Portale Dental May 2019
portale post
May 2019
Truth in Advertising
A phrase with two common words that have opposite meanings is called an oxymoron. Think about phrases like jumbo shrimp, pretty ugly, original copy, government worker, and lead balloon. These are often used tongue-in-cheek and with no ill intent. But there is another phrase that has caught my attention: “Teeth in a Day.” This is a new marketing slogan in some dental promotions I’ve recently seen. However, in my opinion, “Teeth in a Day” seems deceptive, because it gives patients an inaccurate picture of treatment. Madison Avenue has reached a new low in the advertising world of dentistry with these new copyrighted slogans. This phrase and others, such as “All on 4,” is often used to imply that you can replace one or more teeth with a new implant supported procedure in one day. This salesmanship is misleading, and, in my opinion, even dangerous to some. All dental implants require time to heal into the jaw bone. Everyone knows that if you break a leg, you wear a cast for 4–6 weeks to allow bone healing. It’s just common sense. Nothing is different with dental implants; they need time to osseointegrate (heal). During the healing process, you’ll need temporary teeth to wear, so that’s the first misleading image. And, this idea is not new: We learned a lot performing this procedure back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. First, the idea that the teeth can be “fixed” to the implants is dangerous. We learned that attaching teeth to a grouping of implants using screws makes proper daily cleaning virtually impossible. Because this approach makes both brushing and flossing such monumental challenges, the risk of infection increases significantly. Surface gum infections around the implant lead to gum and bone loss and eventually implant failure. Sure, you can visit the dentist and have the teeth removed for cleaning every 3 months as an additional expensive procedure. But that’s like taking a shower every 3 months! Not a good answer for longevity, or friendships.
the surgery, and the final teeth require time in the chair to fit and function properly. Madison Avenue just tells you what you want to hear, and that’s all. The call of instant gratification is a powerful marketing tool. So, to tell the truth — the whole truth — implants do work great. I have placed thousands of them. A single tooth can be fixed with a screw or cement because you can clean and floss around it easily. However, larger bridges or over-dentures need to be “snapped” into place, not “screwed.” This allows them to be removed daily for cleaning, so they can last trouble-free.
The end result is sweet breath along with a sweet smile — and there is nothing oxymoronic about that!
– Dr. Portale
Secondly, like fine wine, good dentistry takes time. Temporary teeth in a day are possible, sure, but you need to prepare before
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Oral Cancer 101 What You Need to Know About Prevention and Testing
So Why Do Humans Kiss? Birds and Bees Don’t Do It
Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and oral cancer is no different. In fact,
many well-known people throughout history, including U.S. presidents Grover Cleveland and Ulysses S. Grant, Sigmund Freud, Babe Ruth, Lana Turner, and Rod Stewart, have suffered from oral cancer. Overall, 53,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, according to research by the Oral Cancer Foundation. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to learn about the details, prevention efforts, and tests for this debilitating disease. Prepare yourself by checking out the points below. Details Oral cancer can appear as an abnormality on your lips, tongue, cheeks, mouth, sinuses, or throat. This life-threatening disease can create swelling, bruises, lesions, speckled patches, and face sores. These symptoms can additionally lead to difficulty speaking, swallowing, and ear pain. While cancer can affect anyone, there are some demographics that have a higher chance of getting an oral cancer diagnosis. Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease as women, with men over 50 being the most vulnerable. Prevention Your habits play a critical role in preventing cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use increase your chances of developing oral cancer, but your diet and exposure to the sun can also put you at risk. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 1 in 4 people diagnosed with oral cancer are not tobacco users and only drink occasionally. Abstaining from excessive alcohol and tobacco usage is a great way to lower your risk, but also keeping your sun exposure and diet in check gives you the best chance of preventing oral cancer altogether. Screenings The best way to monitor your oral cancer risk is by attending regular dental appointments, where screenings are the norm. Dental experts are trained to screen for oral cancer, and they will often feel around the neck and throat for concerning signs. Some experts also use a VELscope exam, which uses fluorescent lighting to highlight any abnormalities in the mouth. Many of these tests are noninvasive and can be performed quickly at a dental clinic. If dental experts find evidence of oral cancer during an exam, they can refer patients to clinics for further testing.
Giving your sweetie a smooch or kissing Grandma’s cheek as you leave is a common practice few of us think twice about. But philematology, the study of kissing, is devoted to discovering why humans kiss. The search for an answer has produced a few likely theories but no concrete answers. Most philematologists agree that humans continue to kiss because the thousands of nerve endings on our tongues and mouths make it feel good. Yet one of the more popular theories of why we kiss stems all the way back to our cave ancestors. It’s believed that mothers chewed food and transferred the mush into their toothless babies’ mouths, pressing their own lips to their children’s in the process. Philematologists theorize that kissing evolved from this maternal act into a learned social greeting and romantic gesture because it was taught to impressionable babies. The theory is backed up by the fact that there are some tribes that don’t kiss at all because they were never taught to do so. But there’s some evidence to suggest our desire to kiss comes from a primal instinct. Monkeys commonly show affection and greet one another through kissing, and bonobos — the most affectionate primates — kiss all the time. Other animals nuzzle their noses together as a form of what scientists believe is kissing. Additionally, researchers have discovered that women often select mates based on their perception of a man’s ability to parent and produce healthy kids. The scent of the man’s pheromones tells the woman whether he would be an ideal mate. If so, the woman is attracted because humans have a basic desire to continue as a species. Philematologists have concluded that women use kissing to decide if they find the other person attractive. This Mother’s Day, when you pucker up to give Mom a peck on the cheek, maybe don’t share all the history about food mashing and monkey kisses beforehand. She will thank you for it.
