tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13606989589042537452024-02-28T15:42:55.329-08:00Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D.Dentistry is both my profession and my passion. I have been practicing, teaching and writing on dental and oral health topics for over 25 years.
Our Manhattan practice is devoted to providing you with the highest possible level of professional care, in a modern, high tech and comfortable environment. We can be reached by phone at (212)421-4887 and you should feel free to E-mail any questions personally at DrMitch57@Gmail.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-36558278498057997712022-09-04T10:41:00.002-07:002022-09-04T10:41:57.256-07:00Healthy Teeth : ANOTHER Reason you Should Be Drinking Enough Water ...<p><br /></p><p>As if you even needed another reason, right?<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr5FsFTBU827pld9y02St5hupLmxTx5DNSPmquEgWEl5EtD9Kv_KPvRtCizzn-oVo0PJrORD0dWT8-WbwhwM-gtEmiWVzbE74EJ8aOpivZ1Ray3c6ebGf9tBNdKJCVlCalGAoqFHHJx6DjTVRptsTh491_1dhPk5VaQgU_Et88ILp0kHdxmIgFzNHEw/s220/drink-more-water.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="220" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr5FsFTBU827pld9y02St5hupLmxTx5DNSPmquEgWEl5EtD9Kv_KPvRtCizzn-oVo0PJrORD0dWT8-WbwhwM-gtEmiWVzbE74EJ8aOpivZ1Ray3c6ebGf9tBNdKJCVlCalGAoqFHHJx6DjTVRptsTh491_1dhPk5VaQgU_Et88ILp0kHdxmIgFzNHEw/w290-h182/drink-more-water.gif" width="290" /></a></div> We all know that drinking enough water is essential for our health, but you might not have known how important it is for your teeth. Here are a few ways that drinking water is helping you keep your mouth and your teeth healthier.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>1) Water neutralizes acids. Acids are the mortal enemy of tooth structure, and the bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease LOVE an acidic environment. Many of the things we like to drink are acidic to some degree, and they acidify the entire mouth even after we have finished them. Soda, coffee, tea, orange juice, wine and (heaven help us) energy drinks like Red Bull are some of the worst offenders. Water, on the other hand, has a PH of 7.4, which is neutral and non-acidic. When you finish off your meal with a glass of water, you're diluting <br />and neutralizing a good portion of these acids, before they have a chance to harm your teeth.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHuVOouYH3OJh7lhlDNa9ylP1_UtAGBh139Jg7P3ybt8JJFL-hFeD3gD6UxSia10NRcIAUJwvZO70n2KTU5N6hVpfRPwon5dg5b3skFF_kdNHMmNNAJuSjt_TsBNjGe7uvbg76b8TbPn7jySY9-9YHNUtyezYxvKaIeBz14njz5ONdIPejZv1MtCU3w/s1100/benefits-of-drinking-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHuVOouYH3OJh7lhlDNa9ylP1_UtAGBh139Jg7P3ybt8JJFL-hFeD3gD6UxSia10NRcIAUJwvZO70n2KTU5N6hVpfRPwon5dg5b3skFF_kdNHMmNNAJuSjt_TsBNjGe7uvbg76b8TbPn7jySY9-9YHNUtyezYxvKaIeBz14njz5ONdIPejZv1MtCU3w/w238-h158/benefits-of-drinking-water.jpg" width="238" /></a></p><p></p><p>2) Saliva production. Saliva is more than just the stuff that helps us chew and swallow our food. It actually contains lots of Calcium, and also antibodies from our immune system that help fight off bacteria. A dry mouth is an invitation to tooth decay and gum disease. Staying properly hydrated is critical to maintaining the proper salivary composition and production.</p><br /><p></p><p>3) Fluoride. When I sit down in a restaurant and the server asks me what kind of water I want, I always say "tap water". They might just think I'm too cheap to spring for the bottled water, But tap water contains trace amounts of Fluoride (in most of the country anyway) which strengthens tooth enamel and increases its resistance to acid attack. Some folks think fluoride is only helpful when we're children, Not true. At any age, fluoridated drinking water is an important weapon in our anti-cavity utility belt.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKYKROMHOj9Lv8mqmFKupdBwfrTtZ9iDocldbcsRw9HkzcCbjEJOLsj5cCMawioSb0lkIRF9nk3metP4WzMo4pmG24iRGKatZBWrDIaEXKS90RYUjrBqQ5kec-MFjdSYLdUHEiYJO-c3MTciOC8QtFGwp_VrLtJ-HGy8m7wtTeyUNSKsbu-QlObEQuQ/s480/HYDRATE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKYKROMHOj9Lv8mqmFKupdBwfrTtZ9iDocldbcsRw9HkzcCbjEJOLsj5cCMawioSb0lkIRF9nk3metP4WzMo4pmG24iRGKatZBWrDIaEXKS90RYUjrBqQ5kec-MFjdSYLdUHEiYJO-c3MTciOC8QtFGwp_VrLtJ-HGy8m7wtTeyUNSKsbu-QlObEQuQ/w181-h181/HYDRATE.gif" width="181" /></a>4) Water.....the universal cleaning solution. Whenever you want to clean anything, water is probably involved. Whether you want to clean a blackboard, or a car.....or even your teeth, you're not going to get very far without water. When we drink water, the very act of swishing it around our mouths loosens and washes down residual bits of food, decreasing the rate of plaque and tartar formation.</p><p> Your teeth are incredibly valuable. (just ask anyone who has lost a few of theirs) You can help protect them by making sure you drink enough water. Wouldn't a tall glass of refreshing ice water hit the spot right now? Best of all.....water is FREE !</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-63956233621489161232021-01-27T12:06:00.003-08:002021-01-27T12:06:36.020-08:00Not getting a GOOD night's sleep ?<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">If you haven't been sleeping well, you have plenty of company. With the COVID-19 pandemic upending our lives in so many ways, stress is at an all time high. Patients are reporting higher levels of anxiety, and more difficulty sleeping, then ever before. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: x-large;">Yet some sleep problems are medical in nature and, properly diagnosed, can respond well to therapy.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8_3PmoViFsLLEa7J_KfCRgCXj0lNp80STLLHx4unTxWU5DiPxgtuXVosdyUkV_12rFEiTB6rPizAZfRyCPFvTLgrgVb6WzUkF8WCpPL8VuuhSqN5qkIWXmcpXHn56adM6ksginVhWlwl/" style="background-color: #d9ead3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="792" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8_3PmoViFsLLEa7J_KfCRgCXj0lNp80STLLHx4unTxWU5DiPxgtuXVosdyUkV_12rFEiTB6rPizAZfRyCPFvTLgrgVb6WzUkF8WCpPL8VuuhSqN5qkIWXmcpXHn56adM6ksginVhWlwl/w454-h260/image.png" width="454" /></span></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sleep Apnea</u></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9pt;">
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;">People suffering from sleep apnea have short pauses in breathing while they are asleep. These pauses may happen many times during the night, and patients are often completely unaware this is happening. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to numerous problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, stroke, and memory loss. Feeling sleepy during the day and being told you are snoring loudly at night could also be signs that you have sleep apnea.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;"><u>Yes, you can have sleep apnea and not even know it.</u></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;">If you think you might have sleep apnea, your physician or dentist can prescribe a sleep test (often done at home) which can pinpoint the severity and the cause of the problem. Treatment using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device helps many people with sleep apnea.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;">For those uncomfortable using a CPAP device or unable to sleep with it, there are several types of oral appliances that can significantly reduce episodes of snoring and apnea.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;"><u>Ask us what we can do for you.</u></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 26.6667px;">If you suspect you might be suffering from sleep apnea, or if you have a CPAP device that you are uncomfortable using, ask us about some of the options we can offer you.</span></span></p><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-91742525020450035452020-07-10T18:21:00.001-07:002020-07-10T18:33:32.207-07:00We're BACK, Baby !<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; padding: 0px 0px 27px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<img alt="We’re Back! | RandomChatter Network" height="320" src="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Frandomchatter.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F02%2FRC-Were-Back-1280x640.png&f=1&nofb=1" style="background-color: transparent;" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After a long and difficult 2 1/2 months shutdown due to the Covid-19 crisis, our office is open and we're providing regular, comprehensive dental care again! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As you would expect, we are taking the utmost care and have instituted new protocols to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff. As always, we are meeting or exceeding the recommended safety guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Coming into the office, you will definitely notice some changes. We ask for your patience, and that you understand these changes serve only one purpose : Keeping you healthy and safe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Through the month of August, we will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. We are in the process of working out our schedule for the Fall and Winter months. For continued updates, please check back on our website. And of course, you can always send us an email (DrMitch57@gmail.com) or call our office directly at (212) 421-4887</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We want to thank you for your patience and support throughout this unprecedented time. You are the reason we are here, and we can’t wait to see your smiling faces !</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-56744572371375305502020-04-21T14:25:00.002-07:002020-06-03T12:47:59.143-07:00Getting "Back To Normal" in the age of Covid-19<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our patients'
