligned require extra cleaning in order to get everything harmful out from between your teeth.When your teeth are crooked it gives food particles and bacteria more nooks a crannies in between your teeth to hide.  Most of the time this leads to missed areas where the bacteria flourish and feed on residual food and thereby cause severe gum disease.

Reason 2: TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER (TMJ)

Do you find yourself suffering from headaches, jaw pain, lock jaw, and teeth grinding? These are the symptoms of TMJ. Cooked teeth can aggravate or even cause you to experience TMJ.

Reason 3: TOOTH INJURY/WEAR & TEAR

When you bite down and chew on properly aligned teeth your upper and lower jaws should fit together perfectly. When your teeth are crooked or crowded you are placing unnecessary force on certain teeth causing tooth enamel to wear away and possibly nerve damage in your roots.

If you would like to know a reason why we have crooked and crowded teeth in the first place take a look at this article published on Science/AAAS.

Now how can your crooked teeth be straitened? There are 2 ways: Traditional metal braces (but who would want to go through that?) or Clear Aligners.



What are the benefits of Clear Aligners over traditional metal braces?



1. No food restrictions!
2. They are removable! (It is way easier to floss your teeth without having to thread floss through your braces.)
3. Nearly invisible! (If you're over 17 metal braces just don't look professional.)

Think you would like to give Clear Aligners a try? Come to our Invisalign Open House!



Fact or Fiction: If your teeth don't hurt there's nothing wrong.

FICTION!

Many times people don't think that they have to see a dentist because their "teeth don't hurt" or are "not bothering them". This is a common misconception about teeth.

Here's the truth:

If your teeth are hurting you, that usually means that instead of needing a filling (cheaper) a tooth now needs a root canal (more $$$$!)

 

Tooth decay is a slow and silent assailant. It doesn't make it's presence known until it ironically becomes very costly to fix the tooth.

 

In picture 1 you can see plaque sitting on the tooth's enamel surface. This plaque, if not removed, is fed on the bacteria found in your mouth.

 

In picture 2 the decay has started to damage the tooth. The acid by-product of the bacteria has eroded the enamel. At this point you will not feel any pain or discomfort because the damage has not reached the nerve of the tooth.

 

If you are seeing a dentist regularly he or she would be able to detect this decay and fix it with filling material before it gets any worse.  

 

In picture 3 the decay has progressed to the dentin. This layer of your tooth is not as strong as the enamel and therefore, decay proceeds at a rapid rate. At this point you may begin to feel sensitivity to cold or sweets.

 

In picture 4 the tooth's damage has reached the pulp chamber where the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth are located. The nerve becomes infected and inflamed thus causing you great pain. You will experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks and if left untreated, a serious abscess can form.

 

At this point the tooth's vitality is compromised and a root canal has to be performed in order to save the tooth. This can be very uncomfortable for both your mouth and your wallet!

 

Preventative dentistry is very important. If you get regular dental visits every 6 months you can eliminate extra expense and pain in the future!

 

Don't assume that your mouth is healthy just because it doesn't feel like anything is wrong!

 

 Give us a call if you'd like to schedule a preventative dental appointment.

215 567 4949

 

Also, take a look at our website for a complete list of services we offer.

2020-dentistry.com

Invisalign Open House

That's right! We're hosting an Invisalign open house and all are welcome!

In a previous blog post it was mentioned the benefits of orthodontics and (more specifically) the benefits of Invisalign. So...

 

Have you heard of invisalign clear braces and are curious?

Are you afraid that they are too expensive?

Do you have dental insurance and are unsure if Invisalign treatment will be covered?

 

Call and make an appointment!

Hurry appointment slots are limited!

215 567 4949

 

For this and other services we provide check out our website!

2020-dentistry.com

 

 

"Do you have a breath mint?"

 

 

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

 

It's an embarrassing and delicate subject that can sever even the strongest of relationships. How can you tell someone that every time they lean in to tell you something you're trying to hide the fact that your eyes are watering and that you're trying to suppress your gag reflex?

 

The answer? Probably not easily. No one wants to offend or hurt anyone's feelings but having chronic bad breath is not just impolite it could be signaling serious medical conditions that shouldn't be ignored! 

 



Causes

 

 

Infection

 

Guess what? There are hundreds of thousands of bacteria in your mouth, some good and some bad. The bad ones (mutans streptococci) when left in the mouth (due to inefficient personal oral care and infrequent professional dental visits) are given free reign to multiply and feed on food particles left in between teeth. Over time this leads to a very serious disease called periodontitis. At this point no matter how many pieces of gum you chew or how many times you gargle with mouth wash the only way to get rid of your bad breath is to see a dentist for a deep cleaning.

