Issue 151 - Dental Wellness by topdoctormagazine

I S S U E 1 5 1 | D E N TA L W E L L N E S S

MARKETING THE BUSINESS OF DENTISTRY: An Interview with Dr. Lee Weinstein, DMD PG 25

WHAT ARE THE BEST FOODS FOR HEALTHY TEETH & GUMS? PG 35

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TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Brianna Connors

PODCAST C O O R D I N AT O R Justin Miller

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Lauren Rider

CHIEF C R E AT I V E OFFICER Aviana Roth

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER H a n n a h To w n e s

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS A d a r a Wr i g h t Sarah Cook

JUNIOR EDITOR Riley George

MARKETING DIRECTOR Derek Archer

PROJECT C O O R D I N AT O R Lillian Myers

CONTRIBUTORS A d r e a n a M e n d e z , A n n Y. , D r e w B . , G a y e Newton, Gentry Shannon, Ionuț Raicea, Louisa Emhof, Luke Argue, Mălina O. R., Nathan Pipkin, Peter C., Yuko Tabasa

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Leading a healthy, well-balanced life is a challenging undertaking for many of us. New advancements in lifestyle or nutrition come to life daily, and the busy rhythm of our lives often prevents us from keeping up with what’s fun and fresh. Here at Top Doctor Magazine, we are on a mission to bring these advancements to your attention and become a source of inspiration for those who want to live their lives to the fullest. Our contributors will constantly keep you up to speed with fresh, entertaining, and reliable content, from nutrition and travel to lifestyle choices! We hope that our handpicked ideas will guide you towards self-realization, selfimprovement, and willingness to help those around you better themselves.

C ONTE N TS MEDICAL NEWS

Sleep Apnea Education and Treatment Capabilities with Dr. Charles Kravitz, DDS

Marketing the Business of Dentistry: An Interview with Dr. Lee Weinstein, DMD

LIFESTYLE

Your Stress Is Negatively Affecting the Health of Your Teeth

Want to Live Longer? Floss Your Teeth

Why Is It Hard for People to Stop Drinking Alcohol?

An Interview with Dr. Heba Ammar

NUTRITION

What Foods Are Easy on the Stomach?

What Are the Best Foods for Healthy Teeth & Gums?

Diet and Mood, Cognition, Sleep

Want to Live Longer? floss your teeth WORDS BY ANN Y.

o you believe that toothbrushing and scheduled dental visits are enough for proper dental care? Both your dentist and the American Dental Association might think otherwise and recommend including flossing in your oral care regimen because flossing can keep not only your teeth but your entire body healthy as well.

Flossing and Longevity According to a published study, researchers have found a significant link between longevity and a comprehensive oral care regimen. The said study covered older adults between the age of 52 to 105 years old, with a median of 81 years old. It was done to measure the connection between oral health and mortality. The researchers found significant links between oral hygiene and mortality. Those who never brushed their teeth at night had a 20%-35% increased mortality risk. People who did not visit their dentist in the last 12 months increased their mortality risk by 30%-50%, and those who never flossed their teeth increased their mortality risk by 30%. The same study found that the number of missing teeth was correlated with mortality risk.

Tooth Loss and Mortality Rate Our oral health has always been a dependable indicator of how well our entire body is doing. A study on tooth loss and mortality found that people who had 20 or more teeth at the age of 70 had a significantly better chance of surviving longer than those with less than 20 teeth. Gum disease or poor oral health are regularly linked to a wide range of general health such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia and pregnancy issues.

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease Flossing, along with brushing, prevents two interconnected diseases: gum disease and heart disease. The absence of flossing can onset gum inflammation, which, in turn, facilitates the occurrence of a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth can descend into your arteries—the more bacteria attack your respiratory system, the more your arteries will become inflamed and narrow. The situation will impede your heart’s proper function and facilitate heart disease.

Allot some time early in the morning or at night before going to bed to floss your teeth before or after you brush your teeth.

Gum Disease and Diabetes Diabetes management is a lifelong commitment, and good dental care is an integral part of that. A person with diabetes is less capable of fighting bacteria in the oral cavity. If you are a diabetic person, dental care matters. People with type I and type II diabetes already have a substantially higher risk of dental problems than those who do not. This is because elevated blood sugar levels generate sugary saliva, which increases plaque production and the risk of tooth decay. When you add in a lack of flossing, you’ve got yourself a recipe for severe gum disease. Unfortunately, diabetic patients have poor wound healing, making it more difficult to recover from gum disease and its complications. Over time, this might result in abscesses, fungal infections and tooth loss.

Is It Better to Floss Before or After Brushing? The crucial aspect of cleaning between your teeth is consistency. It doesn’t matter when you floss your teeth as long as you do it thoroughly. Allot some time early in the morning or at night before going to bed to floss your teeth before or after you brush your teeth.