health is always our number one priority. In cooperation with NY State
emergency regulations regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the New York area, we
have temporarily suspended all routine dental treatment until June 1st, 2020.
The goal is to curtail non-essential trips out of your home and in turn, help
control the spread of the virus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hopefully, we will be resuming a normal schedule by the end of May or
beginning of June. We remain available to treat any emergencies by special
appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need to reach me to
discuss any aspect of your your oral health care, please call the office at
212-421-4887. <br />
Until we can see you again, please consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Excellent preventive oral care is more important
than ever<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Wear your nightguard (if you have one). These
are stressful times, and stress<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leads to
increased clenching and grinding of the teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Please be aware of how often your hands come in
contact with your mouth. I recommend washing your hands before any action that
involves touching your mouth ie. flossing, brushing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I apologize that the current situation necessitates delaying
your important routine care and treatment. I value each and every one of you
and your families, and look forward to resuming regular dental visits as soon
as allowed by the NY State health department and the Governor’s office.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for trusting
us all these years and we appreciate your confidence in us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px;"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-43530887652644838282019-01-24T05:31:00.002-08:002022-09-04T12:12:05.894-07:00Is your dental insurance company ripping you off ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I tell all my patients that healthy mouth is a very important part of their overall good health. And we all want an attractive, confident smile. This is why dental insurance is such a highly prized benefit. Insurance can help you get the care you and your family need.<br />
Frequently, however, the benefits you receive don’t match up with what was promised to you. Your plan may pay a smaller portion of the cost than you think it should, or maybe they reject paying for a particular type of treatment. Of course, the insurance company’s top priority is not helping you get the care you need, it is making money. And the less care you get, the more money they make.<br />
We’ve all noticed this same disturbing trend with our medical and prescription coverage, where rising premiums, plan limitations and sky high deductibles have left us all responsible for more and more of the cost. Dental plans use some of these same methods to make sure they pay as little as possible.<br />
The following deceptive practices are not new, but they’ve become much more prevalent in the past few years. Dental insurance companies have spent years stacking the deck in their favor, and these are a few of the ways they do it.<br />
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<b><u>1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Artificially low annual maximums.</u></b><br />
Back in the 1970’s, dental plans had annual maximums of $1,500. That was the most they would pay towards your care in any one calendar year. Adjusted for inflation, they should be paying roughly $6,000 in today’s dollars. Unfortunately, most dental plans have not raised their annual maximums to reflect inflation. Some have actually LOWERED them.<br />
You may have been told you have “comprehensive” dental coverage, but if they cut you off at $1,500 in benefits, anything more than routine preventive care will rapidly use up your yearly limit. Does your plan still have an annual maximum of $1,500 or $2,000 per year? If so, you could definitely be justified in calling that a rip-off.<br />
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<b><u>2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The “usual and customary” fee scam. </u></b><br />
Your dental plan has specific dollar amounts they will reimburse for each dental procedure. They call this list the “usual and customary” fee schedule, implying that it is based on average or typical fees charged by dentists in your area. It isn’t. They don’t tell you exactly how they calculate these fees, but they always set them much lower than the real costs. When you are required to pay the difference, you might feel like you’re being ripped off. Just remember it is the insurance company ripping you off, not your dentist.<br />
Fortunately, there is objective, publicly available data for consumers who want to see what the real usual and customary fees are in your area. If you go to<b> <a href="https://www.fairhealthconsumer.org/dental/zip" target="_blank">www.fairhealthconsumer.org</a></b> you can search any dental (or medical) procedure and see the average fees, broken out by zip code anywhere in the U.S.A. If you compare these real fees to your insurance company’s lowball “usual and customary” fees, you will see how wide the gap is between them.<br />
<br />
<u><b>3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frequency limitations. </b></u><br />
Human beings are individuals. You are an individual. Your dental needs aren’t the same as everyone else’s, but your insurance company probably acts as though they are. Imagine if you had a heart attack, and your medical insurance refused to pay for your care because you had a previous heart attack last year? Outrageous, you say?<br />
Unfortunately, dental benefit companies do this kind of thing all the time. Whether you need treatment for periodontal disease, tooth decay, TMJ disfunction, or many other types of restorative care, your benefits can be arbitrarily limited to a certain “frequency” set by the company. If you break a tooth that had a filling done a year or two ago, your insurance company will probably refuse to cover the treatment because they say it is “too soon” for the tooth to be fixed again.<br />
This is just one example of a frequency limitation. There are many others. The insurance company is shifting costs onto the you, patient, instead of reimbursing appropriately. Yep, that’s a rip off.<br />
<br />
<b><u>4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Preferred provider” networks. </u></b><br />
Some dental plans maintain networks of “preferred providers”, and encourage you to see only the doctors in that network. Nothing wrong with that. You might assume that dentists get on this “preferred” list because of a higher standard of quality, experience or professional excellence. This isn’t the case. Dentists get on the “preferred” list by agreeing to accept lower fees than normal. Sometimes far lower. Can dentists participate in these networks and still provide good care? There are dentists who manage to do it. But it makes it much more difficult. And it doesn’t help you to have the insurance company’s bureaucrats looking over your dentist’s shoulder, second guessing decisions about your care.<br />