 

Food

 

We've all been there. Let's say you're on a date and you order a burger that comes with a stack of red onions or you're at your favorite Italian restaurant and the special is tomato and basil pasta with a side of extra garlic. By the end of the evening your date is hastily making up any excuse to get out of a goodnight kiss.

Garlic and onions are delicious and very good for you but they give you bad breath that seems to last for days!

 

Xerostomia

 

This is just a fancy name for dry mouth. When the mouth is devoid of saliva, bacteria can flourish accelerating periodontitis and tooth decay.

It all comes down to this: bacteria is smelly and it's just sitting there in your mouth. (gross!)

Treatments

The quick fix for offensive breath is usually gum and mints. These are good if you are in a bind but these only mask bad breath (and if the mints and gum are not sugar-free you're risking tooth decay!)

The best way to eliminate bad breath is to always floss, brush, & rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash AND always visit your dentist for professional cleanings at least 2 times a year. He or she will also be able to give you a complete oral exam to make sure that the cause for your halitosis is not something more serious.

Noticing your friends and family running away when you lean in to talk to them? Call us to make an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam!
215.567.4949

Check out our website for more dental services.
2020-dentistry.com
 

 



T.M.J.

what is it?

The temporomandibular joint is the joint on each side of the face that allows you to move your jaw for such activities as eating and talking. 

[photo source: http://www.aaoms.org/tmj.php ]

t.m.j. disorder

Symptoms.

Pain is never normal. If you feel any of the following symptoms you should see your dentist!! 

Headaches

Ear pain that is not associated with an infection

Pain when you chew

Pain in the head, face, and neck

Muscle spasms when chewing

Sounds (clicking, popping, and/or cracking) when opening and closing your mouth

Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

Causes.

 

Stress

Injuries to the jaw

Arthritis

Malocclusion (misaligned bite)

treatments.

Night guard

 

The most common treatment your dentist will provide. This is a plastic mouth piece that is to be worn at night. It has a hard exterior and a soft interior. The night guard allows for the cushioning of the teeth so that you do not put any excess stress on your teeth and jaw. Click here for more information on how stress can affect your teeth. 

Avoidance (eating soft, non-chewy foods only) 

Simple enough but seriously limits your food choices! Can you imagine eating soup for the rest of your life?!

Analgesics (medication, ice packs, heat compresses, etc.)

If some days are worse than others because of stress or excessive chewing, try some of the treatments listed above to relieve the discomfort. 

Orthodontics

If the reason for your TMJ disorder is an over-bite, under-bite or crooked teeth, braces will be needed to align your smile and alleviate the strain on your joint. Click here for our blog post on orthodontics. 

Surgery

In extreme cases where a night guard and orthodontics are not working, your dentist might recommend that you see an oral surgeon to have your jaw fixed. This is usually a last resort and not recommended often. 

Always remember: Whenever you notice that your mouth just doesn't feel right you should come in to see your dentist! 

Call us to schedule an appointment!

215.567.4949

Take a look at our website for more information on this and other dental conditions and services we provide!

2020-dentistry.com

Time for some "Spring Cleaning!"

It's been a long time coming here in Philadelphia, but Spring is finally here! As nature begins to revive itself from the dreariness of winter you should consider a rejuvenation for yourself (at least for your mouth!)

how to refresh your smile this spring!

1. Come in for a Dental Cleaning & Check up!

If you've been neglecting your teeth for whatever reason (I was busy, work has been crazy, I didn't want to go anywhere in the cold, etc.) now is the perfect time!
Routine dental cleanings and oral exams can determine if there are any silent dental issues that may be going unnoticed. (i.e., oral cancer!) 

2. Whiten!

White teeth are never going to go out of style! Enough said.

3. Upgrade your toothbrush! 

Still brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush? It's time to change that and invest in an Oral B SmartSeries Professional electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have seriously revolutionized how easily we can clean our teeth. The rotating brush head cleans your teeth without you having to put any real effort into it. (The toothbrush does all the work!)

the specials.

$99.00 

New Patient Special

Exam, Cleaning, 2 x-rays, & bleaching kit
Original Value: $312.00

(Offer expires: 7/31/2013)

$115 

Oral B SmartSeries Professional Electric ToothBrush

YOU SAVE: $45.00

Average Retail Value: $160.00

Please call to schedule an appointment! 
215.567.4949
Check out our website for more information on other dental services we provide. 
2020-dentistry.com

Your teeth are so sensitive!

root canals.
(Endodontic therapy)

noun: 

a specific treatment for disease of the dental pulp involving removal of the nerve and other tissues from the pulp cavity and the replacement with filling material. [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/root+canal+therapy]

I know what you're thinking after reading that definition, "I'm sorry; what?" So I'm going to break down what exactly a root canal is. 

the tooth.

All of your teeth are "alive." They all contain nerves and blood vessels within the pulp chamber. 

