Here at our women’s weight loss program tucked in the Green Mountains of Vermont, there are quite a few fan favorites among our healthy recipes for which Chef Jon and I are constantly getting recipe requests.  This eggplant entree is always among them.  Eggplant parm is one of those awesome meals that features a great vegetable, but seems so decadent, thanks to all that wonderful cheese.   Yes, yes, we fry the eggplant, but we do it with a lot less breading than you might find in your favorite pizzeria’s version of this recipe – we even do a gluten free version – but I doubt that once the eggplant is doused in tomato sauce and cheese, you’ll miss that breading at all.  Who said healthy weight loss foods can’t be sinfully delicious?

Eggplant Parmesan – 4 servings

1 large eggplant

2 teaspoons salt

olive oil

enough all-purpose flour OR rice flour to dredge the eggplant

1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese

2/3 cup part skim mozarella cheese

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, basil, and/or oregano (optional)

one 16 ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce

Cut the eggplant into 1/4 inch slices.  (We recommend leaving the skin on for nutritional value, but you can remove it if you must.)  Lay the slices out on a clean work surface and sprinkle them with the salt.  Let sit for 15 minutes or so, then pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

In the meantime, pour about 1/4 inch of oil into a flat, heavy bottomed pan.  Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat on to medium high.  Allow to get hot before proceeding with cooking the eggplant.

While the olive oil is heating, dredge the eggplant in the all-purpose or rice flour.  Shake the eggplant slices to remove the excess flour before placing them carefully in the hot oil.  Brown on each side, then remove to a wire rack that is above a pan or casserole dish to catch any draining oil.  Allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, the parmesan, and the fresh herbs.  In a casserole dish, or in individual ceramic “boat” dishes, spoon out half of the tomato sauce, then place a layer of eggplant, then half the cheese mix, then another layer of eggplant, then the rest of the cheese mix, then the last layer of eggplant, then the remaining marinara sauce.  At this point, the eggplant parmesan can be refrigerated for later baking.

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees.  Bake the eggplant for 30 minutes, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and finish in the oven until the cheese is melty and starting to brown just a bit.  Add a serving of whole grain foccacia and a side salad for a delectably balanced meal.  Mangia bene!

Do you avoid foods like eggplant because they upset your stomach?  Our newFood as Medicine program can help you uncover the roots of your stomach discomfort, as well as myriad other health issues.  And FYI, this healthy recipe is divine with zucchini substituted for the eggplant.

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

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Teeth grinding habits related to stress

Teeth grinding and/or clenching habits are quite common and more often than not are associated with stress or sleep deprivation. More-over they may be subconscious, noticed only by a sleeping partner because grinding teeth can be quite noisy (kids do it a lot when they’re shedding their baby teeth), or its pointed out by a dental professional having caused excessive tooth wear.

That leads to the next important point; these habits are called "Parafunctional" (para-outside, function – normal), well outside the normal range. In parafunction, biting forces are increased in both magnitude and frequency to over ten times normal; this is when they can become damaging. These habits are commonly seen as clenching or grinding, generally "bruxing" (gritting) of the teeth for prolonged time periods, so called tooth to tooth habits. Parafunction can also manifest as tooth to soft tissue habits, such as thumb sucking or abnormal tongue posture habits; and tooth to foreign body habits such as biting on pencils or nails.

They can affect virtually any part of the oral system; the jaw joints or muscles resulting in pain and spasm; the teeth themselves resulting in wear, fractures or looseness; and the associated structures where these habits manifest as headaches, earaches, neck and even backaches.

Bruxing or gritting habits are commonly seen in individuals who are undergoing stressful periods or major changes in their lives, like getting married! The funny thing about stress is that it affects people differently, and sometimes manifests as back pain, stomach ulcers, skin breakouts and the like in other people.

Parafunction – tooth grinding habits are what we see in dentistry – a lot. The point is that this is just the way you are reacting and when you’re stressed again the same symptoms are likely to recur.