A Parting Reminder It’s never too late to start caring for your teeth. Making positive adjustments in our oral health can help us delay the decline of our health as we age. Taking appropriate care of our teeth can help us avoid oral health diseases that are linked to other health problems.

Why Is It Hard for People to Stop Drinking Alcohol? BY NATHAN PIPKIN

You probably know someone whose life has been negatively impacted by alcohol. Unfortunately, many adults who are otherwise completely intelligent and capable of making smart health decisions have trouble when trying to stop drinking alcohol. Why is this the case? What is it about alcohol that makes it so difficult to stop?

What’s the Science Behind Drinking Alcohol? We must first understand the effect that alcohol has on the brain. This information will go a long way in explaining why drinking is so appealing for so many people. The reality is that alcohol releases endorphins, which you might have heard about in the context of exercise. Endorphins are responsible for the phenomenon of “runners’ high,” where an elevated mood is reported due to intense physical exercise. Though drinking alcohol doesn’t involve that type of exercise, it still activates these positive chemicals in your brain.

Although you might call these positive chemical effects “artificial,” the emotional high from these chemicals is difficult to argue with. We all experience stress, sadness and anger, so we’re naturally interested in substances like alcohol that can provide a fast release from negative emotions. Unfortunately, this is also the foundation for alcohol abuse.

Does Peer Pressure Really Make a Difference? Another factor to be considered is the position of alcohol within the broader culture. Whether we’re talking about the entertainment industry or just local nightlife, the modern perception of alcohol is largely positive. Movies, television series and books often portray alcohol consumption positively, and this portrayal impacts the way that millions of us think about alcohol. Of course, every individual can make their own decisions about alcohol’s place in their lives, but the cultural esteem granted to alcohol is sure to play a role for the average American.

“Endorphins are responsible for the phenomenon of “runners’ high,” where an elevated mood is reported due to intense physical exercise. Though drinking alcohol doesn’t involve that type of exercise, it still activates these positive chemicals in your brain.”

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In addition to the extensive cultural pressure, we should also consider peer pressure, often one of the elements paving the way for individuals to choose to drink, even if their relationship with alcohol has become a risk to their wellbeing. We have a responsibility to our friends and families to help them take care of themselves and be willing to have open and honest conversations about our consumption of alcohol and its effects.

What Quitting Strategies Are Effective? Despite the positive cultural perception of alcohol, we must acknowledge the serious risk to public health. Around 80,000 deaths per year are caused by excessive alcohol use in the U.S., and one study has indicated that a third of American adults have experienced either alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Even if other people have their relationship with alcohol under control, we each have a responsibility to make healthy decisions for ourselves. If your alcohol consumption has become a risk for your physical or emotional health - or that of your loved ones - consider some effective quitting strategies. The first step is to determine how much you drink. This will serve as a wake-up call, both emotionally and financially. Once you realize how the quantity and price of alcohol impact your health and budget, you’ll discover a renewed determination to quit. Second, determine why you drink and brainstorm ways to meet those needs in healthier ways. If you drink alcohol to avoid negative emotions, for example, researching other ways to care for your mental health will be a worthwhile replacement. Finally, involve your loved ones and find a community. Family and friends who care about you will support your decision to cut back on alcohol, and a community of people who have made the same choice for themselves is the most effective kind of support you can find.

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SLEEP APNEA EDUCATION AND TREATMENT CAPABILITIES WITH DR. CHARLES KRAVITZ, DDS BY GAYE NEWTON

SLEEP APNEA EDUCATION AND TREATMENT MODALITIES

f someone asked you what is the most vital, lifesustaining human nutrient, would you say food? No. A person can live 45 to 65 days without eating. How about water? Surprisingly, no. The human body is composed of up to 60% water. We can survive as long as three days without drinking water.

The correct answer is oxygen. Every living organism and organ system requires a constant oxygen flow to maintain its normal function. How long do you think you would live without oxygen? A victim of a sleep breathing disorder such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may spend half of their sleeping time not breathing (apnea= without breath). Hypoxia is an insufficiency of oxygen. Sleep apnea is connected to strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, dementia and even cancer. The more fortunate may experience just a reversible case of weight gain. Hypoxia is a killer. Fortunately, there are effective and patient-friendly treatments for OSA, and it may surprise many to find those solutions in the dentist’s office. Dr. Charles Kravitz, DDS, is working hard to bring that expertise to more and more dental professionals and save more lives.

Dr. Charles Kravitz, DDS

OSA Treatments, Old and New

Dr. Kravitz is a dentist trained in sleep breathing disorders. He teaches other dental professionals how to treat sleep apnea and incorporate treatment modalities into their practices. His focus on sleep apnea came from personal experience.