The important question is : Are you given the choice to see any dentist you want? Or are you required to see only dentists in their network? Some plans offer only in-network coverage, and pay you nothing (literally, zero) if you choose a doctor or treatment option that isn’t on their list. Of course, that doesn’t stop them from collecting your premium payment. That is (you guessed it), a rip off.<br />
<br />
Getting these questions answered about your plan is also harder than it should be, of course. The insurance company probably has an 800 number you can call, where you will be kept on hold for a while and then transferred from one flunky to another, none of whom have the information you need, or the authority to resolve any problems.<br />
You could also get the information from your employer, who makes some of these decisions when they’re designing your plan options. They might not even be aware of some of the more disturbing tricks being used to restrict your care options. If your company is large enough, you might need to speak with someone in the human resources department.<br />
If you’re given an opportunity to choose among several dental plans, read all the fine print, and don’t just quickly check the box next to the plan with the lowest premium. The cheapest plan might save you some money up front, but it could cost you more down the road. It depends on your particular needs. The more information you have, the better.<br />
<br />
As with all questions about your dental health and treatment, speak to your dentist when questions come up regarding your insurance. We will do our best to help you get the benefits you’re entitled to. More importantly, we can help you get healthy and stay healthy. Whether you have dental insurance or not, regular preventive care is the most cost effective dental treatment you can get.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-36837215618180231062018-12-12T14:14:00.000-08:002018-12-13T05:25:18.049-08:00Another reason you should be drinking more water....<div dir="ltr">
As if you even needed one, right? <br />
By now we all know that drinking enough water is essential for good health, but you might not have known how important it is for your <i>teeth</i>. Here are a few ways that drinking water is helping improve your dental health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/images/1869/shutterstock_111304484.jpg?itok=Wb-XhNUL" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for crazy water drinking " border="0" height="213" src="https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/images/1869/shutterstock_111304484.jpg?itok=Wb-XhNUL" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
1) Water neutralizes acids. Acids are the mortal enemy of tooth structure, and the bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease LOVE an acidic environment. Many of the things we like to drink are acidic to some degree, and they acidify the entire mouth even after we have finished them. Soda, coffee, tea, orange juice, wine and (heaven help us) energy drinks like Red Bull are some of the worst offenders. Water, on the other hand, has a PH of 7.4, which is neutral and non-acidic. When you finish off your meal with a glass of water, you're diluting and neutralizing a good portion of these acids, before they have a chance to harm your teeth.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
2) Saliva production. Saliva is more than just the stuff that helps us chew and swallow our food. It actually contains lots of Calcium, and also antibodies from our immune system that help fight off bacteria. A dry mouth is an invitation to tooth decay and gum disease. Staying properly hydrated is critical to maintaining the proper salivary composition and production.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://theglamorouswoman.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2018/11/Find-the-right-lipstick-shade-350x230.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for glamorous close up smile" border="0" height="131" src="https://theglamorouswoman.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2018/11/Find-the-right-lipstick-shade-350x230.png" width="200" /></a>3) Fluoride. When I sit down in a restaurant and the server asks me what kind of water I want, I always say "tap water". They might just think I'm too cheap to spring for the bottled water, But tap water contains trace amounts of Fluoride (in most of the country anyway) which strengthens tooth enamel and increases its resistance to acid attack. Some folks think fluoride is only helpful when we're children, Not true. At any age, fluoridated drinking water is an important weapon in our anti-cavity utility belt.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
4) Water.....the universal cleaning solution. Whenever you want to clean anything, water is probably involved. Whether you want to clean a blackboard, or a car.....or even your teeth, you're not going to get very far without water. When we drink water, the very act of swishing it around our mouths loosens and washes down residual bits of food, decreasing the rate of plaque and tartar formation.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Your teeth are incredibly valuable. (just ask anyone who has lost a few of theirs) You can help protect them by making sure you drink enough water. Wouldn't a tall glass of refreshing ice water hit the spot right now? Best of all.....water is FREE !</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-21245685362995956852018-04-02T06:11:00.001-07:002018-04-02T06:13:22.175-07:00SNORING...... It isn't just annoying. It really is a true health hazard.<br />
Do you or someone you love snore? It could be more than just an annoyance. It could be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic obstructive breathing disorder with long term health consequences.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh964axJO-ACwHWgtTj5Z4L1k4gjvH3xT_r2vVAyDXvPgXu7G6TBTrlPurQHhL1bIoImPNXEOtnvOA4dPNLX1_Rj7hBLyvP5fHG_FbSHvypH5Y0N9knkXg1LQDX1Up1DizTJrZqvvMfK9mU/s1600/snoring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh964axJO-ACwHWgtTj5Z4L1k4gjvH3xT_r2vVAyDXvPgXu7G6TBTrlPurQHhL1bIoImPNXEOtnvOA4dPNLX1_Rj7hBLyvP5fHG_FbSHvypH5Y0N9knkXg1LQDX1Up1DizTJrZqvvMfK9mU/s320/snoring.jpg" width="320" /></a> We've all heard people snoring loudly (just ask my long suffering wife). It is a loud and penetrating sound. It can be amazing that the snorer himself (or herself) can actually sleep through it. Approximately 45 percent of adults snore and around half that number are habitual snorers. A quarter of those habitual snorers suffer from some degree of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.<br />
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tongue falls back and partly or completely blocks the trachea during sleep. This forces your diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. After a short pause, breathing often resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or cough. This can happen many times each hour you sleep. You may not sleep well, but you probably won't be aware that this is happening. It can affect your blood pressure or neurological functioning, and can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAIGRIEaZ1uFU0rjZPPpmnrNVeNLhMinJTPlfHdGFHz93zvBsXMOArrcYE28oetlrg5E6ps5N4I2xiy510Py6wvOnSOnlVZBtou5mrgCG0qwMutStBB4A2lSb9f5r6eP5pZhEw05cc4Nc/s1600/apnea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAIGRIEaZ1uFU0rjZPPpmnrNVeNLhMinJTPlfHdGFHz93zvBsXMOArrcYE28oetlrg5E6ps5N4I2xiy510Py6wvOnSOnlVZBtou5mrgCG0qwMutStBB4A2lSb9f5r6eP5pZhEw05cc4Nc/s400/apnea.png" width="400" /></a></div>
If you think you or your partner might be suffering from OSA, please discuss it with your physician or dentist. There are several types of treatment that can be effective depending on the individual. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines (CPAP) are like little oxygen masks that apply just enough pressure to open the blocked airway. They are the most effective treatment, but not everyone can get comfortable sleeping with them. For other people, oral appliances or surgery may solve the problem.<br />
DON'T suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor and get a sleep study done so the condition can be properly diagnosed, and if necessary, treated.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-56598433072026975262017-02-21T13:15:00.000-08:002019-04-18T13:59:40.854-07:00 The Littlest Patients<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! <br />
When you bring your new baby home
from the hospital, you AND your baby will have plenty of new routines to get
used to. One of them should be wiping his/her gums with a soft, wet washcloth at
bath time. You could also use a little wet gauze for this purpose, but I prefer the wash cloth. You do not need to use any toothpaste yet.
Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the
gums. Not only will you be cleaning the
food residue away, you will also be getting your child accustomed to having
their mouth cleaned. This way, when you need to begin brushing the teeth
(around 6 months, when teeth start erupting
into the mouth) there will be no surprises and fewer objections.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
If your child still hasn't gotten
her first tooth by her first birthday, relax
– some children don't start getting teeth until 15 to 18 months. Don’t worry.<br />
For now, you don't have to worry
about flossing. (I know.. I can’t believe I’m saying that) I recommend
starting to floss only when the spaces between the teeth close, and you can't clean them with a toothbrush.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy
of Pediatric Dentistry do recommend that you take your child to the dentist by
her first birthday, but my own practice, I think any time before the age of two
is just fine. Of course, if the pediatrician notes any oral/dental
abnormalities during their routine visit, you should bring your child to the
dentist as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime,
at every well-baby visit, your baby's primary healthcare provider should take a
look at your baby's teeth (if she has any) and apply fluoride varnish every
three to six months, depending on your baby's risk of cavities. (Some kids don’t
need this at all) As with all types of
medical care, prevention is the best way to go !<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsHczPeF5H8wJWmEloTXmAMDiNQtnX5ws5rfKDlsWesMtxHyzOCeYOgiDItZVO4aGicpn3bb8rS4zX4rWhiuixjuv_8H1XPbslGTqnrY_koGUn4CL7WeRvy1RoESim4pJZu6cUeuaSAyE/s1600/Mitch+Head+Shot+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsHczPeF5H8wJWmEloTXmAMDiNQtnX5ws5rfKDlsWesMtxHyzOCeYOgiDItZVO4aGicpn3bb8rS4zX4rWhiuixjuv_8H1XPbslGTqnrY_koGUn4CL7WeRvy1RoESim4pJZu6cUeuaSAyE/s320/Mitch+Head+Shot+square.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-69798797261997812612016-06-14T17:32:00.001-07:002016-06-14T17:49:32.874-07:00Do you or someone you love SNORE? <br />
Do you or someone you love snore? It could be more than just an annoyance. It could be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic obstructive breathing disorder with long term health consequences.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh964axJO-ACwHWgtTj5Z4L1k4gjvH3xT_r2vVAyDXvPgXu7G6TBTrlPurQHhL1bIoImPNXEOtnvOA4dPNLX1_Rj7hBLyvP5fHG_FbSHvypH5Y0N9knkXg1LQDX1Up1DizTJrZqvvMfK9mU/s1600/snoring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh964axJO-ACwHWgtTj5Z4L1k4gjvH3xT_r2vVAyDXvPgXu7G6TBTrlPurQHhL1bIoImPNXEOtnvOA4dPNLX1_Rj7hBLyvP5fHG_FbSHvypH5Y0N9knkXg1LQDX1Up1DizTJrZqvvMfK9mU/s320/snoring.jpg" width="320" /></a> We've all heard people snoring loudly (just ask my long suffering wife). It is a loud and penetrating sound. It can be amazing that the snorer himself (or herself) can actually sleep through it. Approximately 45 percent of adults snore and around half that number are habitual snorers. A quarter of those habitual snorers suffer from some degree of Obstructive
Sleep Apnea.<br />
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tongue falls back and partly or completely
blocks the trachea during sleep. This forces your diaphragm and
chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air
into the lungs. After a short pause, breathing often resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or cough. This can happen many times each hour you sleep. You may not sleep well, but you probably won't be aware that
this is happening. It can affect your blood pressure or neurological functioning, and can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAIGRIEaZ1uFU0rjZPPpmnrNVeNLhMinJTPlfHdGFHz93zvBsXMOArrcYE28oetlrg5E6ps5N4I2xiy510Py6wvOnSOnlVZBtou5mrgCG0qwMutStBB4A2lSb9f5r6eP5pZhEw05cc4Nc/s1600/apnea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAIGRIEaZ1uFU0rjZPPpmnrNVeNLhMinJTPlfHdGFHz93zvBsXMOArrcYE28oetlrg5E6ps5N4I2xiy510Py6wvOnSOnlVZBtou5mrgCG0qwMutStBB4A2lSb9f5r6eP5pZhEw05cc4Nc/s400/apnea.png" width="400" /></a></div>
If you think you or your partner might be suffering from OSA, please discuss it with your physician or dentist. There are several types of treatment that can be effective depending on the individual. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines (CPAP) are like little oxygen masks that apply just enough pressure to open the blocked airway. They are the most effective treatment, but not everyone can get comfortable sleeping with them. For other people, oral appliances or surgery may solve the problem.<br />
DON'T suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor and get a sleep study done so the condition can be properly diagnosed, and if necessary, treated.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-82867214661704182652015-11-23T13:09:00.003-08:002015-11-23T17:50:17.251-08:00Dr. Rubinstein appointed to faculty at University of Rochester's Eastman Dental Institute<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry/patients/university-dental-faculty-practice/img/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry/patients/university-dental-faculty-practice/img/logo.png" border="0" class="transparent" src="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry/patients/university-dental-faculty-practice/img/logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
We're proud to announce that our practice has been designated a
research site by the National Practice Based Research Network. This allows our practice to participate in active
research efforts to improve treatment outcomes in oral and general
health. <br />
Under a grant from the National Institute of Dental
Research and the N.I.H., the network allows us to combine forces with
other dental practices to create powerful and efficient research
programs. The opportunity for patients to participate is, of course,
completely voluntary and the information collected is kept strictly
confidential.<br />
The D.P.B.R.N. network studies create a
valuable opportunity for us to not only remain at the cutting edge of
oral health treatment, but to give our patients the advantages of the
most current and studied treatments in the practice of Dentistry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-33625749788728789032015-08-17T10:29:00.005-07:002022-09-04T12:34:50.900-07:00Fluoride is not just for kids !<div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><br /></div> Did you think fluoride treatments were just for