The question is what can be done to help. Treatment most often is aimed at relieving the symptoms and stopping damage. For pain and muscle spasm mild anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant drugs are prescribed initially, and occasionally medication to assist in sleeping. Warm or cold compresses applied in the area of the jaw joints are also helpful. In some severe and unrelenting cases biofeedback, along with psychotherapy is helpful.

Your dentist will often recommend the provision of a night or occlusal (bite) guard. This is usually a hard "processed acrylic" (wear resistant plastic) guard that is quite unobtrusive. It is made to fit over the biting surfaces of the upper teeth only. It is adjusted by the dentist so that it is only a few millimeters in thickness (thinness is a better word), so that the lower teeth are free to glide or skate on the guard and this prevents them from biting into the upper teeth, thereby resting the muscles and stopping the pain. It may be that you will need to use the guard nightly or even during the day when the habit or symptoms are evident and if/when they recur.

A component of the problem may be related to abnormalities like malocclusion (a bad bite or jaw relationship) which can sometimes trigger these kinds of habit patterns. If your main problem is related to a malocclusion then orthodontic treatment (moving the teeth with braces) or bite adjustment by equilibration (minor reshaping of the teeth to even the bite), may be needed.

These and other factors involved cannot be discussed fully in this brief overview. It is therefore very important that you see your dentist to check out what’s really going on and that nothing more serious is being overlooked. You can then consider the above alternatives with your dentist.
Best wishes for a great future and don’t worry, this should be fixable.

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

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As I am sitting anxiously at home today waiting for my granddaughter to arrive, I thought I would share with you some tips on how to care for the health of your children’s teeth.

Even though baby’s teeth will start falling out sometime between 5 and 6 years old, some of your children’s teeth may remain in their mouths till 10 or 11 years old.  Here are some Healthy Tips for Caring for Your Children’s Teeth:

Tip #1:  You should start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they come into their mouths.  Lay your baby in your lap with his or head close to your chest and then gently, but firmly rub a clean or damp piece of gauze or washcloth and clean their teeth.  Ideally, you should set the example of cleaning their teeth after every time they eat.  When your children are bigger, let them watch you brush your own teeth, as they will want to imitate you.  Dental visits should start at one year old or when their first teeth appear.  The earlier the first dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems.

Tip #2:  What to feed your children—Parents should ensure their children are eating a balanced diet and limit the frequency of snacking which can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities.  If some days, you choose to give your child a breakfast cereal, be sure to select cereals that are low in sugar (7 grams of sugar or less per serving).  Multi grain Cheerios is a much better alternative than Captain Crunch or Apple Cinnamon Cheerios.

The best beverages for children to drink are low fat organic milk and water.  Juices can have a great deal of sugar.  When you do give them juices, please dilute them with 50% water.  Soda is really unhealthy for children and adults alike.  Some may think diet sodas are OK because there is no sugar, but diet sodas are extremely acidic and acid softens tooth enamel and makes teeth more prone to decay.

Stay away from sticky foods such as raisins and dried fruit as they stay in the grooves of children’s teeth and can cause tooth decay.  A better snack would be carrot or celery sticks with natural peanut butter.  Ice cream is a better occasional treat, as it doesn’t stick to their teeth.

When kids are exposed to sugar for extended periods of time like when sucking a lollypop, they are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay.  If left untreated, this puts these young children at increased risk for pain and infection, which can lead to, missed school, lost sleep and loss of appetite

Tip #3:  Young children require fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong.  If your children have fluoride from birth until 14 years old, they will have a 70% reduction in tooth decay.  If they are not drinking fluoridated water, talk to their dentist or pediatrician about giving them a prescription for vitamins with fluoride.

Proper preventative care, fluoride use and a balanced diet are the keys to healthy teeth and be sure to take your children to visit the dentist every 6 months.

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

photo:Empirically Grounded

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You are walking down a crowded city street and you look up and there coming toward you among all the faces is this woman who is walking confidently with a bounce in her step and she is smiling.

The energy coming from this woman is contagious. You smile as you pass her by. You feel lifted. For that moment, your first impression of this stranger was very positive. Her gift to you, even as a stranger, was an inspired moment.

Clearly, the most influential attractive asset a person has is the power of a smile. It exudes warmth, authenticity, and confidence.