CPAP (i.e., Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a standard treatment for OSA. A CPAP machine covers the nose and mouth strapped to the patient’s head and a tube connected to a machine continuously forces air past blockages while the patient sleeps. Although effective, the treatment is uncomfortable, and numerous patients dislike it.

“I lost two people close to me due to sleep apnea,” he said. “This got me interested in finding out what I could do to help.” Dr. Kravitz believes it is essential to educate both the patient and the practitioner, the former to understand and accept their condition, and the latter to have more knowledge and resources for effective treatment. “The Latin word for teacher is doctor. I am a teacher,” he said. Dr. Kravitz is affiliated with Sleep Group Solutions, which provides airway diagnostic technology and education for physicians and dentists who treat sleep apnea and other airway disorders. He was also the editor-in-chief and headline writer for The Sleep Magazine, which goes to dental specialists and medical people involved with sleep all over the country and online. In addition, he created the newsletter called Sleep On It.

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) OSA is a cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more, although pauses may amount to 30 seconds or even longer. This insufficient intake of oxygen, called hypoxia, can occur 30 or more times during an hour. As a result, people with OSA may only ingest enough oxygen for half their sleep time. “They have pauses where they don’t breathe at all,” Dr. Kravitz explained. “It can last for 10 seconds to two or three minutes. This is obviously dangerous. And can you imagine how much oxygen would be coming into your lungs and distributed to your organs for that long a time? People have actually died in their sleep because there is no oxygen coming in, and they had a stroke or heart attack.” About 25% of men and 10% of women have OSA. It can affect all ages, including children, especially people over 40-years-old or overweight. A Harvard Health report says that there are 18.9 million undiagnosed cases of OSA, an unsettling statistic that speaks about the imperative nature of education.

“The majority of patients that were offered CPAP were not going to wear it or tried it and did not tolerate it. They say It’s uncomfortable, they can’t turn over in their bed, it looks like a Darth Vader mask and it makes some people feel like they’re drowning,” Dr. Kravitz pointed out.

Intraoral Devices Fortunately, improved intraoral devices are now available, which are adjusted to open the airway while the patient is asleep. “The intraoral appliance is custom-designed for each patient,” Dr. Kravitz said. “It is comfortable, FDAapproved and less expensive than the CPAP.” Medical insurance coverage is a big factor in obtaining this service. Patients are enthusiastic about intraoral devices, as they quickly report improvements in their lives, such as lower fatigue levels, weight loss and increased energy.

Sleep Coordinator Academy Dr. Kravitz stated in a recent article that fewer than 4% of licensed American dentists are qualified to practice sleep medicine. He is working to increase this number through his education programs, speaking engagements, close to 400 published articles and his work with Sleep Group Solutions. Dr. Kravitz also created a new role for the Dental practiceSleep Coordinator—and a Sleep Coordinator Academy for training. The Sleep Coordinator may be the dentist or an auxiliary who assists the dentist by handling most of the work with sleep apnea patients that the dentist cannot do because of their busy schedules. “Sleep Coordinators become professionals who work within dental offices and focus solely on screening and treating sleep apnea patients,” Dr. Kravitz explained. “I developed an 18-lesson sleep coordinator course. Students can have a background in dentistry or medicine or come from other backgrounds. It’s a new, wonderful career saving people’s lives.”

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A medical background is not required to become a Sleep Coordinator. However, students must be dedicated to the 18-lesson curriculum, as it has all the details they need to be successful in the profession.

“Sleep Coordinators become professionals who work within dental offices and focus solely on screening and treating sleep apnea patients. I developed an 18-lesson sleep coordinator course. Students can have a background in dentistry or medicine or come from other backgrounds. It’s a new, wonderful career saving people’s lives.”

The Academy teaches screening techniques, a comprehensive understanding of OSA and the sleep cycle, the treatment options and how to talk to patients to ensure they understand their condition and gain their buy-in. He also helps them find placement after they complete the program. “We help them find a dental or medical office. In many cases, these graduates will know more about this subject from this course than the person they’re working for. They can help train other doctors. As independent contractors, they can choose their hours,” Dr. Kravitz explained.

ABOUT SNORING Snoring is not something to laugh about. It is a condition to be taken seriously. Snoring is a warning sign that there is something a lot more serious to investigate because it points out that there is a partial blockage of the airway.

A PARTING SUMMARY Sleep apnea is dangerous; it is prolific and not enough dental professionals are prepared to handle the millions of people in need of treatment. Dr. Kravitz’s solution is to educate as many professionals as possible in treating and managing this serious disease. He even goes a step further by creating a new category of professionals—the Sleep Coordinator—to focus solely on sleep apnea. They help the practitioners add much-needed services to their practices. He also teaches others to teach the Academy program to further spread the knowledge. Dr. Kravitz’s efforts are paying off in an improved quality of life, more productive lives and countless lives saved.

