Showing posts with label Dr. Joe Shrager. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr. Joe Shrager. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Monday, September 8, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Teeth Whitening and Sensitive Teeth
Tooth whitening to achieve that "perfect" smile has recently become
extremely popular. However, there is a price to be paid for that
beautiful smile. One of the side effects of tooth whitening is
temporarily increased sensitivity to heat or cold. This increase in
sensitivity is seen by most people as being a minor side effect of
treatment, plus it usually goes away after treatment is over. However,
if your teeth are already overly sensitive to temperature, then you may
need to be more careful in choosing and using a tooth whitening method.
There are several different methods available for applying the whitening agent to your teeth. One is the tray type system, which uses a carrier tray to hold the whitening agent next to your teeth. Another method is the popular whitening "strips", which are made of very thin plastic impregnated with the whitening agent. These strips are designed to adhere to your teeth when pressed onto them firmly. Also available are gels which contain the whitening agent. They have a thick consistency which allows them to be applied to your teeth and stay until wiped off.
The increased sensitivity is caused by the main ingredient used in most tooth whitening products, either carbomide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These two compounds are actually forms of bleach, hence you may see the terms "tooth whitening" and "tooth bleaching" used interchangeably. If you are using a product that contains either of these compounds, there are a few steps you can take to lessen the increase in thermal sensitivity.
One way to reduce the sensitivity is to reduce the time that the tooth whitening product remains on your teeth. For example, if the instructions call for 2 hours per treatment, then reduce this to only 1 hour. Another way would be to increase the time between treatments. If the usual frequency is once per day, then try doing the treatments every other day. If you still experience discomfort you could do both - decrease the treatment time to 1 hour and perform the treatments every other day.
Remember, even people who do not initially have sensitive teeth usually experience a temporary increase in sensitivity during treatment, so you will probably still experience some discomfort. Another suggestion is to brush your teeth before and after treatment with a toothpaste especially designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes usually use a flouride compound to de-sensitize your teeth. There are several different ones on the market Also, if you discuss your plans with your dentist, they may able to provide you with a professional flouride treatment that can be applied at home.
One other option is available if you have tried the tooth whiteners and find that they are too uncomfortable. You can use one of the available tooth whitening toothpastes, which will clean your teeth with a mild abrasive rather than bleach them. These tooth whitening toothpastes do not use bleach, so you should not experience any added sensitivity, but they will not whiten your teeth as much as bleaching.
As your can see, if you have sensitive teeth, the tooth whitening process may take longer and require a little extra effort, but you should be able to achieve the same results in the end: a whiter, brighter smile.
There are several different methods available for applying the whitening agent to your teeth. One is the tray type system, which uses a carrier tray to hold the whitening agent next to your teeth. Another method is the popular whitening "strips", which are made of very thin plastic impregnated with the whitening agent. These strips are designed to adhere to your teeth when pressed onto them firmly. Also available are gels which contain the whitening agent. They have a thick consistency which allows them to be applied to your teeth and stay until wiped off.
The increased sensitivity is caused by the main ingredient used in most tooth whitening products, either carbomide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These two compounds are actually forms of bleach, hence you may see the terms "tooth whitening" and "tooth bleaching" used interchangeably. If you are using a product that contains either of these compounds, there are a few steps you can take to lessen the increase in thermal sensitivity.
One way to reduce the sensitivity is to reduce the time that the tooth whitening product remains on your teeth. For example, if the instructions call for 2 hours per treatment, then reduce this to only 1 hour. Another way would be to increase the time between treatments. If the usual frequency is once per day, then try doing the treatments every other day. If you still experience discomfort you could do both - decrease the treatment time to 1 hour and perform the treatments every other day.
Remember, even people who do not initially have sensitive teeth usually experience a temporary increase in sensitivity during treatment, so you will probably still experience some discomfort. Another suggestion is to brush your teeth before and after treatment with a toothpaste especially designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes usually use a flouride compound to de-sensitize your teeth. There are several different ones on the market Also, if you discuss your plans with your dentist, they may able to provide you with a professional flouride treatment that can be applied at home.