Now imagine how that might affect a job interview. A sales call. A presentation. A speech.  A healthy, bright smile reflects the self care in one’s personal health and grooming – the mark of a sound personal lifestyle that can be advantageous to a person’s career.

In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology, University of California researchers found that more attractive people make more money. A healthy smile speaks volumes about how a person takes pride in their oral care, which also demonstrates their overall care and nurturing of their whole body health and well-being. This then carries over to less illness at work, being more productive and making healthier decisions at work.

People will trust someone more who exhibits proper self care. So, whether it’s a potential employer or a potential client you have been pursuing for weeks – you want to put your best impression forward when meeting these people – because it will translate to more money (income) for you and your loved ones.

As a cosmetic dentist, I truly believe I am in the self esteem and life improvement business. Given that, I’d like to recommend these 5 important oral hygiene actions that will surely support your path to financial prosperity:

1.   Be consistent with your 6 mos check-ups. If you have an important presentation, job interview, or speech to make – schedule a check up and cleaning right before these.

2.  Look at your options for teeth whitening or if more extensive treatment is needed, have a smile makeover.  If you weren’t born with a beautiful smile there are steps to take to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of having.

3.      Make sure your breath is at its freshest.  No one likes to be close to someone who has bad breath. Most people don’t realize that bad breath frequently starts with the tongue.  Use a tongue scraper daily!

4.      Brushing and flossing not only prevents gum disease and decay, but new research shows that it may also help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

5.      Think about wearing a Night Guard. Many people nowadays grind their teeth during sleep.  This wears down the edges of your teeth giving you a very aged appearance.  If you want to have a beautiful smile and look younger than your age, protect the edges of your teeth!

Remember, you never get a second chance to make a great first impression.

Enjoy our Premiere issue of Marilyn Calvo DDS at Smile Studio LA!

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

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When is it the right time to use implants to replace missing teeth in a teenager?

This is an important question and the current wisdom is not to have implants placed until jaw and facial growth are complete. Although it varies from person to person, growth of the jaws in most cases is not complete until late teens. Of course, we are faced with the dilemma of waiting for the optimal time to place implants so that they will succeed on the one hand, and respecting the psychological needs of a teenager missing front teeth on the other.

Well, you may say, that still doesn’t answer the question. The rest of the answer has to do with the difference in the way in which teeth and implants attach to bone in which they are embedded.

Teeth are attached to the bone through a membrane called the periodontal ligament (peri-around, odont-tooth). The ligament is a living network which is composed of tiny fibrils made of a protein called collagen. The fibrils insert into the bone on one side and the tooth on the other. The most fascinating thing about this very special structure is that it is living and therefore capable of change. And it does, all the time. Specialized cells continually remove collagen and bone and make it anew; this does two things – it allows the teeth to react to stress, as when forces are applied such as in eating and allows movement of the teeth themselves through the magic of orthodontic treatment (braces). In addition, as the face changes throughout life and the teeth themselves wear, minute changes in the position of the teeth within the bone are compensated for by changes in the periodontal ligament. This "remodeling" process accommodates these changes.

An implant connection to the bone is quite different. Dental implants join biochemically to the bone by a process called osseo-integration (osseo – bone, integrate-to join or fuse with). This fusion, almost like pillars in concrete, allows no movement at all and stresses, even biting forces, are absorbed quite differently.

Consequently and most importantly, as the jaws continue to grow, the upper jaw may move in an outward and downward direction. The teeth will accommodate and move with jaw growth, but implants will not. As the upper jaw moves, the implants (and the crowns attached to them) remain stationary and so appear to intrude i.e. go back up into the jaw. This also affects the position of the gum tissues which also will not follow the growth of the jaws around the implants.
For these reasons, and since implants are a relatively permanent and best current solution to the problem of tooth replacement, it is better to wait until growth of the jaws and face is complete. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you when growth is complete by examination and specialized radiographs (x-rays) which will provide a good guideline. However, this is a very inexact science; it’s not really possible to determine exactly when a person has finished growing. Other factors can be indicative and helpful: Is your daughter still changing shoe and clothes sizes? Is she comparable in stature to her siblings and you, her parent(s)? These are good intuitive signs, but in the end, we add the science to our experience and make a judgment call.