WHAT FOODS ARE EASY ON THE STOMACH? WORDS BY LUKE ARGUE

ost of us barely think about how our stomachs will handle the food we put into them. Instead, we often eat whatever food sounds best to us at the time and trust that our body will be able to figure it out. With this mentality, it’s not surprising that 25% of Americans experience indigestion every year. Luckily, combating indigestion and stomach pain is often just as simple as giving our stomach a break by eating foods easy on the stomach.

What Causes an Upset Stomach?

First, it’s essential to understand what causes an upset stomach, indigestion and stomach pain. The root cause of indigestion is often dietary. Poor diet habits from excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, excessive fast eating and overly fatty, spicy or acidic foods can all contribute to an upset stomach. Diet is not the only thing that can cause stomach pain or an upset stomach. Stress or anxiety and taking certain medications such as aspirin on an empty stomach can also cause indigestion. Indigestion can also be caused by problems in your digestive tract from underlying conditions such as gastritis, H. Pylori infection, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or even stomach cancer. All such conditions could explain indigestion that is unrelated to poor dietary habits, mental conditions or medications.

Improving your diet is an invaluable first step to easing an upset stomach and avoiding stomach pain. Another solid first step is understanding and incorporating more fiber.

The Difference between Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

Dietary fiber is more than a buzzword for nutrition nuts; it’s one of the first steps to creating a diet that makes your food easy to digest. Fiber is the part of plant foods that does not get fully digested by your body but rather passes through your digestive tract. Fiber is further divided into soluble and insoluble fiber, where soluble dissolves in water and insoluble does not. These types of fiber serve different purposes within the body but are equally important for making food easy to digest and fostering a healthy digestive tract. Soluble fiber improves your digestive system by dissolving into a gel in water. It also reduces blood cholesterol and sugar and reduces your risk for diabetes. Insoluble fiber draws water into your stool to make it softer, letting it pass more easily through your digestive tract. It also carries the same benefits to your general health and cholesterol as soluble fiber. Incorporating these types of fiber into your diet will make your food easy to digest and improve your health by helping to control body weight, lower the risk for colon and breast cancer and help combat hypertension and regulate bowel movements.

Are Spicy Foods Easy on the Stomach?

Spicy foods, while often delicious, are not easy on your stomach. Spicy foods indeed affect everyone’s stomach differently; everyone has a different spice tolerance, which often translates into how easy spicy food is on your stomach. However, even if you are not significantly affected by spicy foods, it still will not be easy on your stomach. Spicy foods stimulate your digestive system. If you’re already experiencing digestive issues like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, eating spicy foods can worsen your digestive issues. Instead, on a sick stomach, you should stick to more bland foods which will be easy to digest.

Are Fried Foods Easy on the Stomach?

Unfortunately, fried foods are even worse than spicy foods on your stomach since they can sometimes pass

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through your body before it has a chance to digest them. This process will either cause diarrhea or make you feel bloated as the undigested food will sit in your digestive system for longer than usual. Fried foods are also generally bad for your stomach and digestive system since they are commonly low in fiber. As a result, much like spicy food, when you have an upset stomach or indigestion, the best policy is to hold off on eating fried foods for a while since they will slow down your digestive system.

What Foods Are Easy on the Stomach?

Now that we’ve covered some of the common causes of indigestion and foods to avoid, let’s explore some options for dinners easy on the stomach by looking at foods easy on your stomach and what food is good for your stomach.

Cooked Vegetables

Cooked vegetables are a great, easy-on-the-stomach choice for dinners that will be easy to digest. Cooked vegetables are an excellent source of fiber that can aid the digestive process. By eating more dinners with cooked vegetables, your stomach will thank you by performing its digestive tasks more efficiently.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another great example of foods easy on your stomach that can help your indigestion. Like cooked vegetables, sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber which will be easy to digest and keep your stomach happy and healthy. Eating sweet potatoes will also help foster more good bacteria in your stomach.

White Rice

Despite sometimes being considered less healthy than its brown counterpart, white rice is easy on the stomach and digestive system. While all rice can provide beneficial protein and calories, brown rice is so high in fiber that it can harm your digestive system, leading to bloating, diarrhea and gas. Instead, white rice is easier on your stomach, providing many of the same benefits as brown rice while being easy to digest.

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Very Ripe Bananas

Bananas are also very good for your digestion and easy on your stomach. Very ripe bananas, in particular, can be a great source of fiber. The ripening process helps break down the fiber and makes it easy for your stomach to digest. Additionally, bananas can provide extra fluid to your digestive tract, which can help you deal with diarrhea and constipation. However, for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, bananas should be eaten with caution as they may trigger bloating and cramping, among other symptoms.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a great food to eat on a sick stomach that is very easy to digest. Eggs are very nutritious, providing a wide range of nutrition. They are also very easy to digest, making them ideal for those suffering from nausea or a sick stomach.