kids? Should you consider supplemental fluoride treatments? The answer is "maybe". After all, most dental insurance only covers in-office fluoride treatments for children under the age of 18. But, does that mean it isn't necessary?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjBIkUvwLneljSgWyuwNysAEB87njFeLqFiBNKRjvneiK9P5yqAqm9Bp_mIvoJ3nb9Vjywqgn81nflN5y_wNJ2QvAeSX3TyYaAqft6LlJhSQhB1ImNklWVcgExDwDPkzZhwwBqMC050mSM_Z3Xgqn9MHz395YvsRHOYtQpOFokmK1TcVDnCftxiAtBQ/s200/Fluoride.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjBIkUvwLneljSgWyuwNysAEB87njFeLqFiBNKRjvneiK9P5yqAqm9Bp_mIvoJ3nb9Vjywqgn81nflN5y_wNJ2QvAeSX3TyYaAqft6LlJhSQhB1ImNklWVcgExDwDPkzZhwwBqMC050mSM_Z3Xgqn9MHz395YvsRHOYtQpOFokmK1TcVDnCftxiAtBQ/s1600/Fluoride.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Just because we're adults, that does not mean we've become magically immune to tooth decay (Caries). And just because your insurance plan doesn't pay for it, that does NOT mean it won't benefit you. Adults who have an elevated risk for caries should have that risk assessed, and additional fluoride can be a very effective preventive intervention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3h_5mx7U6lsq2QpWtn2tbxlHIssbFXYhm3UyQ5uwkMDpg_lMS6PX3z66zVJbzk48_YThIVa0Llx-JpvO9YUwRTOdC-o_ExhhuLEFdRpE_yP_pc3Irg2ZINgP7UK0VDa8qRS4DUBQZJM/s1600/fluoride.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV3h_5mx7U6lsq2QpWtn2tbxlHIssbFXYhm3UyQ5uwkMDpg_lMS6PX3z66zVJbzk48_YThIVa0Llx-JpvO9YUwRTOdC-o_ExhhuLEFdRpE_yP_pc3Irg2ZINgP7UK0VDa8qRS4DUBQZJM/s400/fluoride.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There are several reasons an adult might require extra fluoride. Many of the prescription medications we take can reduce saliva
flow or otherwise create dry mouth. Patients who have undergone radiation treatment for cancer also have significantly decreased salivary flow, because radiation damages the salivary glands. Saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth, and also contains antibodies and other immune system factors, so any reduction in saliva increases the risk of tooth decay.<br /><br />
Adults often experience gum recession, which exposes part of the root
surface of teeth. These areas are softer than the hard enamel at the
top of the tooth, which makes them more susceptible to decay.<br />
<br />
Today many people opt for orthodontic treatment (braces) as adults.
Braces make it more challenging for patients to maintain good oral
hygiene. Just ask your kids! Fluoride can keep the teeth strong and
cavity-free even with the obstacle of orthodontic appliances.<br />
Have you had a restoration done within the last year due to new
decay? If you have, that puts you at a higher risk for cavities.
Fluoride treatments are a great way to prevent more cavities in patients
who are already prone to them.<br />
<br />
Fluoride can also help with the growing problem of sensitive teeth.
Diets high in acidic foods and beverages, general gum recession, and
increased use of whitening products all tend to produce tooth sensitivity.
Fluoride treatments re-mineralize tooth enamel and reduce that
sensitivity.<br />
<br />
If one or more of these conditions applies to you, consider
requesting a topical fluoride treatment.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXV7mQsjERCyFMbOqDoFHhLr1rPhpY8vATil4U5cyuYR9r9AKAVRU2Ck8wwQdflUKcQhyphenhyphenHJE_McpHOKGUa6rRW5NdyUJJEXFYfB_DQk70YR5ijRu54DSgFs3dsALsHJCIjvC5J8n_63eN/s1600/fluoride-in-dentistry-350.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXV7mQsjERCyFMbOqDoFHhLr1rPhpY8vATil4U5cyuYR9r9AKAVRU2Ck8wwQdflUKcQhyphenhyphenHJE_McpHOKGUa6rRW5NdyUJJEXFYfB_DQk70YR5ijRu54DSgFs3dsALsHJCIjvC5J8n_63eN/w200-h121/fluoride-in-dentistry-350.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/patient_72.ashx" target="_blank">Some Helpful Informatiuon from the American Dental Association about Fluoride Supplementation.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-23406856743969155432015-07-07T09:01:00.004-07:002016-03-16T06:58:28.072-07:00Practice Based Research : The Future of Dentistry <br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /> There are some big changes happening in the world of dental and medical research. Technology affords our patients new and better ways to access the information they can use to improve their health. One of the most significant is "practice based research". This is a model in which hundreds of doctors in private practices throughout the country participate in a research project together, under the guidance and support of a national organization (in our case, the <a href="http://www.nationaldentalpbrn.org/" target="_blank">National Dental Practice Based Research Network</a>). </span> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">In my practice, we have been participating in this type of research for several years now. We want the dental care we provide to be "evidence based". That seems obvious. But how do we decide what <i>kinds</i> of evidence we should be using, and how we should be collecting and evaluating it? What does it mean when we say a treatment or a cure is based on "research"? <br /> Historically, basic dental research in this country was conducted in teaching hospitals and academic medical centers, and a much of it still is. But full time academics often conduct their studies far from the realities of private practice, and this can hinder their vision of the ultimate goal of research: improving dental practice and patient outcomes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Practice based" research is a welcome and growing trend in the profession of dentistry.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-51925898076955413052015-01-08T09:53:00.000-08:002015-12-17T11:51:10.337-08:00Your personal private health information is valuable. And it's YOURS. Protect It !<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When we visit
the doctor these days, much of our health information is collected, transmitted
and stored electronically. We might enter our medical history into an iPad. Our prescriptions are often sent directly to our
pharmacies electronically, and results of our lab tests might be made available for us to view online, through
an <a href="http://www.healthitoutcomes.com/doc/patients-open-to-portals-0001" target="_blank">online patient portal.</a> Even our appointment reminders may be communicated via
text or email.