There are many other good interim options for temporarily replacing the teeth for a few years, both aesthetically and comfortably until implants can be placed. For example, temporary "fixed-in" options like bonded bridges can be attached to the adjacent teeth with little if any irreversible change to them. You should consult your dentist about them.
Ultimately dentistry is an art form as well as science. This issue has been studied in the scientific literature and also proven in clinical practice. Sometimes, placing implants too early can be remedied by changing the crowns which attach to them. Other times it may mean removing and replacing the implants which may require bone regeneration – expensive and difficult options. Neither is as good an option as waiting for the correct time in the first place, even if it means waiting a little longer.

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

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Serves 4

Summer brings a lot of great things to enjoy, not the least of which is great-tasting melons and berries. Here’s a fun idea, reminiscent of a much-richer dessert but one that’s sure to please fruit-lovers. Needless to say it’s very healthy! Don’t have a banana split dish? Get creative — corn dishes are perfect.

2 large bananas
8 "scoops" watermelon and/or cantaloupe
1 cup blueberries, raspberries or strawberries
1/2 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup granola

Peel bananas and cut in half crosswise, then cut each piece in half lengthwise. For each serving, lay 2 banana pieces against the sides of a shallow dish.

Use an ice cream scoop to create balls of watermelon. Remove seeds, if needed. Place a watermelon scoop at each end of the dish. Fill the center space with berries. Stir yogurt until smooth, spoon over the watermelon. Sprinkle with granola.

Reprinted with permission by Public Health – Seattle & King County

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

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How dentistry can improve your sleep and health

Dear Doctor,
My husband’s snoring has gotten worse to the point where he almost stops breathing. His dentist recently told him this could be dangerous and should be treated. What can be done, and why is it a dental concern?

Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway (back of the throat) collapse onto themselves, the tongue drops back, and air is obstructed in its movement through the mouth and nose into the lungs. As a result, these obstacles create the vibration that produces snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate, a large tongue, the uvula (the tissue that looks like a mini punch-bag dangling at the back of the mouth), and even fat deposits can also contribute to blockage and hence snoring.

Your husband may have a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA; “a” – without; “pnea” – breath), which occurs when the upper airway collapse becomes more profound causing significant airflow disruption, or even no airflow whatsoever for 10 or more seconds. This is often associated with many “micro-arousals,” one to three second waking episodes throughout the sleep cycle. This can be quite dangerous to health as blockage of the upper airway causes reduced airflow into the lungs and therefore low blood oxygen levels. And when oxygen levels drop low enough, the brain moves out of deep sleep and the individual partially awakens followed by a loud gasp as the flow of air starts again. This can happen many times during the night, sometimes more than 50 times an hour. The combination of low oxygen levels and fragmented sleep are the major contributors to most of the ill effects associated with sleep apnea. In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, studies show that sleep apnea patients are much more likely to suffer from heart attack, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, brain damage and strokes, as well as a higher incidence of work and driving-related accidents.

Some helpful things you can do for yourself if you have sleep apnea include losing weight and exercising. Medical and dental treatments include:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP bedside machines generate pressurized air delivered through a tube connected to a mask covering the nose and sometimes mouth. The force of the pressurized air opens the airway (windpipe) in the same manner as blowing into a balloon; when air is blown in, the balloon opens and gets wider.

Oral Appliance Therapy: Here’s the dental connection. Oral appliances are worn in the mouth to treat snoring and OSA. These devices may look like orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards but are designed to maintain an opened, unobstructed, upper airway during sleep. There are many different oral appliances available but less than 20 have been approved through the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for treating sleep apnea. They may be used alone or in combination with other means to treat OSA. And they work in several ways: repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula; stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue; and increasing the muscle tone of the tongue.

Other Dental Approaches: Specially trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons may include more complex jaw advancement surgeries. Additionally, an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist may consider surgery to remove excess tissues in the throat. It also may be necessary to remove the tonsils and adenoids (especially in children), the uvula, or even parts of the soft palate.