Low-Fat Yogurt

Low-fat yogurt is an exceptional food for your stomach. By eating low-fat yogurt, you help introduce live culture bacteria that develop the gut microbiota. This process helps your stomach become healthier and digest food better. You should focus on low-fat yogurt since it’s also a great source of protein.

A Parting Reminder

Foods that are easy on your stomach are often high in fiber or those that don’t overstimulate your digestive system. You can also incorporate foods that help develop your stomach’s good bacteria to improve your stomach health. By carefully watching your diet, you can help your stomach avoid indigestion and stomach pain and improve your digestive tract. So, the next time your stomach is feeling queasy, consider eating some of the easy foods on your stomach.

MARKETING THE BUSINESS OF DENTISTRY AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. LEE WEINSTEIN, DMD WRITTEN BY GAYE NEWTON

t’s interesting that, while there are many specialties within the medical industry, one field evolved as a separate profession—dentistry. The mouth influences and is influenced by the health of other body parts. So, why does the profession live in isolation?

Dentistry is perceived as an option, though it needs to be considered an essential. Unfortunately, however, the profession has not focused on changing that perception. There are increasing instances of the medical and dental professions working together. Dentists, for example, are now treating patients for sleep apnea. Therefore, the dental profession must actively push the message of its essential role in overall health. Dr. Lee Weinstein, DMD, discussed his observations on how dentistry presents itself to the world and how that needs to improve.

DR. LEE WEINSTEIN Dr. Weinstein’s career has involved a combination of dental practice, teaching and consulting. He maintained a pediatric dentistry practice throughout the 28 years he spent teaching. “I specialized with kids because I love working with them. That kid walks out of our office smiling and can’t wait to get back,” Dr. Weinstein said. However, Dr. Weinstein’s career path took an unexpected detour when he developed pinched nerves in his neck and back.

Other Directions After working in insurance, Dr. Weinstein became the dental director of Arizona Medicaid. He also lectures in the U.S. and overseas, finding that, among international audiences, there is a lot of information that they do not have. While COVID-19 has halted his travels, he still conducts programs via Zoom. “We created a program on working with both physicians and dentists. I did one for an audience in Damascus in Syria. There were 5,000 people online listening to this lecture,” Dr. Weinstein shared.

DENTISTRY AS AN ESSENTIAL Dr. Weinstein is concerned that the dental profession is not doing enough to promote itself as an essential service equal to that of the medical profession. For example, the Affordable Care Act allows 10 essential health benefits. Dental care, however, is an ‘Additional Benefit.’

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“It is left up to the states to decide whether they want to have dental care as a benefit. Right now, dentistry is more of a want. It won’t be important until it becomes important in people’s minds,” Dr. Weinstein said. In comparison, the medical community knows how to maintain its long-held reputation of necessity. Dr. Weinstein points to pharmaceutical commercials as an example. “The ads say the next time you go to your doctor, ask for that medicine. The drug companies pick a great name and a catchy tune, and you walk into the doctor’s office and ask for that drug. And you have no clue what it is. That’s what’s driving people. There’s nothing on television driving people to the dentist. And I blame us, the dentists. I just don’t believe we’re doing a lot,” Dr. Weinstein explained.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Our beliefs about dentistry partly came from toothpaste manufacturers. In the fifties, toothpaste commercials told everyone to go to the dentist twice a year. “That’s made up. There was nothing that ever said that you should go twice a year. To sell a lot of toothpaste, they said, brush your teeth every day and go for checkups twice a year,” Dr. Weinstein shared.

SMALL STEPS FORWARD

ADVICE FOR NEW DENTISTS

Dr. Weinstein shared several ways to provide outstanding dental care with low-cost procedures.

Dr. Weinstein has several valuable points of advice for new and aspiring dentists. His views will help dentists reach their career goals and help change the perceptions of dentistry as ‘optional.’

“I get it; many people don’t have much money. But there are so many things to do, like preventive measures, that don’t cost very much,” Dr. Weinstein shared.

Silver Diamine Fluoride Silver diamine fluoride is a low-cost liquid used to stop the progression of caries. “If you’re a 3-year-old kid with a cavity, and I really don’t want to treat it yet because it’s dangerous or you’re medically compromised, I can use silver diamine fluoride, which will arrest the decay,” Dr. Weinstein explained.

Fluoride Varnish Fluoride varnish is another inexpensive, preventive treatment applied to a young child’s teeth to prevent or slow tooth decay. With good oral care habits and two to four applications per year, fluoride varnish can help reduce the chances of decay. “I try to enlighten the pediatricians. It took me two years to get the pediatricians in Arizona to get Medicaid to pay for fluoride varnish,” Dr. Weinstein said.

