It is our goal to keep our patients healthy through education and information on topics such as nutrition and supplements, healthy diet and exercise regimens, sleep and relaxation techniques, and the latest trends in green dentistry and eco-friendly oral hygiene products. This blog is your source of information for your health, your looks, and your life.
Traveling with 5 women into family we are on a mission trip to an orphanage with over 600 children. After months of planning today has finally arrived…. and I am both nervous and excited but can not wait to meet the children finally.
A special thanks to everyone who has wished us well and sent donations for the children in Haiti at the Pwoje Espwa. With the fund raising help of our family -my daughter, sister-in-law and neices we leave for Haiti tomorrow with $5000 in donations, 6 large duffle bags full of supplies -600 toothbrushes, 300 tubes of tooth paste, 105 tote bags, 35 pairs of sneakers donated by New Balance, toys, art supplies, literally hundreds of pairs of childrens underwear and clothes……and hugs and smiles from all of you to them.
Check out where we will be headed to www.freethekids.org
Thank you again, keep us in your thoughts!
Bon Voyage!
Dr. Jill Smith
Have you noticed Fido or Fluffy having bad breath all of a sudden? It may be gum disease or a tooth infection and you didn’t realize it. Bad breath, drooling, and tooth loss – all of which may be signs of serious dental disease – are often overlooked. Untreated gum disease in dogs and cats can lead to tooth loss and expensive dental treatment that could be avoided with a little prevention. Dr. Jill Smith, your Boston dentist and animal lover with 11 pets, found an interesting article in a great veterinarian magazine called Healthy Pet in the Winter 2012 issue that she would like to share with you. Vetstreet.com
Just like in humans, periodontal disease is managed at home with daily care before teeth or gum problems occur. According to a study by the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly two-thirds of dog and cat owners don’t care for their pets’ teeth with routine brushing and preventive dental visits and their veterinarians. Gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontitis, begins when bacteria and saliva combine to form a sticky film called plaque on the tooth surface. Unless plaque is removed within a day or two, it can mineralize and attach to the tooth like cement, and is now referred to as tartar. Bacteria in plaque and tartar can infect the gum tissue, causing inflamed, swollen, and bleeding gums.
As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that collect bacteria. These bacteria and the inflammation that occurs (known as periodontitis) can permanently destroy the bone and tissue supporting the tooth, leading to tooth loss. This disease can lead to tooth loss and malnutrition. Bacteria and products of inflammation can also enter the blood stream, effecting the heart, kidneys, and liver, and can even contribute to insulin resistance and poor immune function. Sound familiar? It is what Dental Health and Wellness Boston has been telling you at every visit about your own mouth and overall health!
Tips for keeping your pet’s mouth healthy are the same as for humans. Daily at home brushing, dental exams and cleanings are a must. Your veterinarian will let you know how often your pet needs a thorough dental exam and cleaning. In general, one to two times a year is recommended, similar to your regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist. Just like in humans “Dental health is an important part of the whole body system, “says Dr. Huff. “ With good oral health, pets eat better, have more energy and live longer.”
If your pet is refusing the toothbrush, there are still things you can do at home to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. These products can help support their dental health.
- Dental diets and treats. Ask your vet about specially designed kibbles that create abrasive action or that contain tartar-fighting ingredients to help clean teeth. Soft food is actually discouraged with dogs and cats that have gum disease. www.petsmart.com
- Chews for dogs. Rawhides and chew toys can also help. Choose larger chews that can’t be swallowed whole and remove any small pieces that could lead to chocking or obstructions. Avoid cow hoofs, hard bones, and nylon toys that can break your pet’s teeth. www.petco.com
- Dental Rinses and Gels. Find advertised in dog magazines or pet shops, anti-plaque products can be squirted into your pet’s mouth, applied to the teeth or added to their drinking water.
Dental health and prevention is important for yourself as well as your pets. A great smile can give you confidence and a healthy mouth can help you to live longer, eat comfortable and keep your teeth for a lifetime. If you are not a patient of Dental Health and Wellness Boston, call today and see why Dr. Jill Smith and her team are known as the best Boston dentist office (for humans)!
