Cranberries Have Unique Benefit For Women

Cranberries Have Unique Benefits For Women

A recent study at Rutgers University, and published in Phytochemistry, confirmed a long-held theory that ingestion of cranberries helps protect against harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. This is due to one of its natural compounds called proanthocyanidin [PAC's], and its anti-adhesion effect. 

The anti-adhesion property of cranberries prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, which is one of the most common regions for a woman to develop a bacterial infection. Half of all women will experience at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime. E. coli, bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, are becoming increasingly resistant to common antibiotics. The study concluded that 80% of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria were prevented from sticking by the anti-adhesion property of cranberries. There is some conjecture that PAC's found in cranberry may minimize stomach ulcers and gum disease by the same mechanism.

This study compared the action of PAC's in cranberries to those in other foods such as grape and apple juice, dark chocolate and green tea. Not all PAC-rich foods have the same success or offer the same protection. Through comparison, one eight-ounce glass of cranberry juice has the equivalent PAC's as a cup of frozen or fresh cranberries, 1/3 cup of sweetened dried cranberries or 1/3 cup of cranberry sauce. Both this study and earlier research showing that the benefits of one glass of cranberry juice kicks in about two hours after consumption and lasts for about 10 hours. So, it is recommended that you drink one glass of cranberry juice in the morning and one in the evening for the maximum protection. Remember, cranberry is a food and not a treatment. Keep in mind that anyone who suspects an infection should consult the appropriate health care practitioner.

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Root Canal Treatment Saves Teeth

A root canal is one of the most feared of all dental procedures. Although a competent dentist can usually perform a root canal with minimal discomfort and with a high degree of success, problems may occur. When a tooth becomes infected, the treatment options include either root canal therapy or having the tooth removed. In most cases, a root canal is a preferable choice, because it is the only way to save the tooth. A root canal consists of the dentist making a small hole and then removing the tiny nerves and blood vessels within the root(s). The roots are then shaped, disinfected and filled with an inert material. The procedure is usually ninety percent successful when adequately performed.

When a tooth with a root canal is successful, a person will have no pain or other signs of infection. A root canal that is failing will usually continue to cause pain or discomfort, especially when biting down. A root canal can fail if some of the infected nerves and blood vessels are left inside the root, the inert filling does not completely seal off the roots from bacteria, the tooth is damaged during the procedure (perforation), or the tooth fractures between or within the roots. A root canal is most likely to fail if a permanent filling or crown (cap) is not placed to protect the tooth. This may occur within days, weeks, months, or even many years after the procedure has been completed.

Even if a root canal fails, there are options available. In many cases, the root canal can retreat. If this is not possible, a procedure called an apicoectomy can be performed. An apicoectomy involves having the tip of the root surgically removed, and then placing a filling over the severed root tip. If these measures fail, the tooth may have to be removed.

The success of root canals is highly dependent on the skill, experience, and technique of the dentist performing it. Some dentists may elect to send their patients to a root canal specialist (an Endodontist) for treatment. Root canal therapy is both safe and effective and new techniques may prove to build upon the already high success rate.

- This wellness point brought to you by Nebraska Family Dentistry

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Digital X-Rays: Safer And Improved Diagnosis

 

Digital X-Rays: Safer And Improved Diagnosis

In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German scientist discovered the medical use of x-rays when he saw a picture of his wife's hand on a photographic plate. His wife's hand's photograph was the first ever photograph of a human body part using X-Rays. In dentistry, radiographs [x-rays] became extremely important to the diagnosis of tooth decay [caries], periodontal [gum] disease and other oral conditions. They have also been an invaluable adjunct for dental treatment providing necessary information during procedures such as crown and bridge restorations, root canal treatment and implants.

Because technology is improving rapidly in this area, traditional x-rays with many safety issues, are being phased out in favor of digital x-rays with tremendous advantages for patients.
There are many benefits to having digital x-rays. The digital x-ray system is more sensitive than traditional dental x-rays, so there is about 90% less radiation exposure. Significant amounts of time are saved during dental treatment as the image is captured immediately on the computer. Instead of looking at small x-rays on a lightbox, large images are displayed on a monitor that allows you to see what your dentist sees, so it's easier to understand how your teeth will be treated. These large enhanced images lead to a more accurate diagnosis. Since no film and dark room with photo chemicals are required, the digital systems are more environmentally friendly.
Our offices are constantly striving to make patient treatment safer and more comfortable. The use of digital x-rays is high technology that fulfills that philosophy.