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<span style="font-size: large;"> You have probably
noticed some of these trends, and you can expect them to continue. <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/18/no-more-paper-prescriptions-docs-fight-fraud-by-going-electronic.html" target="_blank">Here in New York for example, there will be no paper prescriptions permitted after March of 2016.</a> Electronic prescribing will be the
standard and the rule. Very convenient and efficient, many of these changes
offer us enhanced efficiency, convenience and safety.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> HOWEVER....... some of these
advances also conceal potential threats to the safety and security of our
information. If huge corporations like Target, Sony and Microsoft can suffer a data breach, how safe can our health information be? <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/riskandcompliance/2014/12/22/the-morning-risk-report-medical-records-lessons-from-the-sony-breach/" target="_blank">Here's some interesting info about the Sony breach as it relates to health information</a></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is something to be aware of any time you hand over your
insurance card or your credit card, or type any information into a computer you
do not own. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Digital information can be shared easily, with the click of a button. That is what
makes it so convenient. </span>The question of how to ensure that your data is safe is
complicated, but a few simple principles are usually worth following.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> There are several
sources of "information insecurity" when it comes to our health information. We
always think about hackers and identity thieves first. The personal information
in your doctor’s computers can be valuable, and there are criminals who would
like to have it. But the more easily data can be appropriately shared,
the more easily it can be inappropriately shared. Information access is inversely related to
information security. Anything you type into some computer somewhere, might one
day appear on any computer anywhere.
(Unless I can find a reference to that somewhere, I’m going to call it
Rubinstein’s Law). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The most reasonable course is to practice what I call good
"information hygiene". Share only the minimum amount of information necessary,
and be sure you know who will have access to it, and for how long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> DON'T use your
social security number for health identification purposes. There is really no reason to write it down, even if there is a line for it on a form. Just leave it blank. Insurance companies
are no longer using SSNs for identification purposes. Now they issue their own
unique identifying numbers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> DON'T access your medical information any public Wi-Fi access. Even if you are accessing your information from the doctor's "secure portal". Remember that nothing is "secure" unless your own internet access is secure also. If you're checking the results of your blood tests from a laptop at Starbucks, you might as well post them on your Facebook page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> DO put expiration dates on your permissions. Many forms that you sign giving access to your data remain in effect unless you specifically cancel them, often in writing. Cross out the part that says "until canceled" and write in an expiration date. I usually pick 1 or 2 years from the day I sign the form. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This only scratches the surface. <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/protect-your-medical-data-from-identity-theft-1415986497" target="_blank">Here is a little more reading on the subject......</a> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-56002620850022606382014-11-04T10:43:00.002-08:002014-12-18T14:17:15.758-08:00Ask your doctor MORE questions !<br />
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It never fails to amaze me. I will be talking to a patient who is contemplating a difficult procedure. He or she is being very inquisitive, trying to understand their options. Suddenly, they will say something like "sorry for asking so many questions" ! ! My standard answer (yes, I have one) is that most people don't ask their doctors nearly <i>enough </i>questions. Ask away. If a patient leaves my office without knowing what they need to know, then I haven't done my job properly. I try never to let that happen. I try never to seem like I am in a hurry, or that there is some place else I need to be. Trust me, <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/10-questions-doctors-wish-their-patients-would-ask" target="_blank">your doctors WANT you to ask questions</a>. <br />
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Yet, we've often been conditioned to believe that our doctors should just tell us what to do. That we shouldn't ask too many questions. That the doctor's time is somehow too valuable for us to "waste" with excessive questions. That simply isn't the case. Information is not "extra". It is an integral part of your treatment, and you're entitled to ask for it. More than entitled, actually. You are responsible to ask for it. That is one of the most important ways in which you can take an active role in your own health care. Your doctors should encourage that !<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-11253055256518089002013-02-14T04:54:00.002-08:002015-07-07T09:08:00.751-07:00Painless Dentistry? Yes, it is possible. Is it really possible to have a painless dental injection? Actually yes. In the majority of cases, new technology and techniques allow you to feel <i>almost</i> nothing. (I know..... it seems hard to imagine)<br />
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So why do some people expect that their routine dental treatment will involve discomfort or pain? It may be that they are recalling an unpleasant dental experience from their past or their childhood. Or perhaps their dentist is not using all the tools our profession has developed over the past few years to improve comfort and reduce pain and anxiety.</div>
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Fact is, very few things we do nowadays are painful at all, and even the dental injection itself (the dreaded "needle") has evolved to the point where many patients, after receiving their injection, have a hard time believing they'd had one at all.</div>
The most important ingredient in anxiety-free dentistry is communication. We dentists always need to keep our patients in the loop, and describe what we are doing in great detail, so we can be sure our patients know that we take their comfort very seriously. Some patients (unfortunately) want to avoid "bothering" the dentist with complaints, and will suffer their discomfort quietly. Don't. When you give us the information we need to keep you comfortable, you're doing us both a big favor.<br />
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I don't want there to be any surprises during your visit, exept that it was better than you expected!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-60190981808889973302011-11-17T10:47:00.000-08:002011-12-10T11:16:25.933-08:00Dr. Mitchell Rubinstein appointed to associate resarch position at N.Y.U. Dental School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0aiVLKrar0ZiYgx0i-WTAvlOglLxOuxEMeH11nHNbhUPCyhZi7SLsWQVWPOCWxOvwJUD68VuRAV6Mct-C_s78mFny1NJ3znXe93_G_88jcGjaiy83_h_rMG3fQn_frB8UMQB2S1H7Mg1/s1600/pearl_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0aiVLKrar0ZiYgx0i-WTAvlOglLxOuxEMeH11nHNbhUPCyhZi7SLsWQVWPOCWxOvwJUD68VuRAV6Mct-C_s78mFny1NJ3znXe93_G_88jcGjaiy83_h_rMG3fQn_frB8UMQB2S1H7Mg1/s400/pearl_banner.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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We're proud to announce that our practice has been designated a research site by New York University's School of Dentistry. The P.E.A.R.L. Network is a practice based research network that allows our patients to participate in the ongoing efforts to improve treatment outcomes in our oral and general health. <br />