Dr. Jill Smith is an author on topics such as cosmetic dentistry Boston, veneers Boston, dental implants, smile design for men, whole body wellness and dental fears and sedation dentist Boston. Her dental office in the Financial District of Boston on State Street is Dental Health and Wellness Boston, established in 1998 conveniently located in 02109 Boston near Downtown Boston, Government Center, Post Office Square and the Boston Waterfront.
Gum Disease Pets by .
For spring break this year, 5 female relatives in our family – my twelve year old daughter, nieces, sister-in-law, and myself – are going on an adventure to volunteer at a rural Haitian orphanage called Pwoje Espwa for one week. Pwoje Espwa (meaning Project Hope in Haitian Creole) is a non-profit organization, also known as Free The Kids, that houses, feeds, educates and nurtures orphaned and abandoned children in Haiti. Originally focused on boys, they have expanded and opened their doors to include girls after the terrible earthquake in the country that happened 3 years ago.
This trip is a first of a lifetime adventure for our family; much different than anything we have ever done before. We are not world travelers or wealthy philanthropists, but we would like to make a difference in a child’s life. We feel we are so lucky in our lives and want to experience firsthand the struggles other people face and the reality of their difficult worlds. We also want to assist these children and this wonderful organization by raising money and raising awareness for this cause.
Just by taking the time to read this letter or visit their website, we will have raised awareness for the children of Haiti.
My girls are fundraising to raise money, new children’s underwear and backpacks to bring with us for the children of the orphanage. They have set a goal of $3000; in their minds that equals $5 for each of the 600 children we will be visiting. These donations may be made through our Fundly Page or mailed to our address:
Dr. Jill Smith
Haiti Trip
Dental Health and Wellness Boston
31 State Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Please make checks payable to “Free the Kids”. For more information about our cause, visit www.FreeTheKids.org. It costs Pwoje Espwa $150 a month to provide medical care, education and clothing for each child, so they could definitely use our help.
We appreciate your help and support, and want you to keep us in your thoughts for a safe journey. I look forward to sharing our stories and adventures with you when we return!
Bon Voyage!
Dr. Jill Smith
Dr. Jill Smith by .
Would you like to keep your teeth healthy for your lifetime? Prevention and early diagnosis goes a long way when it comes to your teeth and your oral health. Every six month visit to your dentist is important, and a lot more happens there than “just a teeth cleaning”. Each time your dentists examines your mouth she checks 4 key areas: the health of your gums, the condition of your teeth and any dental work you may have, your bite and your healthy habits. Each of these areas is interdependent upon one another, and the health of one directly impacts the other.
Most people know that plaque and tartar and bad breath are signs of unhealthy gums but did you know that receding gums are a big concern when considering keeping teeth for a lifetime. Your gums are the first area of concern on our healthy mouth examination. The gum tissue and the underlying bone around your teeth are known as periodontium.
During the dental cleaning the hygienist uses a tiny ruler called a probe to measure the pocket or space between the gums and the teeth. Ideally this pocket should be very small 3 mm or less since the bone that holds your teeth in your mouth is directly under the gum. Someone with signs of gum disease have pocket depths that measure deeper anywhere from 4mm or higher. In addition to pocketing over 3mm other symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swelling or infection, bad breath and possibly increased plaque and tartar build up. Receding gums are a concern as well and can be directly related to gum disease. By observing these signs of disease, we can diagnose gingivitis and periodontitis early. Thankfully all of these concerns can be managed with help from our dental hygienists at Dental Health and Wellness Boston.
The second area of concern is the teeth. Known as the hardest material in the body, teeth are able to be weakened by bacteria and these defects are called decay. During each exam we check your teeth for evidence of tooth decay. We examine old/leaking fillings for decay and cavities with digital x-rays. We also note any broken or chipped teeth, missing teeth and any weak enamel from erosion or grinding. An interview with Dr. Jill Smith allows her to learn of any sensitivities or pain that you the patient might be experiencing.
