Did you know that your mouth contains one of your body’s best defense systems against the cold and flu? Protecting and enhancing your oral health can go a long way towards helping to boost your immunities and prevent the spread of infection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) colds are one of the most common causes of absenteeism with up to 22 million work and school days lost each year. Don’t let a cold or flu interrupt your life this year… fortify your front line and follow these healthy smile tips today!

1)     Gargle with warm crystal salt water.

In our dental offices, we offer a Himalayan crystal salt treatment that helps to reduce inflammation and restore the mouth’s important pH balance on a cellular level. Himalayan crystal salt is very pure, has 84 important trace minerals, and does not burden the body the way chemically processed table salt does. It is more ‘bioenergetic’ and pure than sea salt much of which is also industrially “cleaned.” At home, begin with a thorough daily brushing of your teeth, tongue and then gargle with a homemade crystal saltwater solution. If you can find Himalayan crystal salt in a health food store or online, that’s always preferable. Warm crystal salt water helps heal inflammation in the mouth, promotes sinus health and is soothing for sore throats as well.

2)     Brush three times a day.

Brushing your teeth and tongue three times a day, preferably with a mild non-detergent, chemical-free toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthrinse will help keep your mouth clean and healthy. An unhealthy oral environment, with decay and gum disease, has also been shown to compromise the proper function of your immune system and can make you more susceptible to respiratory infection. In many instances, this can reduce your protection against the common cold or flu.

3)     Change and sanitize your toothbrush

Your toothbrush is a veritable incubator of viruses and bacteria - some removed from your mouth during brushing, and some from the environment (especially your cosmetic or toiletries case). It is a good idea to change your toothbrush immediately after any illness. Regular sanitizing and also changing your toothbrush monthly will also help keep harmful germs at bay year-round.

4)     Eat an antioxidant rich diet.

Antioxidant rich foods such as lightly cooked or raw greens, plant-based foods and hormone-free meats will not only help keep you lean, but may also aid your body’s natural defense systems. When you do feel ill, you my want to try a mega-green fresh power juice or an antioxidant infused water.

5) Exercise and manage stress

Exercise helps to boost the immune system, helps improves circulation and helps reduce stress. Runners, for instance, may often have a very low incidence of gum disease. Healthy habits are especially important during the winter months. Try to get as much sleep and exercise as our full lives allow. Take time for yourself. Stress will help deteriorate your defenses and may quickly lead to illness.

6) Avoid smoking.

Smoking may irritate oral and nasal passageways, strangle blood circulation and may make you more susceptible to infection. Try to limit or avoid all types of smoking, including second hand smoke.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to rejuvenationdentistry.com. 

Crooked teeth have been a problem since 50,000 BC according to archaeologists who have found ancient Greek orthodontic appliances—the precursor to today’s braces.

When it comes to modern braces, it’s not just kids anymore.  According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults opting for orthodontia is steadily increasing each year. Veneers too are on the rise with more than 1.6 million getting that procedure in 2006.  But braces and veneers are not just a cosmetic fix, they also can be key to maintaining a healthy mouth. 

Crooked teeth, in addition to being unattractive, also can increase the chances of cavities and gum disease by creating pockets in the mouth where food can get trapped.  Also, a misaligned bite can be responsible for everything from painful TMJ to eventual tooth and bone loss.

A question I sometimes get is why spend the time in braces when veneers can be done so much more quickly?  The answer once again has to do with the health of your teeth.   True veneers require some filing down of each individual tooth to allow room for the added porcelain layer. (We‘re not talking about the kind that are glued over your existing teeth as these can often cause a problem by over-contouring the natural teeth).  A custom veneer, made of a special porcelain ceramic, is then permanently bonded to the remaining tooth structure creating a perfectly aligned tooth.  This is a wonderful procedure for weak, thin, worn down or damaged teeth because, in effect, it makes them strong and new. But it’s not always the answer.  Because veneers require preparation (filing) of tooth structure and need special care, I don’t always recommend them purely for cosmetic reasons.  

If your teeth are healthy but just out of alignment, it makes better sense (and is often less costly) to opt for braces. Getting veneers for crooked, healthy teeth might be compared to shaving your head and wearing a wig just because it’s a style you like.  If you have one or two teeth that are damaged or discolored, veneers can be done later, after the straightening process is finished.  While braces including removable orthodontic appliances (Invisalign) generally require much more time than veneers, this approach is still the least invasive and most cost effective to insure a healthy mouth.

Regarding veneers, today, we have the technology to ones that look completely natural.  But it’s important to remember that creating veneers is an art as each must be individually sculpted.  If the teeth are too “perfect”, they can look fake (which is why some patients opt to have slight adjustments made to make their new teeth look more genuine.)  Be sure to consult a dentist who specializes in aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to rejuvenationdentistry.com. 

Last week, I hosted a charity art auction in the Hamptons to benefit United Cerebral Palsy.  In addition to raising funds, this event helped spread the word about what can be done to prevent birth defects.  As the father of three, I know there is nothing more wonderful than a healthy new baby, but unfortunately, not all babies are born that way.   

