Drs Sacks and Goldstein Dental Bytes
Is It Normal To Catch Food Between My teeth?
Wednesday, 2/8/2012 8:26:38 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
Ever eat an orange or a nice piece of roast chicken, or meat, and find that part of it remains behind after the meal is over? We often hear patients complain that some of their food gets stuck between their teeth while they are eating, and they then need to use floss or toothpicks to remove the annoying and uncomfortable particles immediately afterwards because they can feel them. Many of them think this is normal and must be endured. We say, NO on both counts!
The primary reason food lodges between teeth is due to an open or inadequate contact bewtween them. It is not simply an annoyance, but also a prime cause of decay between the teeth and can lead to breakdown of the gum and bone in that site as well. Even if you think you have fished out all of the particles, some remain that you cannot feel, and they become the home of bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath.
So, if there is a place in your mouth that requires constant flossing or digging out trapped foods, please call our Oakhurst, NJ dental office and we will be happy to examine the area and advise you of the ideal solution to the problem. Dr. Sacks, Dr. Verma, and Dr. Goldstein are all highly skilled and experienced in the many different methods of repair for these open contacts that can cause food to get stuck, if left unattended.
A small filling now may help you avoid root canals, crowns, or even the loss of teeth later on. It is easy to ignore the food impaction and learn to floss the area after every meal, but that is inconvenient and not always possible; it also leads to big problems that can be easily avoided.
So, unless you enjoy ‘saving’ some of your meal to discover later on, it is best to get those spaces closed. We like our patients to floss, just not to have to do so every time they eat!
To Your Health,
Dr Robert Sacks
3 Heads Are Better Than One
Thursday, 1/19/2012 10:15:48 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
In our Oakhurst, New Jersey office, our patients get the benefit of comprehensive case review not only by consultation with their treating dentist, but we also meet with the other doctors in the practice to discuss the details of many of these cases, in order to provide the highest level of care possible.
This is especially true of complex and/or challenging cases. This means that Dr. Robert Sacks, who was voted a Top Dentist by NJ Monthly magazine three times, and listed in Best Dentists in America multiple times; Dr. Todd Goldstein, who is a Fellow of the International College of Oral Implantologists, and a member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club; and Dr. Angela Verma, who is certified in Invisalign invisible braces, are able to meet and consult with one another to discuss individual cases, and help design the best possible treatment plan for their patients.
Of course, we also make use of a network of dental specialists in the area, who are also top rated dentists in their field; to consult with, help with specialized treatment, and to decide the best course for our patients.
Finally, we have access to select highly skilled artisanal laboratory technicians with whom we also consult and plan cases before we ever start rendering care, to insure that we have designed the best possible strategy to deliver beautiful and long lasting results.
So even though the patients are seen primarily by one of our team, who is their regular doctor, you can be assured that we are pooling our extensive knowledge and many years of experience, and working with the best specialists and laboratories, so that we can give your unique situation our very best each and every time you visit our highly respected Monmouth County Dental office.
Yours truly,
Dr. Robert Sacks
Is Migraine Pain Leaving You Shattered?
Tuesday, 9/20/2011 8:56:34 PM | Todd Goldstein, D.D.S
Did you know that clenching and grinding your teeth can be a catalyst for migraine and tension-type headaches? In the United States over 29 million people suffer from migraines and over 44 million people suffer from chronic clenching and grinding that results in tooth damage. Three out of four migraine sufferers are women and one in four women suffer from migraines. Many Americans spend dizzying sums of money purchasing medications (usually narcotic) to treat their pain. Most are unaware that there is a cost effective migraine preventative available through their dentist. A dental appliance called the NTI-tss Plus is FDA approved for the prevention of migraine pain.
In clinical trials reviewed by the FDA, 82% of medically diagnosed migraine sufferers using the NTI-tss had a 77% average reduction of migraine pain attacks within the first eight weeks of use. Unlike migraine medications, there aren’t any side effects and the device is even safe for pregnant women. The device works by reducing jaw clenching during sleep. It fits over the central teeth, usually on the bottom arch of the mouth, and keeps molars and canines from touching. Many patients unconsciously clench and grind their teeth at night. For some, clenching serves as a catalyst for migraine inducing strain on the muscles of the head and face.
To demonstrate how the NTI-tss, touch the muscles of the temples while clenching on your back teeth as hard as possible. The temporal muscles will bulge and intensely contract. Now take a pencil and bite down on it using only the front teeth while still keeping your hands on your temporal muscles. The temporal muscles will remain relaxed.
The NTI-tss also works for patients who grind their teeth at night and need a bite guard. It is much smaller and less obtrusive than a full-coverage guard, and works just as well at preventing damage to the teeth from bruxing (unconscious grinding of the teeth). For more information and to see actual patient testimonials about the NTI-tss appliance go to www.theheadacheremedy.com.
Yours for a Pain-free Life,
Dr. Todd Goldstein
Chiclets Anyone?