The third area of concern is the bite. The dental term for our bite is known as occlusion, and is the unique way our teeth come together when we bite can be changed over time by clenching or grinding, missing or drifting teeth or crowded teeth. When the bite isn’t just right pain and clicking in the jaw joint can become problematic causing temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. Headaches or migraines can be directly related to TMJ and can be successfully treated by Dr. Smith without medication. Protecting your teeth from night time grinding is another important strategy for keeping your teeth for your lifetime.
The fourth and last area of concern is your habits. Many people have a misconception that brushing and flossing and refraining from candy and soda will keep all your cavity concerns at bay. The truth is a diet low in refined sugars and acids and adequate saliva are just as important. Your hygienist will provide nutritional counseling during the appointment to provide more information on helpful and harmful food and drinks. At every appointment the Dr. Smith and the hygienist will provide oral cancer screenings and discussion on smoking and chewing tobacco cessation. Wearing guards for sports and night grinding will prevent premature wear of the teeth and aid in keeping a healthy smile for a lifetime.
Here at Dental Health and Wellness Boston we work with each patient to educate him or her about the various ways to keep healthy teeth for a lifetime. Check out our Healthy Mouth Baseline next time you are at your best Boston dentist office and see if your mouth is healthy.
Dr. Jill Smith is an author on topics such as cosmetic dentistry Boston, veneers Boston, dental implants, smile design for men, whole body wellness and dental fears and sedation dentist Boston. Her dental office in the Financial District of Boston on State Street is Dental Health and Wellness Boston, established in 1998 conveniently located in 02109 Boston near Downtown Boston, Government Center, Post Office Square and the Boston Waterfront.
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It’s no secret what using a toothbrush does for the health of your smile. Proper dental hygiene does wonders; preventing gingivitis, plaque buildup and tooth decay. But new research is suggesting that brushing your teeth has one other long-term benefit — it might reduce your chances of developing dementia later in life. And that’s something everyone should smile about!
Dementia is a brain condition that results in a loss of mental function. Derived from the Latin word for “madness”, it affects memory, thinking, judgment and behavior and is typically incurable. People can develop dementia through a variety of other diseases, such as Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease. There are a few types of dementia, but the leading type is definitely Alzheimer’s disease in people aged sixty and older. The effects can cause real concern, frustration and sadness for the loved ones caring for the victim, especially if the victim still lives with them.
Researchers at the University of California have recently completed an 18-year study of nearly 5,500 elderly people and have made a Dental Discovery! Those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65% likelier to develop dementia than those who reported brushing their teeth daily. The study participants were all in the 52-105 age range, averaging about 81 years old. None of the participants had dementia when the study began. After eighteen years the research team discovered that 1,145 people had developed dementia.
Annlia Paganini-Hill, who led the study, said that there are some studies suggesting that Alzheimer’s sufferers have more of the bacteria related to gum disease than those without dementia. Somehow, gum disease is affecting the brain, causing inflammation and brain damage. What’s interesting is the difference in women and men. Women, based just on this study, seem more prone to the condition — 1 in every 3.7 women who brushed their teeth infrequently developed dementia, compared to 1 in 6 irregularly-brushing men.
Of course, this isn’t definitive by any means. Amber Watts studies dementia at the University of Kansas and wasn’t involved with the study. She reminds us that malnutrition and head injury are also major causes of tooth loss in adults, and they could both contribute to dementia risks. So brushing your teeth doesn’t definitely prevent Alzheimer’s, but it absolutely wouldn’t hurt.
Our advice? Err on the safe side. Keep brushing your teeth (not once, but TWICE a day) to keep the plaque buildup down and maintain healthy white smiles. And keep in mind that doing so might keep you in good mental health for a long time! Dr. Jill and her team recommend these tools and tips to really brush like a pro:
1) Use power toothbrushes for a truly plaque-busting brushing. Brands like Oral B Braun and Sonicare work nicely, but Dr. Jill personally recommends Rotadent brand brushes. She uses them herself! And you can buy them at Dental Health and Wellness Boston.
2) Floss! We can’t understate how beneficial this is for your teeth and well-being.
3) Come in for regular cleanings. The DHWB dental team provides you with professional, deep cleanings on appointment.