You can learn more about oral cancer, prevention, treatments, and screenings online at OralCancerFoundation.org.
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Double Trouble
CLEAN YOUR SMILE AND ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FOODS
Who says multitasking is impossible? Well, brain science does. But dental science says you can enjoy a snack and get some dental cleaning done at the same time. Check out some of these treats that pull double duty as both yummy snacks and superfoods for your smile. Cheese, Please (And Other Dairy Too) In addition to providing your bones and teeth with calcium, cheese, yogurts, and other dairy products can be low in sugar. Dairy lowers the acidity level in your mouth and creates an unfavorable
these vegetables can help brush gunk off your gums and pearly whites, aiding your saliva in its mission. As a bonus, the vitamins these veggies contain are great for your gums and bone health. (Though teeth are not bones, they are very similar in composition.) So, follow Peter Rabbit’s lead and get in a daily serving of teeth-brushing vegetables. Think About Your Gums Since the purpose of gum is to be mashed between our teeth for long periods of time, it’s natural to produce buckets of saliva while enjoying a piece. But dentists warn that in order to get the full benefits for your gums
environment for bacteria looking to ruin your perfect smile. Plus, chewing cheese promotes saliva production, which is effectively nature’s toothbrush. As long as you don’t go overboard, dental experts say there’s nothing wrong with cutting the cheese. A Feast Fit for Rabbits Few people get excited about bland treats like celery or carrots, but your teeth just might. The physical action of eating carrots and celery stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva. Plus, the textures of
and teeth, you should be chewing sugar-free gum to avoid caking your mouth in enamel-gnawing sugars. Although the sugar content in most gum flavors isn’t high enough to completely outweigh the pros of the chewing motion and saliva production, it’s still wise to be mindful of the sugars your favorite gum contains. The best way to get the perfect smile is with regular dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing, but if you’re craving a treat, you can’t beat one that multitasks for you.
What Some People Are Saying
“I shopped around for an implant I needed, and this dentist was the only one who actually sat down with me and was willing to work with me! He makes me feel like he cares about getting my issues taken care of instead how much money he’s going to get! Don’t be fooled by young dentists right out of school with fancy couches in the waiting room — they care about nothing but your wallet!” –Charli V. “This practice is top-notch. Dr. Portale and the entire staff will put you at ease. As you enter the office, you experience serenity, and once in the chair, you are relieved of any stress associated with ‘going to the dentist.’ The office is pristine and beautiful, and the staff is attentive and caring.” –Zaida S.
“I was very impressed with Dr. Portale’s approach, knowledge, and modern technologies. All of my questions were answered promptly and with clarity. My goal to find a true cost-justified professional was attained.” –John M.
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555 Bergen Boulevard Ridgefield, NJ 07657 201.945.5777 www.bigsmiles.com
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INSIDE This Issue
The Truth in Advertising
Oral Cancer 101 The Science Behind Kissing Foods That Clean Your Teeth Our Patients Say it Best
Better Brushing, Flossing, and More
TIPS FOR BETTER ORAL HYGIENE Brushing Up on Dental Care
A study conducted by the University of Adelaide recently found that orthodontic care has no direct impact on a person’s long-term dental health. In other words, just because you had braces or some other form of orthodontic treatment does not mean you can be lax about dental hygiene or regular checkups and still avoid tooth decay. Braces may leave your smile looking picturesque, but the fight for healthy teeth is fought daily. Here are a few tips for practicing proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Aim the brush at an angle to reach the area where the
When you floss, use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the ends around each of your middle fingers. Pinch the remaining string between your pointer fingers and thumbs. Run the floss back and forth and up and down between two teeth at a time and be gentle around your gums. Use a different part of the floss every couple of teeth to avoid spreading bacteria.
In addition to proper brushing and flossing techniques, there are other ways you can protect your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your plaque-fighting arsenal can remove more hard-to-reach bacteria. You should also try to avoid snacking (without brushing after) before going to bed since this will give bacteria time to feed and multiply overnight. Avoid all tobacco products and, of course, remember to schedule a dental cleaning and exam twice a year.
teeth and gums connect. Brush with short, back-and-forth strokes across the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Brushes with soft bristles that can get between your molars are ideal. You should try to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or whenever the bristles start to fray. Store your toothbrush in a dry place where it can remain upright until your next use.
A lot of this might seem like common sense, but not everyone knows best practices when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy.
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