Thursday, 9/8/2011 8:54:38 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
Did you ever see someone walk into the room and know the minute they smile that those are not their real teeth? Either the color is as white and dense as a bathroom sink, or they are big, square, clunky, and much too perfect looking.
In the past, there were not abundant choices of materials for dentists to use when they had to cover teeth. But now, top cosmetic dentists can choose from a vast variety of life-like porcelains and other materials that are so realistic and natural that they mimic real teeth in virtually every respect. We can layer in the color so the teeth are not monochromatic (all one color), because real teeth have varying thicknesses, and this makes the color subtly different in different areas. Also, these new materials allow us to create a depth in color from the inside out, so the teeth do not appear opaque.
Of course, now there are sophisticated new techniques that allow us to cover only the front of the tooth, when appropriate, and preserve more tooth structure to create very thin veneers that look beautiful, but are natural and believable. This is truly where art and science come together in the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist with an eye for meticulous detail and design.
So…fear not! If you need to repair or replace your front teeth or want a smile makeover to create the gorgeous smile you have always dreamed of, but still looks natural and believable , it is possible to design one that doesn’t look like a row of shiny white chiclets!
Yours for a Believable Smile,
Dr. Robert Sacks
Can I Just Get Dentures?
Monday, 8/15/2011 8:52:40 PM | Todd Goldstein, D.D.S
Did you know that the average life expectancy of a denture wearer is 6 1/2 to 10 years shorter than a non-denture wearer? There can be a myriad of reasons why this is the case. People with their natural teeth normally exert 45 to 75 pounds per square inch of force during normal chewing. With denture wearers chewing pressure can be reduced to as little as 5 to 14 pounds per square inch, and the longer you wear dentures the worse it gets. This is a 5 to 15 fold decrease in chewing ability and effectiveness. This tremendous loss of chewing ability means completely changing your eating habits. Many foods may need to be eliminated from your diet, causing loss of nutrition, which is especially important for seniors.
Many denture wearers also struggle with their weight. Sticking with soft foods, which tend to be higher in calories and carbohydrates, causes them to be overweight or not eating enough because it is too painful to eat causing them to be underweight. Also, plastic in the dentures decreases the taste sensation of your food causing denture wearers to add spices, especially salt to their diet. This increase in salt can lead to high blood pressure and ultimately heart disease. The plastic in the dentures will decrease the temperature and texture sensations of food as well.
Can you imagine working hard your entire life and not being able to enjoy your retirement years because you cannot eat properly? Imagine going to your favorite restaurant with friends and family and not being able to eat your favorite foods, or worse having to excuse yourself several times because you need to “adjust your teeth”.
There are different dental considerations at every stage of life. Only with consistent daily home care and regularly scheduled continuing dental care can we improve our chances of healthy smiles right into our twilight years.
Yours for Lifelong Good Health,
Dr. Todd Goldstein
There Was A Crooked Man Who Had A Crooked Smile…
Monday, 7/18/2011 8:49:25 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
The crooked man walked a crooked mile and found a crooked sixpence on a crooked stile.
Do you have teeth that are not quite straight, but are not so crooked that it hardly seems worth the time and effort to wear braces? Do you wish you could straighten those teeth quickly, easily, and discreetly, so nobody knew you were moving them? Do you think braces look unattractive or are only for kids? If you answered yes to any of those questions or those thoughts have entered your mind, then there is great news for you!
There are now ways to correct misaligned teeth almost invisibly without the need for brackets and wires on your teeth. Too good to be true? It’s not!
There is great technology now available that uses a high tech computer to design and create clear plastic ‘retainers’ that that induce tooth movement that will realign those crooked or crowded teeth, without the whole world knowing you are doing it. You can take the appliances in and out yourself to clean them and your teeth, and pop them back in a matter of seconds; and since they are crystal clear– they are ‘invisible’.
A consultation with a dentist, who is certified in this new method of tooth movement, is a great idea if you wish to learn more about it,
Leave those crooked teeth to the crooked man and his crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse; and all lived together in a crooked house. You can have teeth that are beautiful and straight.
Yours for better health,
Robert M. Sacks, DDS
Tiny Terrors!
Tuesday, 6/28/2011 8:46:16 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
Whether you call them canker sores, cold sores, apthous ulcers, or just a pain in your mouth, these things are small in size but can really hurt – big time! They are viral in nature, and tend to be more prevalent when you are under stress – physical or emotional. They run a course of 7 – 10 days and can make eating very uncomfortable.
Although there are prescription anti-viral drugs available, we prefer to use a more natural combined therapy of non-prescription items, some of which can be obtained at your local health food store, and the rest can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy:
1. For symptomatic relief, a dab of liquid antacid such as Gelusil or Mylanta, will help sooth the area.
2. There is also an OTC product called Orabase with Benzocaine which has a local anesthetic to numb the spot. Be careful when applying. I recommend ‘dabbing’ it on as opposed to ‘rubbing’ it on, as rubbing tends to make a gluey mess.