One other option is available if you have tried the tooth whiteners and find that they are too uncomfortable. You can use one of the available tooth whitening toothpastes, which will clean your teeth with a mild abrasive rather than bleach them. These tooth whitening toothpastes do not use bleach, so you should not experience any added sensitivity, but they will not whiten your teeth as much as bleaching.
As your can see, if you have sensitive teeth, the tooth whitening process may take longer and require a little extra effort, but you should be able to achieve the same results in the end: a whiter, brighter smile.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
The Truth about Tooth Decay or Dental Caries
Tooth decay, or dental caries, is caused by prolonged exposure to
acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. We cannot avoid bacteria in
the air. When we breathe it enters the mouth and attaches itself to
everything, including the teeth. In fact, there are more microcosms in
one mouth than there are people on the earth.
Sugar is the main culprit in tooth decay, because that is what the bacteria eat. Bacteria then produce acids as a byproduct. Those acids eat at the enamel of our teeth, until hole or cavity in the tooth appears.
Our story begins in the 17th century, when sugar plantations developed in the "new world." Until then food was produced and prepared with much less added sugar. Then the 18th century saw sugar beets being harvested in England. Now, virtually everything we consume, from cereal in the morning to steak and eggs at night contains extra sugar. Bacteria on our teeth count themselves lucky to live in the 21st century, where there is an almost unlimited supply of free food for them to thrive on.
We are in cahoots with sugar and bacteria when we do not brush and clean our teeth. Leaving the bacteria to feed upon sugar and produce acids in our mouths allows the bacteria time to form a visibly organized colony between the gums and the tooth that we call plaque. Plaque actually acts as a cover for the acids that sit on the surface of our enamel. Without cleaning, acids will eat at out enamel almost at will, creating tooth decay and dental caries.
Decay is demineralization. In other words, the outer tissue of the tooth is so hard because it is 95% mineral. The inner tissue of the tooth, dentin, is a little softer because it is only 66% mineral. Normally, saliva is a natural remineralizer when acids have begun demineralizing, but when plaque is involved saliva is almost powerless to repair the damage. Acids will begin with a little hole in the enamel, and once it makes it through to the dentin, it eats the tooth tissue from the inside out. This means serious dental action: fillings, or even a root canal.
With plaque the acid concentration is also higher (Ph 4 or lower), packing a more potent punch through the outer enamel tissue of the tooth. Saliva could take two or more hours to even penetrate the plaque and begin the healing process.
There are a variety of preventative measures to take. I know people who have taken to a no-sweets diet to cut down on their sugar intake. There are many who bring toothpaste and a toothbrush to school or work with them in order to clean after each time they eat. Many more carry floss with them.
May I caution against two things? Please do not depend too heavily on fluoride. Little children who take in too much fluoride, even by swallowing toothpaste accidentally or unwittingly, develop dental flourosis, or yellow and white stains on their teeth in later childhood. Take it in healthy doses.
The second caution is to avoid too much brushing. People who brush excessively or applying too much pressure tear away the gums and expose the roots directly to the acids.
Now, may I suggest two things? Clean frequently and softly by brushing and by flossing. If you can hear the brushing sound as much as the other noise around the house, you are brushing too loudly. With brushing and floss, you don't need to try too hard to eliminate the plaque or the bacteria.
My next suggestion is to carry around gum that is not only sugarless but also supplemented by a natural element called xylitol. Be careful that you choose a gum where xylitol is the leading ingredient. Xylitol fights against the habit bacteria has of settling into tissue to live. Xylitol is a natural bouncer, making cleaning throughout the day easier and cleaning in the morning or at night more thorough.
One transcendent element is sugar. It is almost impossible to escape, and it is not healthy to escape altogether. Though we cannot and should not escape it completely, we can control it and prevent its decaying effects on our teeth.
Sugar is the main culprit in tooth decay, because that is what the bacteria eat. Bacteria then produce acids as a byproduct. Those acids eat at the enamel of our teeth, until hole or cavity in the tooth appears.
Our story begins in the 17th century, when sugar plantations developed in the "new world." Until then food was produced and prepared with much less added sugar. Then the 18th century saw sugar beets being harvested in England. Now, virtually everything we consume, from cereal in the morning to steak and eggs at night contains extra sugar. Bacteria on our teeth count themselves lucky to live in the 21st century, where there is an almost unlimited supply of free food for them to thrive on.
