Health & Beauty
Take good care of your teeth—and you’ll be safeguarding your whole body.

Health & Beauty By Julie Jacobs Take Care of Your Teeth… IT JUST MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE M ost of us know what we're supposed to do for our pearly whites: brush, floss—and keep those appointments with the dentist. But in the mad rush of a typical day, do those seem less important than, say, eating enough veggies? They're not. Practicing good oral hygiene not only enhances your overall well-being—it may even save your life. When dental care lapses, bacteria and plaque can build up on your teeth, leading to decay, gingivitis (an early form of gum disease), or periodontitis—a serious gum infection that can destroy tissue and erode bone in the mouth. And that may not be the worst of it. Compromised gums allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body—with far-reaching health effects. Research increasingly links poor oral health to a bevy of chronic and lifethreatening illnesses—including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even premature birth. The good news is that by following a basic dental- care regimen, you can likely avoid those terrifying scenarios. So what does such a regimen involve? • Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and oral exams. (If you already have problems, you may need more frequent appointments.) • Brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes at least twice a day—once in the morning and again just before bedtime. Brush lightly and always use a softbristled brush. Replace your brush every three months or if the bristles have frayed. • Floss daily to get rid of bacteria, plaque, and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach. • Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens developing teeth and also helps prevent decay. • Use mouthwash to freshen breath and kill bacteria. Some products even help loosen plaque before brushing. With the wide variety available, it's safest to ask your dentist to suggest a brand that's right for you and your family. (For example, flouride rinses and those with alcohol aren't recommended for young children because they may swallow them.) s Get back into an active life! For more information visit: mayoclinic.com; webMD.com; ada.org; colgate.com; ezinearticles.com; cosmeticdentistry.com L ooking to fix those chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth? Today many cosmetic dentistry options are available to improve your smile. They vary in cost and the number of visits to the dentist, so it's important to do your homework beforehand. You can start by visiting aacd. com (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) to find a credentialed, experienced practitioner in your area. Remember that the longevity of any of these procedures depends on how well you care for your teeth afterward. In the meantime, here's a snapshot of what's available: Cosmetic Fixes for Troubled Teeth • Veneers/Crowns: Veneers are thin shells that attach directly to the teeth; crowns encase a tooth, often in treating cases of decay. Both are made of porcelain and require that some of the tooth be removed, so their application is irreversible. • Dental Implants: These titanium fixtures are surgically screwed into the jawbone to provide an anchor for natural-looking crowns. They typically compensate for spaces left by missing teeth. • Dental Fillings: The metal fillings of yesteryear have been replaced with material that can be color-matched to the rest of your smile. • Whitening: Bleaching gels brighten teeth, although they don't lighten existing dental work like crowns and veneers. Although many products are available over the counter, dentists can offer more powerful treatments in their offices. • Bonding: A white porous material is applied to teeth to fill in gaps and chips and even alter a tooth's color or shape. • Gum Lifting: A laser reshapes the gum line to make it uniform from tooth to tooth. A gentle touch to ease your neck and back pain. Graston Technique Certified Dr. Andrea Lisbeth Buccino Chiropractic Physician 80 Pompton Ave., 3rd floor Verona, NJ 973-857-1119 Office Hours are by Appointment Mon, Wed & Fri drandreabuccino.com SuburbanEssex.com 71 Read about the best diet for your teeth on SuburbanEssex.com September 2009

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