Tobacco use leads to all sorts of dental problems that include:

• Tooth discoloration
• Chronic bad breath
• Salivary gland inflammation
• Jawbone loss
• Leukoplakia
• Gum disease
• A delay in healing
• Lower success rate for dental implants
• High risk for oral cancer

Smoking and Gum Disease

Tobacco use will interfere with gum tissue cell function. This makes tobacco users more susceptible to gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco also impairs the flow of blood to the gums, which slows healing.

Pipes and Cigars

Just like cigarettes; pipes, cigars and even Hookah pipes can cause oral health issues. People who smoke cigars are more susceptible to bone loss, while pipe smokers are at risk for tooth loss. Beyond the oral health issues, cigar and pipe smokers are in the high-risk category for throat and oral cancer, even if the tobacco isn’t inhaled.

Chewing Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco products are just as bad for your oral health as well. Chewing tobacco has over 28 chemicals that may increase your risk of throat and oral cancer, and cancer of the esophagus. Smokeless tobacco products also have more nicotine than cigarettes making it more difficult to kick the habit. One can of chew has more nicotine than 60 cigarettes. Chewing tobacco also contains sugar making you more susceptible to tooth decay.

According to the American Cancer Society 90 percent of people who have been diagnosed with lip, tongue, mouth, or throat cancer were smokers. Twenty seven percent of people who continue to smoke after they have been cured will develop cancer of the throat, tongue, lips and mouth, while those who quit after being cancer free only had a 6 percent chance of developing cancer a second time.

If you are a tobacco user, kick the habit and schedule regular appointments with your dentist for comprehensive dental exams and oral cancer screenings.

Call or click and schedule your appointment with Dentistry for Health NY today.

Holistic dentists understand how toxic materials and chemicals used in dentistry can affect overall health. Holistic dentists understand the connections between the oral cavity and the materials that are used for root canals, fillings and other invasive dental procedures.

Holistic literally means whole. Dentistry for Health NY understands the importance of dentistry and overall health and sees the links between gingivitis and other diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

Mercury-True holistic dentists have a natural approach to dentistry and believe that any amount of mercury is too much for the body to handle. Mercury is a toxin and although silver amalgam fillings may last longer than composite dental fillings, they can weaken the tooth. This means the filling could outlast your tooth. Dentistry for Health does not place mercury even though the American Dental Association has deemed it safe for use.

Root Canal Therapy-Holistic dentists believe that the canals in the teeth need to be completely sterilized and bacteria free, however, studies show that it is impossible to completely sterilize the root canals and that the chemicals used by conventional dentists are toxic. One of those chemicals is formaldehyde. The bacteria left in the canal can cause other health issues including heart disease and breast cancer. Holistic dentists don’t usually recommend root canal therapy.

Fluoride-Although traditional dentists shout the praises of fluoride, Dentistry for Health NY explains that any form of fluoride that is ingested isn’t good for whole health, as fluoride has been linked to bone problems and cancer. Too much fluoride can also lead to fluorosis.

Biocompatible Dentistry-Most dentists would never conduct tests to see if the materials used are biocompatible to your body. Holistic dentists will conduct biocompatibility testing before deciding on a treatment for your dental issues.

If you would like more information regarding holistic dentistry, call or click and schedule a no obligation holistic dentistry consultation with Dentistry for Health today.

Routine dental checkups not only decrease the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, but can also help your dentist diagnose more life-threatening medical problems such as oral cancer, diabetes, and eating disorders.

Oral Cancer

One of the most common cancers on the planet, oral cancer can be treated if caught in the early stages. With more than 35,000 cases reported each year in the US, indicators could include lumps, hard spots, thick spots, bleeding sores. If you have a sore in your mouth that will not heal, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dentistry for Health NY.

Because oral cancer can be difficult to diagnose yourself, routine dental checkups are imperative. Your dentist will look for irregular tissue changes, feel for lumps, and look for any irregularities in your cheeks, neck, head, tongue, and your oral cavity.

Diabetes

Over 30 million people in America have been diagnosed with diabetes and because the disease reduces your ability to fight off infection, your gums will pay the price. Bacteria and plaque cause gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease. In addition, people with diabetes also have chronic halitosis and oral infections. People who suffer from diabetes should schedule routine dental checkups more often.

Eating Disorders

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, both eating disorders, will rob your body of essential vitamins and minerals. Without proper nutrition, your gums will become tender, soft and bleed easily. People who suffer from eating disorders will notice a change in the color of their gums as well.

Excessive vomiting will cause tooth erosion and discoloration thanks to stomach acids. People with bulimia and anorexia may also experience tooth enamel loss, sensitive teeth, and swollen salivary glands.

Your holistic dentist understands that disease will negatively affect your overall health, however with routine dental checkups any oral health changes can be detected during your dental exam.

Routine dental checkups are essential for overall health and if you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, schedule an appointment with Dentistry for Health NY today. Your body will thank you for it.

