Archive for ‘Healthy Living’

May 11, 2014

How Much Do You Know About Holistic Dentistry?

Woman with healthy smileIf you’re like a lot of people out there, you probably think holistic dentistry is all about using healing crystals, incense, and the power of positive thinking to cure dental disease. Although this school of thought might seem a little hippy-dippy, it’s actually rooted in a practical, scientifically-backed approach to overall healing. At its heart, holistic dentistry believes in treating the whole patient and taking measures to prevent oral health problems, rather than just treating a problem once it occurs. To shed more light on this fascinating field, we’re separating truths from falsehoods about holistic dentistry.

True or False: Eating a modified diet can improve your oral health.

True. While cutting the amount of sugar you consume will certainly reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, a dietary approach to improving oral health is as much about adding as it is about taking away. A number of studies have shown that a diet rich in full-fat dairy product (especially from grass-fed cows), bone broths, raw and cooked vegetables, and eggs can reduce the spread of tooth decay. Leafy greens and fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C and other antioxidants can even reduce your risk of gum disease.

True or False: Getting braces can help prevent cavities.

True. Although we tend to think about braces as fixing the way our teeth look, braces also strive to improve the way your teeth function in relation to each other. When teeth are crowded together, for instance, they create hard-to-clean spaces that encourage the buildup of bacterial plaque. Left undisturbed, that plaque will harden, encourage the growth of more bacteria, and eventually eat into the enamel, leaving behind cavities and a higher risk for gum disease. Braces address crowded teeth and improve your ability to thoroughly floss and brush.

True or False: Gum disease isn’t really that serious.

False. Letting gum disease go untreated will result in the loss of your teeth and you’re your good health. Practitioners of holistic dentistry have long recognized that the health of the teeth and gums is intimately connected to the health of the rest of the body. Today, mainstream dentistry has become more accepting of this concept, especially as a growing body of evidence demonstrates that untreated periodontitis (gum disease) can increase a patient’s risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.

About Brad Greenfield, DDS

Dr. Brad Greenfield practices family, restorative, cosmetic, and sedation dentistry with a holistic approach to patient care and comfort. To schedule an appointment with your Lake Orion, MI dentist, call (248) 693-6213. We proudly serve patients of all ages in Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Oxford, Rochester Hills, and neighboring communities.

May 2, 2014

Dental Health Slipping as a Priority

Regular Dental CheckupsAmericans simply aren’t making dental health a priority, a fact highlighted by a recent Gallup poll revealing that one-third of U.S. adults didn’t visit a dentist at all – much less twice – in the past year.

The rate of adults making a periodontal appointment last year hit 64.7 percent. That’s nearly the same as in 2008, when attendance hit 65.7 percent, meaning we’re seeing no significant increase in visits despite almost a decade of oral health education.

So Who is at the Greatest Risk?

Preventive dental hygiene, such as regular checkups and cleanings, help reduce tooth decay and prevent more extensive services. Skipping visits? Well, unfortunately, you will eventually find yourself in a dentist chair, one way or another.

How likely are you to make an appointment, according to the poll?

The largest differences were among income groups, with people who earn more than $120,000 per year continually picking up the phone to schedule a visit more than other earners.

  • Women visit more than men.
  • Adults between 18 and 29 visit less than their middle-aged or older counterparts.
  • East coast folks have the highest attendance rates.
  • Caucasians visit more than many other ethnic groups.

Gallup interviewed 178,072 American adults throughout 2013, as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.

Healthy Teeth Make For a Healthy Body

Not taking care of your teeth doesn’t just lead to cavities and other related issues. It can significantly impact your overall health. Studies suggest your periodontal health may provide clues and warning signs to more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases, including:

  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Coronary Artery Disease

Many dentists look to bacteria as the main culprit.

Brushing clears out the bacteria that regularly camps out in your mouth. Without preventive measures, it builds up. This allows the germs to make it into the bloodstream, leading to infection and possibly blood clots.

How often do you need to visit?

Well, it depends on your specific situation but, in general, twice a year sufficiently keeps your mouth in shape. We encourage high-risk patients to make more frequent visits.

About Brand Greenfield, DDS:

I started Lake Orion Family Dentistry in 2010. Now in my 15th year of private practice, I am as excited as ever about the breakthroughs and innovations in dentistry and our office. Schedule two appoints a year. Visit us at 1375 South Lapeer Road, Suite 200, Lake Orion, MI, 48360 or call 248.693.6213..

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