A tooth is no longer considered vital when the pulp is damaged due to...

• Untreated tooth decay (that cavity your dentist told you he wanted to fill 11 months ago.)
• Trauma (getting hit in the mouth with a baseball.)

Once either of these conditions happen, a root canal is no longer an option; it is necessary in order to save the tooth. 

the symptoms.

When a tooth has been compromised by tooth decay or trauma, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Pain when biting down and/or chewing.
• Throbbing pain 
• Sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods and beverages.
• Noticeable facial or cheek swelling.

the diagnosis.

After coming in and describing your symptoms to your dentist, he or she will do one or all of the following things: 

• Take a radiograph (x-ray) to see how damaged the tooth is above and below the gum line. 
• Perform a percussion test. Your dentist will tap on your tooth with the handle of his or her mouth mirror. If you feel pain when he or she taps that's a sign your tooth may need a root canal.  

Once the need for a root canal is determined the process of clearing the infection and damaged nerve tissues can begin! 

Take note! A tooth requiring a root canal should not be ignored! Sometimes there are no symptoms and if you're not seeing your dentist regularly, a serious infection could go unnoticed for years! By that time abscesses can form and the infection can migrate into the jaw bone which will require major oral surgery.  

If you feel that you may need a root canal please call our office to make an appointment! 

215.567.4949

For information on this and other dental issues check out our website: 

2020-dentistry.com

[sources: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/root+canal+therapy]

[photo sources: http://www.lifescript.com/health/a-z/treatments_a-z/procedures/r/root_canal_treatment.aspx

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/h/broken-tooth-pain-relief.html

Dental X-rays Revolutionized

Dental Radiographs (X-rays)

Scenario...

Occasionally during one of your routine dental visits the dentist or hygienist will come in and say that you are due for some dental radiographs. 

-- Or -- 

You come in complaining of some tooth pain and one of the first things the dentist says is that he or she wants to take an x-ray of the site. 

So why are they needed? 

Dental radiographs allow the dentist to see any issues or concerns that can not be seen clinically (i.e., when he or she looks in your mouth.) This includes tooth decay, bone destruction, root infections, etc. For example: A tooth may look completely fine on the surface but could have a severe tooth abscess at the root tip causing you pain. 

Types of Radiographs  

The two types of dental x-rays that a dental office can have are Traditional film and Digital. 

What are the differences?

Traditional dental radiographs are images produced on photosensitive film by exposing the film to radiation and then processing it. 

Digital radiographs are similar but instead of using photosensitive film, images are produced by exposing a digital sensor to radiation. 

Benefits of digital radiographs

• Significantly less radiation exposure. 
• No wait time for developing. Images are instantly available on a computer screen.
• Environmentally friendly. No need for harsh development chemicals and no foil and wrapper waste. 

Our office has been equipped with digital x-rays and photographs since 2009. This allows us to diagnose and treat your areas of concern quickly and without using high levels of radiation. 

If you are having a dental issue or would just like a dental check-up please call our office to make an appointment! 

215.567.4949

For more information on digital radiographs or other services we provide click on the link below for our website!

pjmouradiandmd.com

Pregnancy + Dentistry

Once a woman finds out that she's pregnant all these health facts and concerns are bombarded at her to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Often times her oral health gets pushed aside or ignored. Remember ladies: your oral health effects not just you but your baby during your pregnancy!! 

If you are trying to get pregnant...

Make a dental appointment! (Sounds crazy but hear us out!) By seeing your dentist for a routine exam he or she can detect any serious dental problems or infections that should be taken care of before you become pregnant. Untreated tooth and/or gum problems can lead to an increased risk of giving birth to a preterm, low-birth-weight baby!

Congratulations! You're Expecting! 

A lot of changes are going to be happening physically and emotionally for you. Here's what you can expect to happen to your gums: 

More occurrences of gingivitis!! The hormonal changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy do effect your gums. Some women find that they are experiencing inflamed, bleeding and sore gums associated with gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will lead to a more serious condition call periodontitis and result in tooth loss. 

• Good oral habits to keep in mind when pregnant...
• Start (or continue) to brush, floss, & use an antiseptic mouthwash regularly.
• Keep up with all routine dental check-ups. 
• If you need to have a dental procedure, get a clearance from your gynecologist. 
• When you feel a pregnancy craving coming on try to opt for the healthier snacks. If you can't and you just have to have something with chocolate, floss and brush your teeth immediately after. 
• If you are suffering from the dreaded morning sickness and are vomiting pretty regularly, minimize enamel erosion from your stomach acid by frequently rinsing your mouth with water.

Keep up with these oral habits and the ones recommended by your dentist and you should have healthy teeth not just during your pregnancy but for the rest of your life!