DENTISTRY AS A BUSINESS

In reality, some people need to go every three months, while some only need to go once a year. But the perception persists, and dental insurance often covers a standard two visits per year.

For some dentists, the business side of their practice is challenging. As a result, they may not see the importance of marketing, leaving the business side too much to others in the office.

“People also say that dentistry is too expensive. From a business standpoint, we haven’t done a good enough job to make it important or to market well enough to get people into the offices,” Dr. Weinstein said.

Dr. Weinstein believes dentists need to pay more attention to their business. It takes some marketing and a business eye view of your practice to bring people into the office.

Learn from Others “You don’t have to open your own office from scratch. First, work in several offices to learn different ways to do different things. Spend time learning from experienced people. Learn ways to run your business and how to speak to people,” Dr. Weinstein said.

Learn about Business and People Skills “Business courses should be 30% of your education. The big dental companies have done so well because they’re investors who run their offices like a business. Also, you need verbal and social skills to relate to your patients,” Dr. Weinstein shared.

A PARTING REMINDER Dr. Weinstein believes in the importance of dentistry to both our teeth and our overall health. It should therefore be considered an essential service, like the medical field. If dentists pay more attention to the business side of their practices, they can actively promote the profession and raise its status. Through his lectures, Dr. Weinstein contributes toward the achievement of this goal. Gradually, the medical and dental professions will work together more and more for the benefit of all patients.

“You don’t have to open your own office from scratch. First, work in several offices to learn different ways to do different things. Spend time learning from experienced people. Learn ways to run your business and how to speak to people.”

YOUR STRESS IS NEGATIVELY AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF YOUR TEETH WORDS BY PETER C.

tress is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity and one of the main reasons for grinding or clenching teeth. The muscles in the jaw tighten when stressed and put pressure on the teeth and gums. This pressure wears away at the tooth enamel and makes it more prone to decay or breakage. Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching, the everyday habits of people who suffer from stress. These unwanted habits can lead to tooth stress fractures or even tooth loss. Bruxism can also cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Pain may develop if you grind or clench your teeth often because of stress. In severe cases, TMJ problems can be debilitating and require surgery. Luckily, there are several ways to combat stress and protect your oral health.

MEDITATION You can reduce stress through meditation. Meditation has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality. Meditation has also been shown to lower cortisol levels in the bloodstream (i.e., the hormone associated with chronic stress and high blood pressure). One type of meditation has been researched and shown to reduce stress, called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The purpose of an MBSR program is to help people reduce stress and anxiety levels by learning how to be more mindful or aware in their daily lives. It is a secular form of meditation available anywhere and at any time and does not require any special equipment beyond a willingness to learn about mindfulness.

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BREATHING EXERCISES According to Dr. Andrew Huberman of Stanford University, we can reduce stress by changing our breathing patterns. Called a “physiological sigh,” this technique involves taking a couple of deep breaths in quick succession and exhaling completely. A physiological sigh employs the tiny gas sacks in your lungs, or the alveoli, which expand the amount of air you can take in. These bags deflate over time, reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood and causing carbon dioxide levels to rise. This process causes the physiological response towards relaxation.

MASSAGE A massage can help you relax and release the tension in your muscles. It also improves blood circulation. According to a new study by psychologists at the University of Konstanz in Germany, a massage can measurably reduce stress. Massage therapists can use many different types of contact during a session, including kneading, tapping, rolling and vibration. These various methods are used to improve blood circulation and stimulate relaxation. In addition, some may find that using oils or lotions during a massage can also bring about benefits.

GETTING A NIGHT GUARD

“While there are many ways to reduce teeth grinding, such as wearing a mouth guard, the best way is to remove stress, the likely cause of teeth grinding, from our lives.”

Aside from addressing underlying stress, one has to address the symptoms of stress-induced teeth grinding. A night guard can help alleviate some of the symptoms of teeth grinding by creating a cushion. A night guard is a device placed over the upper or lower teeth. Night guards can help prevent tooth wear from grinding by cushioning the hard surfaces of the teeth. These devices are typically made from a silicone material with a wire mesh covering.

A PARTING REMINDER While there are many ways to reduce teeth grinding, such as wearing a mouth guard, the best way is to remove stress, the likely cause of teeth grinding, from our lives. Practicing yoga, meditating, deep breathing and getting enough sleep are ways to combat stress. Aside from practicing stress reduction, it would help to talk to your dentist about the best treatment options for your teeth.

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What Are the Best Foods for Healthy Teeth & Gums? WORDS BY DREW B.

ou’re never fully dressed without a smile, which is why you need to take care of your oral health. Regular visits to the dentist can help you take care of your pearly whites, but you also need to establish good oral habits.