Since OSA is a serious medical condition, a physician specially trained in this area of medicine must diagnose it. Diagnosis is based on the results of an overnight laboratory sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG; “poly” – many; “somno” – sleep; “gram” – record). However, determining the best treatment is enhanced by joint consultation with your physician and dentist. It is also important to note that only dentists trained in sleep disorders and related oral appliance therapy are familiar with the various designs of appliances. These experts can best determine what is suited for an individual’s specific needs as well as manage any unruly tooth, bite, gum, or jaw joint effects.

If your husband needs an oral appliance, it may take several weeks to months to complete. Afterwards, your husband’s dentist will continue to monitor his treatment and evaluate the response of his teeth and jaws. His dentist needs to work with a physician as part of the medical team in diagnosis, treatment, and on-going care of your husband’s sleep disorder.

In conclusion, chronic loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, and daytime sleepiness are neither benign nor inconsequential and should be addressed early to avoid serious health problems. These can include heart problems, blood pressure issues, and brain and general health effects on the body — all of which can affect long-term health and well-being.

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click hereto view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

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Dear Dr. Calvo,

I just had dental crown placed and it’s been irritating me. When I contacted my dentist he asked if I was in pain. I said no… because it didn’t feel painful but rather ITCHY. He said it was normal and I just need to get used to the crown but it’s been 14 days already and although it has not gotten worse, the itching is still there.

I have since read online about dental allergies. Could I be allergic to my dental crown? If so, how can I get my dentist to listen to me!

Thanks,

Martha

Hello Martha,

There is definitely such a thing as ‘dental allergies’. There have even been quite a few studies that show women to be three times more susceptible to metals and metal mixtures than the opposite gender.

The thing is this: In the past, most dental work involved some form of metal being introduced in your mouth.  Nowadays, with new technology dentists can make restorations that have absolutely no metal, so before you have new restorations fabricated, make sure to discuss the dental material being used.  However, if the restoration is already made you may have DIRECT contact with this metal or alloy. If you are allergic to any specific metal (e.g., nickel, zinc, etc.) and your dental work has this metal as one of its elements, then you can suffer an allergic reaction to it.

Some of the symptoms of dental allergies are the following:

· Reddening or swelling of your gums;

· painful, or as you experienced, itchy gums;

· bleeding gums; and

· a peculiar or foul smell emanating from your mouth that was not there before.

As you have itchy gums, then you MUST indeed complain to your dentist. If necessary, go to a new dentist telling him/her the dental work you had done, how long it has been, and your symptoms. Don’t let up until you get the treatment you deserve! Dental allergies can lead to bigger problems so the sooner you this addressed the better.

Good luck!

Marilyn Calvo DDS

Smile Studio LA

Accredited Member, AACD

Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve AACD Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well-respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self-esteem in the patients she has helped serve through Smile Makeovers, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Implants and other artistic dental services. Click here to view her blog for more information or become a Fan of her Facebook FanPage by Clicking Here.

Photo by: Pink Sherbet Photography

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Two main reasons contribute to missing teeth in adulthood. The most common, periodontitis (advanced periodontal disease), occurs when too much plaque builds around the gum line and in between teeth, and marks the number one reason senior adults experience tooth loss.

Some people with teeth missing probably underwent a tooth extraction at the dentist’s office (likely due to periodontitis) or experienced a traumatic event that knocked out a tooth or several teeth. Luckily, you can avoid the leading cause of missing teeth through proper oral hygieneand the rest you may leave to personal choices and fate.

To skirt edentulism (the complete loss of permanent teeth), see the A – Z guide below for a list of things requiring attention:

Avulsed Teeth - This covers everything from dental extractions to falling off your skateboard. A missing tooth in this scenario results from purposeful removal or accidental loss.

Bone Loss - Due to cavities left untreated, bone loss decays the foundation where your teeth anchor. Periodontitis plays a key role in the decay and bone loss that results in missing adult teeth.

Cavities & Caries - Dental caries, most commonly known as a cavity, stems from periodontitis. Brush your teeth and flossdaily and keep your mouth clean between meals to avoid missing teeth in your adulthood.