For more on brushing and healthy smiles:
Making Boston Healthier One Tooth at a Time
Foods and Drinks to Brush Your Teeth All Day Long
When summer rolls around, the tastiest meals and treats come jumping out to meet you. Ice cream, popsicles, ice cold sodas (and even colder beers), hot dogs, fries, saucy pastas and juicy burgers… it’s a salty, sugary smorgasbord! But as we all know, these aren’t good foods to be eating in large quantities, for health reasons, diets (gotta fit in those swimsuits!) and dental care. But it’s not all bad! There are still plenty of tasty treats you can enjoy in the summer sun.
The best choices you can make include water, chicken and meats, certain fruits, milk, and nuts. They are believed to protect the enamel in our teeth by providing calcium and phosphorus. These two elements restore the minerals we’ve lost from eating the other, acidic meals that are present in our diets.
Watermelon is an excellent source of some very important natural antioxidants. It’s chock-full of Vitamins A and C, and stops inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Plus, it’s very juicy — all that water helps to build up saliva and rinse out trapped food particles and plaque.
Sesame Seeds reduce plaque and remineralize enamel. In fact, did you know that a popular Ayurvedic medicinal treatment involves gargling sesame oil? It’s called “oil pulling”, and one controlled study proved that rinsing with sesame oil is equally effective to using mouthwash when it comes to reducing plaque and gingivitis.
When you get thirsty, a tall glass of Tap Water will go a long way. It may sound surprising, but, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “67 percent of the United States population served by public water supplies, drink water with optimal fluoride levels for preventing decay.” Straight from the tap!
These foods are not a replacement for proper dental care, and we’re all going to indulge in the other delicious meals out there – and that’s okay! Don’t forget to come to Dental Health and Wellness Boston for your check-up. Dr. Jill Smith and her team will provide:
- Professional Cleanings when your smile needs a pick-me-up.
- Tooth Colored Fillings if your enamel becomes worn down and you get a cavity.
- And Crowns for those suffering from cavities or other dental damage.
- Many other services and cosmetic procedures.
Don’t let fear of dental problems rule your diet, but don’t completely disregard your teeth, either. Balance is key! No matter what happens, know that you can visit Dental Health and Wellness Boston and we’ll get you back on track.
For more on healthy diets and nutrition:
How to Avoid Dental Issues for Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyles
Foods and Drinks to Brush Your Teeth All Day Long
Let’s face it: life can be hard at times. In a world where fast typing, multi-tasking and stubborn patience are skills nearly as important as having a high school diploma and speaking the English language, it’s easy to see how people can get bogged down by stress and anxiety. And people deal with their stress in different ways. For some, that involves taking up hobbies or finding healthy outlets like exercise. Others choose unhealthier options, like cigarettes and alcohol. And still others simply choose to bottle up the stress and leave it on an internal shelf, ignored and [hopefully] forgotten about. But holding in your stress can be very unhealthy for you, especially when it comes to your oral health.
One common result of unacknowledged stress and anxiety is the clenching and grinding of teeth. This phenomenon, also known as bruxism, can happen even in your sleep, without you realizing it. What bruxism can lead to is a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is just in front of your ears, where the lower jaw meets the base of the skull. You’ve probably seen this joint quiver in someone clenching their teeth in anger or effort, and if you do it yourself you can feel it move. If bruxism continues for too long, the TMJ can swell up painfully, which also displaces the bones in the mouth, as well as the gums and teeth. Your mouth will “click” or “pop” whenever you open or close it, and the swelling pressure leads to bad headaches, possible tooth pain and pains in the neck (literally and figuratively).
Tempromandibular joint disorders can be quite serious, and if you develop one you should see Dr. Budd at our practice. Dr. Budd can help with the migraine pain using the special NTI Tension Suppression System, a non-surgical, non-drug device approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Another common problem stemming from stress is the development of canker sores in the mouth. There is some consensus that fatigue and stress can definitely add to the risk of getting them. And cold sores, commonly seen as a result of herpes simplex and skin irritation, can also develop when you have an emotional upset or breakdown. A few too many late days at the office, ruined plans because of oversights, bad breakups… you can see how they might all stem from an over-hectic lifestyle. If you develop oral issues such as these, schedule a dental appointment, and the team of Dr. Jill Smith and Dr. Alan Budd will take care of you.