3. Since these sores are stress-related, we recommend Stress Tabs which are also called Super B-50 tabs, as they can replenish your internal supply of these essential B vitamins which become depleted when the body is under duress because of illness or stress. One per day is the suggested dose.
4. We also like Lysine 500 mg….2 capsules 3 to 4 times per day…..this is an amino acid found in the body, which is said to contain natural anti-viral properties.
5. Lactinex is a chewable tablet form of acidophilus, the active ingredient in yogurt, that floods the mouth with good bacteria and helps overwhelm the virus. Chewing a few tablets 4 times per day and then swallowing them is very beneficial.
6. Avoiding spicy foods and alcohol are also two ways to cut down on the pain and help speed the healing.
If you are unsure if that sore in your mouth is indeed a canker sore – see your dentist – as he or she can confirm that is the problem, and of course, any sore that remains for more than two weeks should be examined in a dental office to rule out the possibility of something more serious.
The remedies listed above should help immensely if you become the victim of these tiny terrors!
Yours for better health,
Robert M. Sacks, DDS
The Power of A Smile
Monday, 6/13/2011 8:44:07 PM | Todd Goldstein, D.D.S
Did you know that whether you meet someone for the first time or the hundreth time, you’re going to notice one of two things every time? That no matter what they are wearing or how their hairstyle has changed, the majority of your attention will be drawn to one of two characteristics for the bulk of the entire encounter? Despite all other distractions, your attention will be consciously or subconsciously driven to their eyes, or to their smile.
And if that’s the case…you guessed it. The same is true for you. Every time you meet someone new, every conversation you have at work, every time you get together with friends and family, every time you are face-to-face with another human being they are focused on your smile at least 50% of the time. They are just as focused on the freedom and ease with which you could smile as the uncomfortable and awkward way you might smile now.
Did you know that we are actually born smiling? Using 3D ultrasound technology, we can now see that developing babies appear to smile, even in the womb. Once born, babies continue to smile, mostly in their sleep. Smiling is one of the most basic, biologically uniform expressions of all humans. Did you ever wonder why you smile so much when you are around children? That is because children smile up to 400 times per day and research has shown that smiles are evolutionarily contagious. Research has also proven that the act of smiling also makes us feel better – rather than smiling being merely a result of feeling good. Smiling stimulates our brain reward mechanism in a way that even chocolate, a well regarded pleasure inducer, cannot match.
Unlike eating lots of chocolate, lots of smiling can actually make you healthier. Smiling can help reduce the level of stress enhancing hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine, increase the level of mood enhancing hormones like endorphin and reduce overall blood pressure. And if that’s not enough, smiling can actually look good in the eyes of others. A recent study at Penn State University found that when you smile you don’t only appear to be more likeable and courteous, but you actually appear to be more competent.
So if you haven’t smiled in years because you thought your teeth are “too messed up” to ever be corrected, think again. If you are embarrassed to smile for photos or cover your mouth in social situations, there is help. If you want to look great and feel competent, reduce your stress and maybe even improve your love life, then speak to your dentist and see what the miracle of cosmetic and restorative dentistry can do to give you the smile you have always dreamed of.
Yours for better health,
Dr. Todd Goldstein
I Have Seen The Light!
Tuesday, 5/31/2011 8:40:56 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
One of the best new technologies some dentists are using is a laser light device called the DIAGNOdent, which can detect small cavities well before they become large ones. Many times these go undetected until they are large enough to become visible on an x-ray or even apparent to the naked eye, and by then the damage can be great.
This wonderful tool is fast, totally safe, and painless; and works by scanning the tooth and reading the light bounced back to it. There is a digital read-out and a tone that sounds, showing where those hidden cavities are lurking. We can then repair the tooth with a small filling that preserves healthy tooth structure and avoids alot of drilling.
This is truly a remarkable device and is a great way to minimize future problems caused by large or deep fillings.
Once you have seen the light, you will be a convert too!
Yours for better dental health,
Dr. Robert Sacks
Didn’t I Just Have My Teeth Cleaned Last Year?
Saturday, 5/14/2011 8:36:30 PM | Robert M. Sacks, D.D.S., P.A.
Current Research has shown that the same bad boy bacteria that live in the mouth, on the teeth, and under the gums, can cause a variety of serious medical problems besides just gum disease. They appear to set up a low grade chronic inflammation which can cause some forms of heart disease, and in one study, increased the risk of pancreatic cancer in men. These bacteria love to live in dark, wet places, in the absence of oxygen.
Got the picture?
From your mouth, they can enter your blood stream and circulate throughout your entire body; so why let them increase in numbers for months on end, when a thorough professional cleaning will remove them. Of course, they will return, but with regular cleanings, their numbers will be significantly lower, then reducing an unnecessary risk to your health. We even suggest brushing your tongue gently once a day to clean a favorite breeding ground of those microscopic trouble makers.
The free bonus is sweeter breath and brighter teeth, so maybe you should think for a minute about getting to that cleaning you keep putting off.
Yours for better health,
Dr. Robert Sacks