Stress – every single one of us experiences stress at least once in our lives, but let’s face it, some of us deal with it more often than we’d like. Many of my patients nowadays are stressed every single day due to a job or family situation. Take Adam J. for example. He is a financial executive for a major company and works long hours. He needs to produce results at work and all that stress is showing up as wear on his teeth from grinding and clenching. April is Stress Awareness Month. Become aware of your stress and where … Continue reading “5 Easy Ways to Deal with Stress”

I was invited to give a lecture at NYU together with Dr. Olga Malkin. We presented cases that have to do with transitioning someone from a full mouth of teeth into dental implants without the use of a denture. Traditionally, someone who is losing all their teeth due to decay from dry mouth, or rampant periodontal disease, or an accident, will go through a temporary phase of wearing a removable denture. However, things have changed. Some of my patient’s biggest year is going into a denture, especially women. It’s a Hallmark that says “now you are old”. Professor Branemark, the … Continue reading “What If My Implant Fails?”

Modern science has allowed us to restore a smile in a day. What used to take weeks, even months of visits to your dentist can now be handled in two appointments. However, that doesn’t mean we can do all the work for you. Taking care of your teeth and gums is every bit as important as eating healthy foods, brushing your hair, or grooming your nails. Why is it then–that so many people can’t see that good oral health is about action and more action. You can’t passively sit on the sidelines by not regularly brushing and flossing, professional teeth … Continue reading “It’s An Inside Job – Can This Mouth Be Saved?”

Just imagine firing up your kitchen blender, only to realize a blade is missing or damaged–well, your recipe wouldn’t come out right, would it? So it is with missing molars. The 12 teeth located on the upper and lower jaw in the back of our mouths next to our cheeks deserve our loyalty. They work hard. The adult mouth houses 32 permanent teeth, consisting of the following  teeth types: 4 third molars (also called  wisdom teeth) 4 second molars (also called 12-year molars) 4 first molars (also called 6-year molars) 4 second bicuspids (also called second premolars) 4 first bicuspids … Continue reading “Will Missing A Molar Affect My Health?”

Last week and I was invited to participate in the North American Dental Implant Advisory Council, sponsored by Nobel Biocare, one of the largest dental implant companies in the world. A group of experts of about 60 doctors from North America was selected to evaluate the current status and future protocols for dental implants to make it easier for you out there. It was such an honor to be part of this group, especially since I was the youngest one there. My friend Dr. Olga Malkin from Coast to Coast Smiles was also invited and we were rubbing elbows with … Continue reading “Breakthroughs in Dental Implants”

  Nothing says “I love you” like a cavity. You will never see this sentiment written as a Valentine’s greeting, but that’s what I read when I look inside the mouths of patients who routinely overdose on sugar. Valentine’s Day is another one of our national holidays which promote the over consumption of sugar. We are barely detoxed from the excesses of the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays before there’s a push by advertisers to buy sweet heart shaped every things and anythings. From chocolates to lollipops to hard candies and gummy bears, we are bombarded with Valentine’s day … Continue reading “Will You Be My ‘Sugar Busting’ Valentine?”

Kids don’t like to brush their teeth. This isn’t breaking news. They avoid it because it’s boring and it takes too long!   This doesn’t negate the importance for kids to maintain good oral health. This month is Children’s Dental Health Month, so now is a better time than ever to review the three important elements for kids.   1. Brushing – The American Dental Association says 2 minutes, twice a day, and I’m often encouraging my child patients to brush longer. There’s a good chance your kids aren’t brushing long enough, so it might be a good idea to time them … Continue reading “It’s Children’s Dental Health Month – Here’s What Parents Need To Know”

I walked in the office on Monday morning. I took a quick glance at the schedule and I smiled because one of my very dear patients was on the schedule, Mr. Sully. He recently retired and he was excited to do all the things he had no time for as an employee of Boeing. When I walked in to greet him, I froze. Half of his right face was swollen and paralyzed and his eye was watering. A big, white bandage was attached right behind the ear, wrapping forward to the side of his jaw.   “You wouldn’t believe it! … Continue reading “Is it a pimple…or is it cancer?”

I was at a conference where I met a journalist who was writing for a Colorado newspaper. After we chatted a bit, I gave him my card, where my motto is clearly stated:   “Your mouth is the gateway to your health” I asked him what he thought about it. With a bit of hesitation, he said: “How about changing “mouth” to “smile”? The mouth is just….a gross place…”   I was a bit surprised….and then I wondered how many people feel that way? Are we that disconnected from ourselves? The mouth is one of the few places where we … Continue reading “The mouth is just….a gross place…”

A new national survey released this month reveals 27 percent of U.S. adults admit they lie to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth. Out of a little over 2000 people, more than one-third 36 percent would rather do an unpleasant activity like cleaning the toilet (14 percent) over daily flossing. The survey was conducted online in March by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Clearly, we need to spread the word about water flossing with an oral irrigator! Watch this video and see how easy it can be:   The new survey … Continue reading “Are You Honest About Flossing?”