So, Don’t Worry (Be Happy)! Here are some quick tips to avoid stress (and preserve your teeth in the process!)
- Feel Slightly Better. When you’re stressed, you can’t just flip a switch and suddenly become happy-go-lucky. It doesn’t work that way. Instead, try to make a minor improvement. If you’re stressed, try to feel bored instead. If you’re frustrated, try to feel optimistic. For her part, Dr. Smith knows the importance of relaxation and mood improvement in dentistry. That’s why Dental Health and Wellness Boston provides calming amenities in each room.
- Establish a Feel-Good Activity. Designate a specific thing as a de-stresser. Try taking a walk, playing with a pet, reading a book, drawing, etc.
- Step Out. Sometimes leaving the room or the area where the stress is brewing can do wonders. Try holding a meeting outside in a park or by a beach to get some fresh ideas and shelve the problems. Or meet at a relaxing place after work to get the job done.
- Say “No”! You don’t have to do everything asked of you! If you’re overwhelmed already, or nearing that point, be assertive and simply say you won’t be able to do anything more, at least for the time being. Bosses prefer a worker who manages to get all his or her work done, not one who juggles more than they can handle and just spills everything over. And loved ones should care more for your needs than their (temporary) wants.
- Take Care of Yourself. Don’t let your physical well-being fall by the wayside, or you’ll collapse… and still have to make up for lost time, in worse health. Maintain healthy habits, eat and sleep right (Dental Health and Wellness Boston offers some great nutrition and supplements), and exercise when you can. It’ll go a long way.
For more on stress and healthy habits:
Are TMJ Cold Sores and Gum Disease the Result of Stress?
ESPN and Vogue Agree: More Sleep Makes All the Difference
Smile, for everyone lacks self-confidence, and more than any other one thing a smile reassures them.
Andre Maurois
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At this point, it should come as no surprise to anyone that smoking is not a healthy activity. It’s common knowledge that smoking becomes an addiction and increases the risk for both lung and oral cancer. And you have probably seen the yellow teeth indicative of a heavy smoker. But did you know that this dangerous habit significantly damages every area of not just your mouth, but also the ones of your children? It’s dental destruction!
Cigarette smoke has long been classified as dangerous to inhale in excessive amounts. Cytotoxic chemicals are released by the hundreds when smoking, and these chemicals negatively impact the immunity of the body and its overall functionality. When the immunity is reduced, a smoker’s body is less able to combat germs and bacteria. This means that gingivitis-causing bacteria are much more harmful, and periodontal disease is much more likely. It also means that oral wounds someone has will take longer to heal, especially tooth extractions, and any dental implants they have can simply fail altogether, causing even more jaw problems. The prognosis is even worse for those smoking at least ten cigarettes a day – these people are much more prone to Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), which is quite painful. Dental Health and Wellness Boston offers services designed to treat periodontal problems, both on our end and for you to use at home.
Those are reasons enough for smokers to get a little nauseous. But second-hand smoke means everyone they love is at risk of developing cancer as well! According to the American Cancer Society, every year, as a result of second-hand smoke, 46,000 people die of heart-disease and 3,400 die of lung cancer. And babies exposed to the smoke are at a higher risk of developing bad asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and lower respiratory tract infections.
Now, as if all of that wasn’t bad enough, new Italian research reports that kids who are exposed to second-hand smoke at home grind their teeth in their sleep. Out of 498 children studied over six months, of the ones exposed to “moderate or severe” amounts of cigarette smoke, a whopping 90% ground their teeth while asleep. In worst cases, teeth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to increased temperature sensitivity, reduced enamel, chipped teeth, and severe facial pain or jaw problems. The worst of these problems is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD). Dr. Jill Smith and her skilled team at Dental Health and Wellness Boston are an overall health and wellness practice, and they are trained to treat TMJ, as well as more common dental issues and cleanings, whether you smoke or not. But they can’t help you if you don’t help yourself!
Get the memo? Smoking is bad for you – and terrible for your kids.
For more information on cigarette smoke and gum disease:
April is Oral Cancer Month
Knock Tobacco Out Of the Park: Tobacco-Free Baseball
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