Under a grant from the National Institute of Dental Research, these practice based networks allow us to combine forces with other dental practices to create powerful and efficient research programs. The opportunity for patients to participate is, of course, completely voluntary and the information collected is kept completely confidential.<br />
P.E.A.R.L. network studies create a valuable opportunity for us to not only remain at the cutting edge of oral health treatment, but to give our patients the advantages of the most current and studied treatments in the practice of Dentistry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-63309473242543378442011-02-15T12:24:00.000-08:002011-02-15T12:24:07.504-08:00BABY TEETH: More important than you think !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB13cXpM5NYoVzK68k2oUJLOcGKlM141Q_AD4VvJFu6Vwkbt0KGiM6lpYArabWpJfFtPNqZkKiLMGxRCpy0iz3Uh1zX3AEWbrubayvaGGg4UJtzuXqW6Fkdxw7VMGk1L1E0RVcg5cBZj6K/s1600/Babyteeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> Many people think baby teeth aren't important because they'll eventually fall out, but this could not be further from the truth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB13cXpM5NYoVzK68k2oUJLOcGKlM141Q_AD4VvJFu6Vwkbt0KGiM6lpYArabWpJfFtPNqZkKiLMGxRCpy0iz3Uh1zX3AEWbrubayvaGGg4UJtzuXqW6Fkdxw7VMGk1L1E0RVcg5cBZj6K/s1600/Babyteeth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB13cXpM5NYoVzK68k2oUJLOcGKlM141Q_AD4VvJFu6Vwkbt0KGiM6lpYArabWpJfFtPNqZkKiLMGxRCpy0iz3Uh1zX3AEWbrubayvaGGg4UJtzuXqW6Fkdxw7VMGk1L1E0RVcg5cBZj6K/s200/Babyteeth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Parents need to be aware that baby teeth (also called primary teeth) are important because they help ensure normal jaw growth and save space for when permanent teeth come in.<br />
Primary teeth also have a lot to do with overall growth and development. That's why it's important for parents to bring their child to the dentist between their first and second birthday. Three or four or five is too late for a first dental visit, and some oral health problems can be quite far along by then. An early start also gives us a chance to educate the parents and work on important things like diet, oral hygiene and fluoride usage.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-53268789063996367872011-01-19T07:15:00.000-08:002011-01-28T12:08:27.746-08:00Dr. Memet Oz : Bad Dental Advice..... (but great hair)<style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I was not surprised to see Dr. Oz giving advice on teeth whitening. After all, he’s a celebrity doctor, and celebrities are known for their megawatt bright white smiles. Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures we do, and people are always looking for a way to do it at home.<br />
Unfortunately, Dr. Oz’s method, a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda has two problems: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1) It doesn’t whiten your teeth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2) It can destroy your tooth enamel and make you much more susceptible to decay and tooth errosion. </span><br />
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Lemon juice has a PH near 2, which is as acidic as the stuff in your car battery. Acid is the mortal enemy of tooth enamel. In fact, tooth decay is caused by the acids produced by oral bacteria.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Baking soda is just an abrasive, which is not the greatest thing either, although not quite as destructive as the lemon juice. Baking soda also happens to be alkaline, but not enough to neutralize the lemon juice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you combine the acid and the baking soda, their effects are magnified. The lemon acid starts to dissolve the outer layer of tooth enamel, making it easier for the abrasive baking soda to erode the surface. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> <i> Here’s the kicker: It won’t whiten your teeth. <b>It could actually make them darker</b>.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The whitest part of your tooth is the enamel. The layer below, the dentin, is a deep yellow color. If you thin your enamel with abrasives and acid, more of the yellow dentin will show through from below.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If this sounds bad, it is. I’m not sure who gave Dr. Oz this gem, but I bet it wasn’t a dentist.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Dr Oz is clearly a smart guy. But he’s not a dentist and he has let himself be fooled by something that seems reasonable, but is really just a very bad idea. I would hope this episode would encourage him to learn more about dental and oral anatomy and physiology, so he could better advise the millions of people who watch him on T.V.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-74792303503127490552010-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:002010-10-02T09:55:17.622-07:00Sealants: Not just for kids. Like most things, the need for dental sealants should be evaluated on an individual basis. Caries Risk Assessment is the name for the current process for determining which patients have an elevated risk of tooth decay.<br />
Adults who continue to develop decay in the deep grooves of the back teeth should have sealants placed in any tooth that does not already have a restoration (filling) in it.<br />
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Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of childrens' back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.<br />
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This is what the process looks like....<br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-39975036355085990402010-08-26T08:36:00.000-07:002010-09-07T19:12:49.617-07:00Implants: The new normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_mSMBByja2zgisDFmt-dEp_tAXf6udpF-M6cabmgpQttLtVLqYUZrZIW8T8hCn3ozBXkC4WpA21KkjYYFtVj0FVit6yRLhuDbuJ4Ot4-yW8Hm7dq-1o8s4cLuZUuShcmHoMEnC_5HQl6/s1600/Dental+Implants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_mSMBByja2zgisDFmt-dEp_tAXf6udpF-M6cabmgpQttLtVLqYUZrZIW8T8hCn3ozBXkC4WpA21KkjYYFtVj0FVit6yRLhuDbuJ4Ot4-yW8Hm7dq-1o8s4cLuZUuShcmHoMEnC_5HQl6/s200/Dental+Implants.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The modern practice of dentistry is primarily focused on prevention, and the newly emerging links between dental health and total body health bear out this model. We should be doing everything possible to keep our mouths and bodies healthy, so we never need to have any teeth removed.<br />
However, when missing teeth need to be replaced, implants should now be the frontline therapy. Dentures and bridges, less effective therapies, should be considered when an implant solution is not possible.<br />
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The video below is an excellent review of current treatment options in Implant Dentistry. <br />
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<object width="400" height="302"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2302886&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2302886&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/2302886">3i Patient Video</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-19704217962397812782010-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:002010-05-19T12:57:23.779-07:00Letter to the Editor<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MIwuPaNyyOg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MIwuPaNyyOg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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To the Editor of the Los Angeles Times: <br />
<br />
Imagine my frustration reading about the shortage of dentists at the Remote Area Medical clinic held in Los Angeles this past weekend. Hundreds of needy people went without care because California will not allow doctors licensed in other states to volunteer their services. <br />
I was prepared to fly to LA for this event, but my application was rejected as unacceptable because I am licensed in the state of New York. This policy is truly inexplicable. Many doctors would willingly take time away from their own practices, patients and families, fly out at their own expense, and help those truly in need, if only it were allowed.<br />