Diabetes - The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites a possible correlation between diabetes and tooth loss. The CDC remains unable to pinpoint the exact causes of missing teeth in this group, but results suggest diabetics are 1.46 times more likely than non-diabetics to undergo dental extractions.

Economics - Poor nutrition and fluoride deficiency lead to a weakened dental structure, which leads to periodontitis, which leads to cavities and, finally, a missing tooth or two.

Fudging the Flossing – Brushing, chewing gum and rinsing work wonders, but to really stop periodontitis and prevent missing teeth, you should floss daily.

Gingivitis - Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis. Need we say more?

Halitosis - One of the symptoms of periodontitis. A number of teeth missing AND halitosis really cramps a lifestyle. Keep both at bay with good oral hygiene.

Intestinal Issues – Eating disorders or gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux disease deliver acid to your mouth, which nurtures cavities.

Jaw Jarring - General trauma to the jaw or mouth. This one falls under the avulsion category of missing teeth.

Kick Ups and Rumbles - Again, another missing tooth cause attributed to avulsion. But keep out of these to improve overall health, not just to prevent tooth loss. Also, stop referring to every physical confrontation as a kick up or a rumble, as these outdated terms just might cause some bruiser to expedite an otherwise more natural schedule for replacing missing teeth.

Longevity - Let’s face it, the longer you live, the more likely you are to have missing adult teeth.

Methamphetamine & Medications - Methamphetamines are not only addictive and dangerous, but they also make mucky mouths. Some medications including prescription drugs, alcohol and tobacco promote dry mouth, decreasing saliva production. Saliva carries natural teeth cleaning agents and a clean mouth prevents missing adult teeth.

Nutrition - Carbohydrates promote plaque acid buildup and tooth decay. Teeth missing from too much plaque and not enough cleanup cause dental disasters.

Oral Piercings - Who knew? Replacing missing teeth because your last stud, hoop or other adornment caused a cracked tooth or gum infection really sucks.

Pregnancy - Good nutrition prevents bone loss; frequent snacking and elevated hormone levels may cause gingivitis, according the American Dental Association (ADA). Most women manage to pull through without any teeth missing at the end of the process.

Quandaries, Queasiness & Quibbles - All right, it might seem like we’re really reaching here. (Bet you can’t wait for X, Y and Z!) But stress and nervous issues lead to bruxism, which eventually wears down dental structure. File these under missing teeth due to avulsion should cavities require extraction.

Root Canal Gone Awry - The Cleveland Clinic cites a 95 percent success rate on the root canal procedure. Sometimes though, the sealing matter breaks down over time or undetected cracks allow re-infection, resulting in missing teeth later.

Sports & Soda - If actively participating in sports, prevent tooth loss with the right safety gear. If spectating (not a real word, we looked), clean your mouth after consuming carbohydrate-loaded beverages so you won’t mirror your favorite hockey player’s gaping grin.

Tobacco - Smoking five to 14 cigarettes per day doubles the chances of tooth loss according to a study (which only enlisted males in the health profession) by the National Institute of Health. Missing teeth caused by pipe and cigar smoking increased tooth loss rates by 20 percent. Findings for smokeless tobacco and missing teeth remain elusive.

Ulcers - Teeth missing due to mouth ulcers rarely occurs, however, the ulcer may indicate gingivostomatitis – a viral infection of the mouth – or numerous other diseases. Persistent, recurring or very large canker sores need professional attention.

Vegetarianism and Vomit - Please refer to "Intestinal Issues" above, and  Nutrition Information to see how these apply to your missing tooth or teeth.

Water Bottles - Most American communities fluoridate the water supply, but bottled water usually carries less minerals. Teeth tend to soften without fluoride, leading to decay and potential for missing teeth.

Xerostomia – The technical term for persistent dry mouth or an inability to produce enough saliva. Xerostomia encourages cavity formation, leading to missing teeth via periodontitis and/or extraction.

Youth - Teeth missing in a child’s smile are a natural part of growing … unless the child loses teeth because of decay. In that case the child needs better cleaning habits for the permanent teeth coming in.