You should choose the best foods for your gums and teeth for solid dental health. Remember that if it’s good for your body, it should also be good for your teeth.

What Are the Best Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums? The best foods for gums and teeth are low in sugar and acids. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy products and lean protein are splendid choices for a healthy diet. These foods help protect your teeth from decay and gum disease while also providing essential nutrients to keep your mouth healthy. Generally, the best food for gums and teeth are the ones that are natural, unpacked and unprocessed.

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The Best Food for Healthy Gums and Teeth Leafy Green Vegetables Leafy Greens are some of the best foods you can eat for healthy teeth and gums. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with nutrients that support oral health. They are low in sugar and high in fiber, which helps remove plaque from teeth. They also contain calcium, necessary for strong teeth.

Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds are another great source of nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. They are high in protein and low in sugar, which helps keep plaque from forming on teeth. They also contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus, necessary for strong teeth and bones.

Low-Fat Dairy Products Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt are fantastic for teeth and gums because they contain calcium and other minerals that support oral health. They are also a good protein source, which helps keep plaque from forming on teeth. Try to choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products to avoid adding too much sugar to your diet.

Lean Protein Protein is a fundamental nutrient not just for teeth and gums but for overall health as well. Protein helps prevent plaque from forming on teeth and supports oral health by providing essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Choose lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish, tofu or legumes.

Foods Low in Sugar and Acids Low-sugar and low-acid foods are the best choices for healthy teeth and gums. Choose foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein to keep your smile healthy and bright. After eating, one of the most important things you need is water. Drinking water after a meal is crucial for your dental health as it washes food particles and keeps your saliva levels high.

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If you are looking for ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of these healthy foods.

What Causes Tooth Decay and Gum Disease? Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque build-up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar and cause gum inflammation and tooth decay. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and if left untreated, it can ruin the tissues connecting the teeth to the bones. Foods and drinks high in sugar and acidic content are the main culprits when it comes to tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, the issue is still reversible when in the early stage and if the teeth are not impacted.

A Parting Reminder If you are looking for ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of these healthy foods. In addition, be sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. By taking these steps, you can help keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.

An Interview WITH DR. HEBA AMMAR

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION. My name is Heba Ammar, I am a conservative cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry that offers toothcolored solutions to fix or repair any defect or decay that happens to human teeth. I have a post graduate diploma in the three main branches of dentistry which are fixed prosthodontics, endodontics, and operative dentistry. Basically, these represent crown and bridges, root canal treatment and tooth filling. I also have another postgraduate two-years diploma in “Conservative Dentistry” which focuses on the art and science behind conserving any, even 0.01, of natural tooth structure while delivering the strongest support for the restorations we make. “And this is basically what I do in my everyday practice now. I insist to remain a conservative dentist who saves teeth while offering tooth colored or cosmetic solutions.” The solutions I offer make it difficult to distinguish restoration from the natural tooth.

WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN DENTISTRY? MORE SPECIFICALLY, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN THE COSMETICS FIELD? My father is a physician, and he raised us programmed to be physicians like himself. So, I studied hard to get high scores to join medical school. But fate played its role when I had a complete mental shut down in the calculus exam. Suddenly, I had a blank mind, and I couldn’t go any further answering any question! This situation resulted in losing the extra marks necessary for joining medical school, and I ended up in dentistry. In the beginning I didn’t think of myself as a dentist because I had always dreamed of being a doctor. Soon, I realized

dentistry was the perfect fit! I was able to sculpt and prepare teeth better than average of my colleagues, and I was satisfied to see myself among highest scores in the practical exams. I got involved in cosmetic dentistry long ago with the evolution with modern ceramics more than 25 years ago. I love the idea of making new smiles and adding more beauty every day. Being able to put smiles on people’s faces because I am changing how they feel about themselves is my passion. These meanings attracted me to cosmetic dentistry! I have always dedicated my career time to deliver decent dentistry even after I became a cosmetic dentist. In other words, when patients come to my practice, I immediately start putting treatment plans to fix their teeth, rather than distracting their attention towards solely cosmetic procedures in shorter periods of time like bleaching, veneers, or bonding. I used to postpone offering those services until after finishing treatment for the decay or defects they have.

COULD YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC PATIENT CASE THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON HOW YOU PRACTICE DENTISTRY?

“I have always dedicated my career time to deliver decent dentistry even after I became a cosmetic dentist. In other words, when patients come to my practice, I immediately start putting treatment plans to fix their teeth, rather than distracting their attention towards solely cosmetic procedures in shorter periods of time like bleaching, veneers, or bonding.”