Call or click for a dental checkup today.

Plaque and tartar can be controlled with brushing, flossing, a healthy diet and regular checkups with Dentistry for Health NY, however if you are less than diligent with your oral hygiene habits you could be asking for trouble.

Plaque and tartar cover the surface of your teeth and gums. If you do not brush and floss, you will eventually have gaps between your gums and teeth. This will lead to gum inflammation, tooth decay and tooth loss. If left untreated gum disease can also cause systemic issues.

Researchers are now discovering what holistic dentists have known all along, that inflammation and bacteria in the mouth affects your overall health and could be linked to congestive heart failure, stroke, and even dementia.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, even at night when you sleep. When you drink or eat foods that contain starches and sugars the bacteria starts to attack the enamel on your teeth as it releases acids. Over time, that sticky plaque will begin to break down the enamel on your teeth, which will lead to dental caries.

Plaque buildup can also cause gum disease. Gingivitis will make your gums swollen and tender, but if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease. If severe gum disease isn’t taken care of your gum tissue will pull away from your teeth destroying the supporting bone. If this occurs, you may lose your teeth.

What is Tartar?

Called calculus, tartar forms above and below your gum line. Because it is porous and rough, it will cause gum recession, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss.

Tartar will make it difficult to brush and floss as you should, which will cause tooth decay. If tartar forms above the gum line, it can damage your gums, which could lead to periodontal disease.

If you have problems controlling plaque and tartar, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dentistry for Health NY.

Root canal therapy may not be the only answer. Holistic Dentistry for Health New York approaches tooth decay differently than traditional dentists.

Unfortunately, when decay is not treated in the early stages, it can cause more problems. If the decay in your tooth has hit the pulp, which is where the nerves, roots, and tissue are located inside of your tooth, it can make everyday tasks quite difficult requiring root canal therapy.

If you have a cavity that has reached the pulp, it can make eating, drinking and even talking difficult. Holistic Dentistry for Health NY offers patients alternatives to traditional root canal therapy and will do everything in their power to avoid the dreaded dead tooth.

So what is a Root Canal?

Every tooth has a root canal which is a chamber located inside of your tooth. The pulp contains nerves, lymph vessels, and blood vessels that nourish your tooth. The pulp also transmits pain signals to your brain. If you have been avoiding that small cavity, it could turn into something much worse.

Conventional Root Canal Therapy

If the pulp in your tooth has been exposed to infection or bacteria, the tissues supporting the teeth begin to die. This will cause the tooth to become infected, which could lead to an abscess. Traditional root canal therapy removes the pulp and nerves before thoroughly cleaning the area. Once cleaned, the root canal chambers are sealed, with a dental crown placed over the top to prevent additional structural damage.

Most conventional dentists recommend root canals because they have not gotten to the root of the problem, no pun intended. Dentistry for Health NY will diagnose the source of the dental pain and diagnose the issue. Often times, a root canal isn’t necessary, but is usually the easy route to take, as conventional dentists don’t have the time to diagnose the real problem. Holistic Dentistry looks at the whole person.

Although most dentists recommend root canal therapy for pulp death, there are other alternatives. Call or click and talk to Dr. Reid Winick from Dentistry for Health NY today if you have been suffering from tooth pain. You may not need root canal therapy, call or click now.

Holistic Dentistry helps your immune system by creating a healthy mouth. Your teeth and gums affect your overall health and if your mouth is unhealthy, the rest of your body will be as well.

According to Dentistry for Health NY, periodontal disease can contribute to heart attacks, heart disease, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Reid Winick explains that the oral bacteria and plaque enters your bloodstream spreading the inflammation to your other organs.

Biological or holistic dentistry takes into consideration your overall health before proceeding with any dental treatments. Dentistry for Health NY practices nutrition, naturopathy and homeopathy as well helping patients understand the association between a healthy immune system and overall health.

If you follow the Dentistry for Healthy NY blog, you will know how toxic mercury is. Holistic Dentistry uses biocompatible non-toxic materials that promote healing and in some cases alleviate the need for mediations.

What you May not Know about Mercury

• It is a neurotoxin
• Is very toxic particularly to people who have a mercury allergy
• Chronic exposure, such as amalgam fillings, can affect your overall health
• Dental practices in the US are the second largest mercury users on the planet
• When tossed out, mercury amalgams can affect water and air quality
• Toxic chemicals, including mercury are being found in fish and pregnant women

If you have amalgam fillings implanted in your teeth, mercury is being released 24 hours a day seven days a week. This can have a negative effect on your immune system and your digestion causing chronic inflammation in the body.

The very first step to a healthy mouth and body is to remove your toxic fillings. Once removed, it is much easier to begin a detoxification program.

Holistic Dentistry uses the safest and most effective non-invasive treatments available in order to support your immune system and your body’s ability to heal.

If you would like more information regarding holistic dentistry, call or click and schedule a consultation with Dentistry for Health NY.