The good news is that today, there are things that pregnant moms can do to increase their chances for a normal, healthy little one and that means carrying their baby to term.  Pre-term, low-weight babies (PLWB) who are born before their time are at much higher risk for a wide variety of mild to severe health problems because they have not had time to fully mature.  These include everything from minor developmental and motor disorders to cerebral palsy and other problems, some of which can be fatal. 

Most pregnant women know that smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use are risk factors that science has shown contributes to PLWB.  Recently researchers have cited a new culprit –periodontal disease.   Studies show that pregnant women with this condition (which is the technical name for gum disease) are seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early.   It is thought that periodontal disease

I recommend to all my patients who are considering getting pregnant that they have a complete periodontal checkup.  During pregnancy, it’s important to step up oral care.  This means seeing your dentist for a comprehensive cleaning once a trimester.  Then at home, using a soft brush and toothpaste that is not alcohol or chemical based, brush and floss after each meal — a minimum of three times a day. Finally, follow what I call the Four Cornerstones for Oral Health.  These are important for everyone but twice as important during pregnancy because moms are maintaining the health of two (or sometimes more!)

1) Stop using any oral care products that contain harmful chemicals or are alcohol and/or detergent based.

2) Eat healthy with an emphasis on natural foods that have alkalizing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties like salmon, blueberries and other fruits and vegetables.

3) Reduce stress, which can negatively impact both the mouth and body.

4) Exercise regularly, which will help improve circulation, strengthen the 

 What you don’t know can hurt you. Your smile may be white but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. And we’re not just talking about cavities here, we’re talking about gum disease (periodontitis) and its link to cancer, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and even pre-term, low-weight babies. While researchers are not exactly sure how unhealthy gums can directly lead to these conditions, statistically they have discovered that those with periodontitis are more likely to develop them. One study of 50,000 men in Britain found an increase of 50 percent in both cancer of the kidney and the pancreas.

Now for the good news: Gum disease is preventable and preventing it can be a pleasurable experience! Forget those uncomfortable and dreaded dental checkups. The latest treatment dentists are offering is an organic “green cleaning”— a unique mouth facial that can help thwart gum disease by rebalancing the oral environment and promoting a healthy oral immune system necessary for good dental health. It includes a complete dental/periodontal cleaning and a myofacial massage followed by a revitalizing vitamin/mineral gum mask. And every product used is completely organic.

 
How does this work?  First we remove all plaque and gently scale the teeth.  Next, we use an anti-oxidant-rich organic cleansing paste that is free of alcohol and detergents to avoid any harsh and potentially harmful chemicals. The myofacial massage is helpful in eliminating the lactic acid that builds up in facial musculature thus relaxing the face and mouth while the mask soothes the gums, promoting good gum health.

An added beauty bonus is that this type of cleaning can brighten your smile without bleaching. (I actually call mine the Organic Rejuvenation Mouth Facial because patients come out looking so fresh and relaxed).  Many of my patients find it so pleasant that they come in for this treatment four or more times a year.         

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to rejuvenationdentistry.com. 

Are you one of the ten million Americans who suffer from TMJ, which stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint dysfunction and refers to what could be called simply a pain in the jaw?  TMJ causes a variety of symptoms including headaches, neck, shoulder, back and face pain, being unable to open the mouth comfortably, clicking sounds in the jaw joint and facial swelling.

Fortunately, sometimes TMJ just goes away by itself but sometimes it’s severe enough to require the wearing of a dental appliance.  But most sufferers find their TMJ is not debilitating, just uncomfortable.

TJM can be brought about by malocclusion or a bad bite, but the most frequent cause is often habitual teeth clenching.  If this is the cause of your TMJ, two things will help diminish or even eradicate the condition. 

First off, you must become aware of when you are clenching your teeth.  For many, this is an unconscious habit and the first step to overcoming it is to notice when you are holding tension in your jaw.  When you catch yourself clenching, relax your jaw and let your mouth hang open for a little while.  This will help relax the jaw. 

Another source of relief can be a myofascial TMJ massage.  This is a specialized massage of the face, neck and shoulders using a specific Chinese acupressure technique and a combination of essential oils designed to relieve tensions and muscle spasms, release lactic acid (which can cause muscle pain), reduce swelling and relax the jaw area. The massage therapist works on specific pressure points and uses a proprietary blend of essential oils in four separate steps—including Lavender and Sweet Almond to stimulate circulation, Peppermint and Lime to encourage vasodilatation (widening of the blood vessels), Grape seed and Cypress to detoxify and Chamomile and Thyme to calm and soothe.    A typical myofascial TMJ massage will last 45 minutes to an hour and the masseuse should show you some specific at-home techniques for you to do to yourself.   

Of course, should the pain in your jaw be severe, immediately visit your dentist to determine the best course of action.  For more information about myofascial TMJ massage, contact your dentist or massage therapist.

Dr. Gerald P. Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients’ overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to www.rejuvenationdentistry.com.