In the beginning of my career, I used to treat with freehand bonding (which means using bonded composites to anterior teeth). This procedure doesn’t involve cutting in tooth structure. So, it was compatible with my conservative dentistry that I specialized in. Then, for some time, porcelain veneers were very popular, and patients came to me asking for them. So, I did quite a few of those. After some time, my 21-year-old niece visited my practice asking me to replace her bonding with porcelain veneers. I then found myself convincing her NOT to do that. She’s like my daughter, and this was my honest advice to her.

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“In 10 years, I see myself having influence on dentists worldwide. I hope to endorse my philosophy of fixing in hopes of delivering ethical, decent dentistry. Especially in the field of implant dentistry.”

I said to her nothing on earth deserves to cut through your teeth enamel. This is a very precious structure that you will never be able to replace again! Veneers could end up with crowns on healthy teeth, so you’d be losing more tooth structure amongst other issues. Ultimately, we ended up deciding to go for no-prep veneers, and I felt bad about this afterwards because I realized that I work with double standard. This became an ethical issue for me internally. I decided to quit doing preparation on sound teeth solely for cosmetic purposes. Five years of refusing purely cosmetic procedures has not increased my bank account but it’s very rewarding still. It’s not always easy, but its comfortable and relaxing. I have never crowned full mouth! Full mouth crowning is 28 crowns on all teeth and is a treatment option I have never offered to my patients because I haven’t met a case that medically mandates that option. Patients often come to me asking for a remake to their defective veneers or bad full mouth crowns. So, I’m happy to help them with that piece of decent dentistry.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS? In 10 years, I see myself having influence on dentists worldwide. I hope to endorse my philosophy of fixing in hopes of delivering ethical, decent dentistry. Especially in the field of implant dentistry. In implant dentistry, a treatment plan is the major factor affecting the long-term success of a proposed option offered to patients, especially if they are completely edentulous. I have hopes that my podcast would cover this part.

goes above and beyond, Dr. HebaAmmar O very caring about her patient’s oral health. I

DIET AND MOOD, COGNITION, SLEEP WORDS BY NATHAN PIPKIN

eople are often inundated with advertisements for books and seminars that promise radical lifestyle change simply as a result of a fad diet. Naturally, this can cause us to be skeptical, thinking that purveyors of such fad diets are simply trying to get rich quickly. However, getting to the bottom of it and deciding how to alter your diet for genuine change simply takes a little patience and research.

WHAT ROLE DOES DIET PLAY IN YOUR MOOD? Your diet can impact your mood by affecting your body’s chemistry. For example, whole foods with complex carbohydrates (e.g., beans, quinoa, rolled oats and sweet potatoes) can increase the presence of serotonin in your brain, whose contribution includes regulating your mood and maintaining your memory. Other chemicals can be boosted by consuming other kinds of foods as well! Eating protein, for example, has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals boost your brain’s ability to regulate mood, motivation and concentration. It’s no surprise, then, that eating a diet with complex carbohydrates and proteins can help you have a more productive and enjoyable workday! While these changes are significant and worth pursuing, you should note that mood improvements won’t be instantaneous. If you alter your diet to increase these brain chemicals, you should expect improvements in two to three weeks. It won’t be immediate - only fad diets and fraudulent strategies can promise that sort of rapid change. Instead, be patient and give your body time to adjust to a healthier lifestyle.

CAN DIET BOOST YOUR COGNITION? Though we don’t have space to lay out all of the scientific research here, the truth is that dietary changes may be the most effective way to boost your brain’s function. Some of the most helpful foods in this regard are oily fish such as tuna and salmon, dark chocolate, berries, avocados and eggs. It only takes a little bit of culinary creativity to add these items to meals throughout the day, and the benefits are more than worth it!

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CAN A BETTER DIET IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP? It may be a cliche, but it is best to avoid spicy foods before bed. Spicy food is known to cause heartburn, which is worsened by lying down. Since the backedup acid has the potential to irritate your airway, falling asleep after eating spicy foods can become challenging. It’s also best to avoid consuming alcohol before bed because it can wake you during an important stage of the sleep cycle once it wears off. Although alcohol might make it easier to fall asleep after your head hits the pillow, the damage to the quality of your sleep isn’t worth it in the end. Rounding off our list of items to avoid are foods high in fat and protein. While protein-rich foods are beneficial to your dopamine and norepinephrine levels, there’s a delicate balance. An excess of protein can negatively impact the quality of your sleep, partially because norepinephrine stimulates the brain. This is a boost for cognitive activity, of course, but it will make it harder to fall asleep when the evening rolls around.

A PARTING REMINDER Whether you’re avoiding foods to improve your sleep or seeking out foods to boost your brain’s activity, it’s now clear that small dietary changes can bring about significant life changes. So, if you’d like to create a lifestyle that supports your whole body’s health, consider researching what foods will be the most helpful on your journey.

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