We are in cahoots with sugar and bacteria when we do not brush and clean our teeth. Leaving the bacteria to feed upon sugar and produce acids in our mouths allows the bacteria time to form a visibly organized colony between the gums and the tooth that we call plaque. Plaque actually acts as a cover for the acids that sit on the surface of our enamel. Without cleaning, acids will eat at out enamel almost at will, creating tooth decay and dental caries.
Decay is demineralization. In other words, the outer tissue of the tooth is so hard because it is 95% mineral. The inner tissue of the tooth, dentin, is a little softer because it is only 66% mineral. Normally, saliva is a natural remineralizer when acids have begun demineralizing, but when plaque is involved saliva is almost powerless to repair the damage. Acids will begin with a little hole in the enamel, and once it makes it through to the dentin, it eats the tooth tissue from the inside out. This means serious dental action: fillings, or even a root canal.
With plaque the acid concentration is also higher (Ph 4 or lower), packing a more potent punch through the outer enamel tissue of the tooth. Saliva could take two or more hours to even penetrate the plaque and begin the healing process.
There are a variety of preventative measures to take. I know people who have taken to a no-sweets diet to cut down on their sugar intake. There are many who bring toothpaste and a toothbrush to school or work with them in order to clean after each time they eat. Many more carry floss with them.
May I caution against two things? Please do not depend too heavily on fluoride. Little children who take in too much fluoride, even by swallowing toothpaste accidentally or unwittingly, develop dental flourosis, or yellow and white stains on their teeth in later childhood. Take it in healthy doses.
The second caution is to avoid too much brushing. People who brush excessively or applying too much pressure tear away the gums and expose the roots directly to the acids.
Now, may I suggest two things? Clean frequently and softly by brushing and by flossing. If you can hear the brushing sound as much as the other noise around the house, you are brushing too loudly. With brushing and floss, you don't need to try too hard to eliminate the plaque or the bacteria.
My next suggestion is to carry around gum that is not only sugarless but also supplemented by a natural element called xylitol. Be careful that you choose a gum where xylitol is the leading ingredient. Xylitol fights against the habit bacteria has of settling into tissue to live. Xylitol is a natural bouncer, making cleaning throughout the day easier and cleaning in the morning or at night more thorough.
One transcendent element is sugar. It is almost impossible to escape, and it is not healthy to escape altogether. Though we cannot and should not escape it completely, we can control it and prevent its decaying effects on our teeth.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Bad Breath and Gingivitis
Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned
that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of
gingivitis. Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the
mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much
more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.
Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.
Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath.
Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn't controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.
I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don't like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol may also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth.
The Problem
Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.
Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.
Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.
A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios. (Periodontal disease)
Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as, "getting long in the tooth". Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.
Treatment and Prevention
Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an under-the-gum cleaning; they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.
Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.
I'm currently using a special toothbrush that uses vibration to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.
Don't feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.
Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.
Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath.
Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn't controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.
I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don't like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol may also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth.
The Problem
Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.
Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.
Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.
A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios. (Periodontal disease)
Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as, "getting long in the tooth". Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.
Treatment and Prevention
Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an under-the-gum cleaning; they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.
Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.
I'm currently using a special toothbrush that uses vibration to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.
Don't feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Is Invisalign® for Me?
Invisalign® treatment can help to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues. Several common issues below that an experienced Invisalign® doctor can work with you to correct include:
- Overly crowded teeth
- Widely spaced teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
Monday, February 24, 2014
Stop teeth grinding!
Stop teeth grinding! Contact us today on how to change your habits! http://orangedental.net/
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Meet Dr. Joseph Shrager : Orange Dental
In the beginning I wanted to be psychologist. I could not continue.
In the end I would learn that psychology is a tool and not the end I was
looking for. I wanted to improve lives and not second guess my effort
to do so. Psychology seemed political. Its about giving care with the
notion that one knows first what is truly in another’s best self
interest. It must be, because what can you give if you don’t first have
something TO give. The bankers know this. 6 billion truths for 6 billion
people. Psychology is too vital and too all encompassing for someone
(like myself) to question its purpose and protection for one’s
individual inner peace. People just need to be loved. That’s Dr.