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A Beautiful Smile Is Precious And Priceless

A Beautiful Smile Is Precious And Priceless

Did you know that the shape, shade, length, and spacing of your teeth could significantly affect your smile? And our smiles can greatly affect our self-esteem and confidence?


Common conditions that impact your smile negatively include:
• Broken, cracked or worn teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Missing teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• “Gummy smiles”

The good news is that thanks to modern technology and improved materials, these physical issues can be dramatically changed to create natural, long-lasting and beautiful smiles.

Each patient, along with his/her unique circumstances, must be evaluated individually. Factors such as occlusion [bite], oral habits, available space, the health of the gum tissue, severity of the problem and patient expectations must be taken into consideration during the makeover planning process.

Depending on the situation, there are a variety of treatment options to achieve excellent esthetic outcomes. For whiter natural teeth, in-office or at-home bleaching [whitening] techniques are available. Repairing teeth or closing spaces may be accomplished with tooth-colored composite resin bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.

These procedures vary in time and cost along with differences in longevity and appearance. If you're not satisfied with your smile, or you want to learn if you're a good candidate for any of these remarkable techniques, call our office today for a consultation.

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Gagging And Dental Visits

Courtesy of Patient Activator - Partner of Nebraska Family Dentistry

A sensitive gag reflex is a source of great concern and an embarrassment for many people. It's often beyond an individual's ability to control. Children are especially affected because adults may not fully understand how physically challenging it is for them. Kids may be easily embarrassed, particularly if they vomit. Children frequently need a long series of visits, often throughout years if they require orthodontics (braces). A sensitive gag reflex can be a childhood battle when kids are sick and need to take medications or swallow pills. These events can add up to a series of traumatic episodes that leave the patient with dental phobia as an adult. Patients may also have a gag reflex or intolerance of foreign objects in their mouth relating to a traumatic, abusive past. Intolerance to foreign objects in the mouth, sensitivity to tastes, textures and even foods can also be caused by a condition termed, sensory integration dysfunction.

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to make patients comfortable at the dentist and make dental care available without the fear or embarrassment. Dental visits most often begin with dental x-rays. We can use mouth rinses that dull sensation to help the x-ray process. Panoramic x-rays are also available, where no dental film is placed inside the mouth at all. If need be, all x-rays can be taken while the patient sleeps under sedation. There are techniques with local anesthesia (commonly called novocaine) that can numb the tongue and palate to reduce gagging. Various forms of sedation are available that generally can make patients entirely free from the gag reflex. The purpose of the initial consultation is to learn the needs of the patient and begin to develop a plan of care so that the patient can have their dental care in comfort, their way. I hope that our patients will always be able to tell us how they feel, and what we can do to make them the most comfortable.

One Gorgeous Smile With LUMINEERS®

No other veneer option is as versatile!

When it comes to improving your appearance, it's crucial to have freedom of choice. However, many smile makeover options, including traditional veneers, leave patients with irreversible loss of tooth structure, Chiclet-like teeth, and sometimes pain and discomfort. Now, painless LUMINEERS® offers incredible versatility creating a smile that is perfect for every individual.

Whether re-shaping worn and chipped teeth or creating a straighter, more uniform smile, revolutionary LUMINEERS® has changed the face of dentistry. By dramatically transforming a smile in the most minimally invasive way, LUMINEERS® is the only veneer procedure that preserves and protects natural teeth whenever possible, so that the process is virtually painless - even a post-procedure aspirin is unnecessary.

The exceptionally thin LUMINEERS® [width of a contact lens] leaves original teeth intact, and the process is reversible. Traditional veneers require the removal of sensitive tooth structure, often shaving or grinding down teeth. Consequences of such tooth reduction can sometimes cause the death of tooth pulp, prompting the need for a root canal procedure.