California is a progressive and innovative state. There must be a way to promote and encourage this kind of volunteerism, as many other states do.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D.<br />
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Printed in the L.A. Times, May 3rd 2010Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-68219337519985061252010-04-19T14:45:00.001-07:002010-04-19T15:01:30.536-07:00The "Waiting" Room ? What is a reasonable period of time to keep a patient waiting? I recently took my 4 year old son to an opthalmologist, who kept us waiting over an hour. Our appointment was at 1:00 and we were taken into the treatment room (which also turned out to be a "waiting" room) a little after 2:00. It was at least another 10 minutes before the doctor appeared. What sort of mood to you think my 4 year old was in by then?<br />
No one would tolerate such a delay with a restaurant reservation or when bringing a car in for service. Why do some doctors consider this normal? Why do some offices run continuously late, whereas others are able to run on time? There is rarely a good excuse for keeping patients waiting an inordinate amount of time. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NFZw6NiXejUSrN053vwd1sRTxv1bGhv60QvxX9mh502GDNg48yoRKcVCYXu4mt6PFqGunoxL8_x2dP_zjIrKdRc6ngZffshDDDmVsprwHkaD-9gHYe6HJmR8or5OhJtSWfXgxvr6-_o_/s1600/waiting_room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NFZw6NiXejUSrN053vwd1sRTxv1bGhv60QvxX9mh502GDNg48yoRKcVCYXu4mt6PFqGunoxL8_x2dP_zjIrKdRc6ngZffshDDDmVsprwHkaD-9gHYe6HJmR8or5OhJtSWfXgxvr6-_o_/s200/waiting_room.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>Staff should be trained to consider the patient's feelings when scheduling appointments. The goal can not be to cram as many patients in as possible. Visiting a dentist's office is often a stressful event. A caring and helpful scheduling procedure will make the whole office run more efficiently.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-46580101583695219942010-03-08T12:25:00.000-08:002010-03-08T14:10:45.333-08:00Oral Pain ? Don't be so quick to request antibiotics. We dentists are in a constant struggle to please our patients and serve their health needs. People come to us with many types of problems and they expect us (quite reasonably) to fix them. As with sore throats, coughs and earaches, oral pain is often presumed by our patients to be caused by infection, and antibiotics are therefore requested as the treatment of choice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN56SSlh8anWHDXN_msmuFJ5idNHtgvmm2LXY-dfrUiwsxe_ExheY8qJhvAVIi2WZnGS_DNB_fMRmGsRPTHODimIsx8M_UdVAzGieHthY-cBGqDot7_GAQKGJrAKfMT1P4BBf79d8yh65h/s1600-h/tooth+pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN56SSlh8anWHDXN_msmuFJ5idNHtgvmm2LXY-dfrUiwsxe_ExheY8qJhvAVIi2WZnGS_DNB_fMRmGsRPTHODimIsx8M_UdVAzGieHthY-cBGqDot7_GAQKGJrAKfMT1P4BBf79d8yh65h/s400/tooth+pain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Not so fast, though. Pain can have many other possible causes, and unnecessary antibiotics are a leading cause of adverse drug reactions, allergies, and drug resistant bacteria. <br />
Choosing the right antibiotic for an oral infection is a crucial part of our job, but equally important is knowing when NOT to prescribe, and when to look for other causes beyond infection.<br />
TMJ problems, trauma, tooth decay, immune system disorders, and even cardiovascular disease can produce symptoms in the mouth, and none of these will be helped by antibiotics. Quite the opposite in fact. <br />
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The most important service we can offer our patients is a careful and accurate diagnosis, and a complete discussion of the possible solutions. Only in this way can the problem be truly solved.<br />
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</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431404575068341815551832.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular">Click here to read why the best doctors know when NOT to write a prescription</a></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-54682280658967534352010-01-25T12:03:00.000-08:002010-01-28T10:40:44.486-08:00The links between oral health and general health continue to develop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFrZEA60CjoIgFUQUsF-APxdX10l3CCKmVwDN8R9jUZFNz5JIwV2wvtKJpX34tkBE_zS2RHhQ7FqWVFyyRy4wyP3xmihm4w36O0pWYyrXligTjqXwWPFhhT_XLTA8lpK0ijYezk8YmYEq/s1600-h/womens+dental+health.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFrZEA60CjoIgFUQUsF-APxdX10l3CCKmVwDN8R9jUZFNz5JIwV2wvtKJpX34tkBE_zS2RHhQ7FqWVFyyRy4wyP3xmihm4w36O0pWYyrXligTjqXwWPFhhT_XLTA8lpK0ijYezk8YmYEq/s320/womens+dental+health.jpg" /></a><br />
</div> Dentists and physicians have long suspected a link between gum disease and a host of pregnancy complications including premature delivery, low birth weight and spontaneous abortion. The link has been difficult to study because even healthy pregnant women may experience bleeding and inflamed gums (also known as pregnancy gingivitis), and this by itself is not a risk to the infant. The concern is that a woman with untreated periodontal disease who becomes pregnant risks passing those bacteria to the fetus.<br />
A recent case in Ohio is the first clinical example of the mother's oral bacteria being cultured from the lungs and placenta of her stillborn infant. <br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121171411.htm">This article summerizes the findings to be published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology</a><br />
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The best defense against this risk is for women to make sure that any periodontal/gum issues be identified and treated before becoming pregnant, and that they maintain a regular schedule of preventive dental cleanings throughout the pregnancy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360698958904253745.post-17395234056873542712010-01-19T13:47:00.000-08:002010-01-25T14:12:38.100-08:00Does YOUR community have fluoridated drinking water? Mine doesn't<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I find it astonishing that</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">a recent New York Times article </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> (Fluoride, 1931)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">concludes, triumphantly, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> that </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">"</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Today, according to the </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/c/centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention/index.html?inline=nyt-org" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" target="_blank" title="More articles about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">, more than 60 percent of Americans use fluoridated water.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">" 60% ? This is a GOOD thing? When I was doing my residency, we routinely treated dental infections in the emergency room which could have been prevented by fluoridated water. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The lack of fluoridation in many part</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">s</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> of this country is a national disgrace. If 60% of children were being vaccinated, or if 60% of women had a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">ccess to</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"> adequate prenatal care we would be appalled. Water fluoridation costs pennies per person per year, and is one of the great public health triumphs of the 20th century. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Con</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">sidering our current concerns with runaway health care costs, fluoridation, which costs pennies per person per year, really ought to be a no-brainer. </span><br />
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</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0