Have a baby or young child already and have some questions about pediatric dentistry? Check out our previous blog post on kids & the dentist.

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

215.567.4949

For information on other dental issues or procedures take a peek at our website! 

pjmouradiandmd.com

CEREC: The Busy Person's Answer to Dental Crowns.

A (brief!) History of Dental Crowns. 

It's common knowledge that dentistry, as a practice, has been around for thousands of years (did you hear about the 6,500 year old human jawbone that had a tooth with a beeswax "filling"?) All throughout history humans have been inventing and re-inventing different ways to treat dental problems, making procedures more efficient and comfortable for both the patient and the dentist! 

Among those great dental discoveries and achievements has been the crown (i.e., cap). A dental crown is a "tooth shaped" cap that is placed over a tooth in order to restore its functions, durability, and appearance. The first dental crowns were primarily made from gold and then were gradually made with porcelain. Today there are 2 ways that crowns are made: Lab designed and CEREC designed. Keep reading to find out the difference between the two.

The Crown

Scenario: You go to your dentist and (to make a long story short...) you need a crown placed on one of your upper right molars. You agree to get the work done and your dentist begins. 

LAB DESIGNED CROWNS

THE PREPARATION

First your dentist will numb you. Then drill and shape your tooth. 

THE IMPRESSION 

After he or she has a satisfactory shape an impression is taken. 

THE WAIT 

After the impression, your dentist fits you with a temporary crown and the impression is sent off to a lab where it takes up to 2 weeks for your crown to be made. 

THE DELIVERY

When your dental office calls to say they (finally) have your crown, you come in, the dentist numbs you (again!) then removes the temporary (if it hasn't fallen out already) and your new beautiful crown is cemented in. Voila! New and improved tooth! 

CEREC CROWNS

CEREC CAD-CAM computer and Milling Unit

THE PREPARATION 

Similar to lab designed crowns, your dentist will have to prep and shape your tooth. 

THE IMAGE

After preparation, your dentist sprays the area with a special powder and uses the CEREC CAD-CAM to take a picture of your tooth. 

THE DESIGN

After the image is taken your dentist will design your tooth with you right there in the dental chair! 

THE DELIVERY 

After the tooth is designed, milled in the in-office milling machine, glazed, and fired in the oven, your dentist will cement your new crown to your tooth. 

ONE APPOINTMENT, NO UNCOMFORTABLE TEMPORARIES, SAME-DAY CROWNS! 

Our office takes great pride in being equipped with a CEREC machine. If you think (or have been told that you need a crown) give our office a call and schedule an appointment! 

215.567.4949

Also, check our our website for this and other dental services we provide!

pjmouradiandmd.com 

[photo credit: http://work.chron.com/dental-lab-technician-paid-5889.html, http://www.1800dentist.com/dental-crown/, http://www.mypriorlakedentist.com/cerec.html] 

Let's talk fillings...

Amalgam vs. Composite vs. Glass Ionomer Fillings

Fillings are the most common way people think dentists "fix teeth". Fillings (or restorations) are the use of dental materials to restore a tooth or teeth to a functional unit in the mouth. 

SCENARIO: You go to the dentist for your regular check-up and cleaning. A few x-rays are taken. After completing the dental exam the dentist sits you up in the chair takes off the gloves and mask and says, "So you have a tooth that needs a filling." 

You're shown one of the x-rays that was taken and a dark shadowy area (circled in red) of your tooth is visible to you. "This is decay." Your dentist says. "What needs to be done before this gets worse is to remove the damaged portion of the tooth and patch it with a filling material." 

You (hopefully) agree to get the filling as soon as you can and, depending on the office, your tooth is filled with either amalgam, composite, or glass ionomer. 

So what the heck are these materials and whats the difference between them??

Amalgam (a.k.a., silver fillings)

• PROS: Provides strong and durable fillings.
• CONS: Not very aesthetic. (Silver doesn't look good on your front teeth) and fear of mercury poisoning and allergic reactions. 

Composite Resins

• PROS: Tooth-colored, therefore can be used on anterior (front) teeth, can withstand the environment of the mouth & easily shape-able.
• CONS: Not as strong as amalgam fillings

Glass Ionomers 

• PROS: Also tooth-colored, excellent bio-compatibility with the mouth environment and releases fluoride which inhibits decay and discourages recurrent caries. 
• CONS: Similar to composites, glass ionomers are not as strong as amalgams.  

Our office only dispenses tooth-colored fillings (composites and glass ionomers). Many dental offices today are slowly discontinuing the use of amalgam for fillings. Partly because most patients prefer non-noticeable restorations and fear the hazards of mercury in the mouth. 

If you believe you might need a filling please give our office a call for an appointment! 

215.567.4949

pjmouradiandmd.com

[Photo Source: http://www.aacd.com.au/amalgam-fillings.htm]