ZZZ - Have you fallen asleep yet? If not, watch out for zoo outbreaks in which stampeding ungulates (there, we got to use that word even though ulcers had more dental relevance!) may jump on an opportunity to kick you in the teeth, causing avulsion! Which brings us full circle on the missing tooth topic.

http://www.marilyncalvo.com/ Marilyn Calvo DDS – Accredited Member, AACD.  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self esteem in the patients she has helped serve through her Smile Makeovers. http://www.facebook.com/CalvoFanPage

Source: dentistry.com

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By now, most of us know that smoking cigarettes isn’t healthy: The smoke you inhale contains toxic compounds. They increase your risk of lung cancer. But what about smokeless tobacco? Is that “little pinch” really going to hurt you?

Yes. “Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking,” says David Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H. Dr. Albert is an associate professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

“Smokeless tobacco greatly increases your risk for cancer of the mouth,” Dr. Albert says. “It causes periodontal disease and cavities. Smokeless tobacco contains abrasives. This means your teeth will wear away faster.” These products also cause stains and bad breath, he says.

In the United States, smokeless tobacco use has declined in recent years. About 3% of adults are estimated to be current users of smokeless tobacco. About 6% of men and fewer than 1% of women use smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco use by high school students is estimated at 8%.

The rate of use by adults varies by state. For example, 18% of men in West Virginia use smokeless tobacco, but only 1% of men in Arizona use it. Rates of smokeless tobacco use by U.S. adults are highest among:

1. Young men
2. American Indians
3. People who live in the South or in rural areas

Overall, about 22 million Americans use smokeless tobacco. It comes in three basic forms: chew, snuff and plug.

Chew, or chewing tobacco, consists of shredded tobacco leaves. Snuff is loose, ground tobacco leaves. A plug is a firm, compressed chunk of ground tobacco leaves. Sugar, salts or flavorings sometimes are added to improve the taste. A new smokeless tobacco product is now being sold in the United States. It is packaged in a small bag that looks like a tea bag. This form of smokeless tobacco is popular in Sweden.

Just like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco contains chemicals. More than two dozen of them are known to cause cancer. But unlike cigarettes, smokeless tobacco is in direct contact with the inside of your mouth. This may make smokeless tobacco even more addictive than cigarettes. That’s because nicotine enters your bloodstream faster. Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco.

Holding smokeless tobacco in your mouth for 30 minutes exposes you to as much nicotine as four cigarettes.

Using smokeless tobacco heavily or for a long time greatly increases your risk of oral cancer. “Oral cancer is a major concern with smokeless tobacco use,” says Dr. Albert. “Treatment of oral cancer can disfigure the mouth and jaws. I advise patients not to use tobacco products in any form.”

As little as one year of use can cause a white patch to develop in your mouth. These patches should be tested. They may contain cancer cells. Don’t wait for symptoms before you visit your doctor: Until it spreads, oral cancer causes no symptoms.

Using smokeless tobacco can cause other problems:

1. Smokeless tobacco is a breeding ground for bacteria. It collects food and other debris, and sits in your mouth for hours at a time. It is also sweetened to improve the flavor. The result? Tooth decay.
2. Using smokeless tobacco has been associated with receding gums and periodontal disease.
3. The area where the tobacco sits can become unusually dry. This increases your risk of tooth decay.
4. Using smokeless tobacco can reduce your senses of taste and smell. It can stain your teeth and cause bad breath.
5. You are more likely to get a coating of bacteria and debris on your tongue if you use smokeless tobacco. An advanced stage of this condition is called black hairy tongue.

Your risk of these conditions will decrease if you practice good oral hygiene habits.

http://www.marilyncalvo.com/ Marilyn Calvo DDS – Accredited Member, AACD.  Dr. Calvo is one of only 300 members in the world to achieve Accreditation status.  Recently, she was honored by being selected as the featured dentist in an ad for Accreditation published in several dental journals.  Dr. Calvo is a well respected Cosmetic Dentist in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas.  Dr. Calvo is passionate about changing lives and increasing self esteem in the patients she has helped serve through her Smile Makeovers. http://www.facebook.com/CalvoFanPage

Source: simplestepsdental.com

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