Shrager’s psychology. So… I abandoned psychology for my personal daemon
–dentistry?! I must be a masochist. Self overcoming is my life’s
greatest challenge, purpose and vision!! Like any father my greatest
hope is to share my deepest and most treasured values that I have
learned and acquired through my lifetime, with each and every person I
contact in my line of work.
Nietzsche wrote “whoever has at some time built a ‘new heaven’ has found the power to do so only in his own hell.” I tell patients today that there cannot be anyone who feared the dentist more than me. I don’t think anyone really believes me when I say this. Its not a joke. Nobody laughs, but its true. Orange Dental is my idea of heaven-like dental experiences in Orlando!
Why teeth? I once wondered, the body heals by itself and our thoughts can heal themselves… but what of teeth? They just wear out and real hope is often only delivered on the wings of loving intervention. Dentistry is a concrete profession. There is a problem and a concrete remedy which – relative to so many endeavors is difficult (if not impossible) to question. But imagine if the treatment could be rendered by someone who truly wanted to help people. This help could go beyond the material care itself. This is the vision of Orange Dental.
spiritually and dental-ly.
Nietzsche wrote “whoever has at some time built a ‘new heaven’ has found the power to do so only in his own hell.” I tell patients today that there cannot be anyone who feared the dentist more than me. I don’t think anyone really believes me when I say this. Its not a joke. Nobody laughs, but its true. Orange Dental is my idea of heaven-like dental experiences in Orlando!
Why teeth? I once wondered, the body heals by itself and our thoughts can heal themselves… but what of teeth? They just wear out and real hope is often only delivered on the wings of loving intervention. Dentistry is a concrete profession. There is a problem and a concrete remedy which – relative to so many endeavors is difficult (if not impossible) to question. But imagine if the treatment could be rendered by someone who truly wanted to help people. This help could go beyond the material care itself. This is the vision of Orange Dental.
Dr. Shrager’s Vision
There are so many people who want to effect a difference on the lives of others. When you choose your dentist, one must consider why their professional does what they do? Dr. shrager’s denistry – Orange Dental – is first, about you. I do good work, because YOU let me. I am first concerned about YOUR level of comfort and trust. I choose dentistry because I could not imagine anything where I could know better what it might feel like in another’s shoes. Helping others for me, is about feeling what others feel and one can only do this if they have both feet on the ground. The end result always favors those individuals who believe in what the doctor is doing. Its a 2 way street and trust and faith in the doctor, the office, the staff and the outcome is required. Are my feet on the ground? I don’t know… but I’m constantly making sure. Helping others is about taking personal responsibility for the future of everyone we touch – bothspiritually and dental-ly.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Cosmetic Dentistry : Orange Dental
Cosmetic dentistry refers to a host of dental treatments designed to
enhance the smile and correct chipped, cracked, discolored, and unevenly
spaced teeth. From porcelain veneers to tooth-colored fillings, our
patients can choose from a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions
customized to restore the health and vitality of their smile.
At the Orlando office of Orange Dental Associates, we utilize the latest dental treatments and materials to transform smiles. Convenient to Kissimmee and Central Florida, we emphasize contemporary dentistry. With the Invisalign® teeth straightening system, Zoom!® teeth whitening and LUMINEERS® porcelain veneers, patients can achieve truly remarkable results. For those whose teeth require more than one procedure, we can perform a complete smile makeover. In just a few appointments, we can give you a beautiful smile to show to the world! Contact our Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida-area cosmetic dentistry office today and schedule a free consultation.
Click on the Cosmetic Dentistry procedure below to learn more.
At the Orlando office of Orange Dental Associates, we utilize the latest dental treatments and materials to transform smiles. Convenient to Kissimmee and Central Florida, we emphasize contemporary dentistry. With the Invisalign® teeth straightening system, Zoom!® teeth whitening and LUMINEERS® porcelain veneers, patients can achieve truly remarkable results. For those whose teeth require more than one procedure, we can perform a complete smile makeover. In just a few appointments, we can give you a beautiful smile to show to the world! Contact our Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida-area cosmetic dentistry office today and schedule a free consultation.
Click on the Cosmetic Dentistry procedure below to learn more.
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