Without the need for local anesthesia, LUMINEERS® offers a painless and permanent smile enhancement option. Since the process is so gentle and straightforward, the sensitivity usually felt after a traditional veneer procedure is eliminated, making even an aspirin unnecessary.

LUMINEERS® provides instant teeth straightening and permanent whitening. It is a convenient substitute for braces and other orthodontics. The procedure may also be used on worn teeth to strengthen them and prevent further wear. LUMINEERS® can even be placed over crowns to improve esthetics and help rejuvenate a smile. A LUMINEERS® procedure is so versatile; it can also be used on cases that require some tooth structure removal for desired esthetic results. All LUMINEERS® comes with a 5-year warranty.

LUMINEERS® can only be made from Cerinate porcelain, innovative porcelain, crafted through a proprietary process unavailable anywhere other than Den-Mat Corporation. LUMINEERS® creates a custom-made smile clinically proven to last up to 20 years. LUMINEERS® is the best of both worlds - ultra-thin, yet super durable for a radiant smile that resists any micro-cracking, which can damage restorations.

If you think you may be a candidate for this procedure, call our office to set up an appointment.

- Courtesy of Patient Activator - Partner of Nebraska Family Dentistry

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Overconsumption of sugar: It is more than just cavities

February is a Dental Health Month

Overconsumption of sugar: It is more than just cavities?

According to new recommendations from the American Heart Association (AHA), children should not consume more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

Did you know that the average child consumes 19 teaspoons of added sugar daily? Some of this is hidden sugar in
healthy foods, such as yogurts, processed foods, snack foods, and juices.

Inflammation and sugar intake are closely related to kids. This is due to the overconsumption of sugar in the average child’s daily diet. Inflammation due to overconsumption of sugar may be responsible for more health problems in our children than just dental cavities. Research is showing that a slew of children’s health problems could be linked to inflammation. These include dental caries (cavities), allergies, asthma, eczema, behavioral issues, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, weight gain, and much more. While inflammation isn't a bad thing, that's how we respond to stress and foreign particles. Inflammation that continues long-term, known as chronic inflammation, can, however, cause severe damage. Continual overconsumption of sugar leads to chronic inflammation not just in adults but in kids.  

Overconsumption of sugar and health effects: 

Overconsumption of sugar disturbs the digestive tract which, can lead to a weakened immune system and or GI problems. To be metabolized, sugar robs the immune system of essential nutrients such as Vitamin B complex and Zinc. Inflammation also causes children to become prone to cracked skin, acne, and rosacea. Children may also experience common cold-like or allergy-like symptoms such as congestion or coughing, and they are often a result of excessive sugar consumption. 

How to prevent overconsumption of sugar in children:

Look for hidden sugars and don't be fooled by something being "organic." Sugar comes under many different names such as dextrose, concentrated fruit juice, and rice syrup. 

Try using substitutes such as sugar-free applesauce when baking, plain Greek yogurt in place of flavored yogurts, and use fresh fruit and peanut or almond butter as an alternative to syrup.

Avoid sugary drinks such as smoothies and sports drinks. While you won’t be able to avoid sugar altogether, the primary key is moderation. 

A consistent diet full of real, unrefined, whole, unprocessed foods means that an occasional cookie or piece of cake is nothing to worry about.

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The Power of Tea by Katelin

Anybody that knows me knows how much I love tea! There are many different health reasons why tea is good for our overall health. I wanted to post a little on the background of tea because I thought it was fascinating.

Real tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Each type of tea is created by varying the ways the tea leaves are picked, processed, and dried.

Tea has many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C and Folic Acid to name a few. -It also contains natural fluoride. All of the nutrients that tea contains not only helps fortify our body, but it is also an effective mood stabilizer, helps combat anxiety and depression and helps assist our body to cope with stress. Drinking tea every day will also help with cancer prevention, weight loss, cardiovascular health, and anti-aging properties.

Organic, fresh, and high-quality teas are everywhere, and they have little to no calories! A tea that I like to brew every day is called Numi Organic Tea - if you like iced tea!

- This wellness point brought to you by our clinical assistant Katelin, She helps at our North Lincoln Dental Location

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