fromthedentist

Spring 2009 Produced to improve your dental health and awareness

Strategize For EnergyBoost your zest for life with these tips

We understand that most of our patients, like ourselves, lead busy and demanding professional and personal lives, and sometimes it can seem as if there isn’t a minute in the day that you can claim for yourself. Revitalizing and renewing your own supply of energy is an important priority, and we’d like to give you some tips on how to go about increasing it (and your zest for life!).

Your diet can be modifi ed for maximum energy by ensuring that fresh fruits, unsweetened granola, salads, fi sh, and breads made with unprocessed fl our are major components. Stay away from fatty foods, large portions of meat, sweets (other than fruit), and make certain you drink at least three litres of fl uids a day.

Daily exercise is an essential ingredient of any plan to boost your energy and encourage positive thinking. Try to devote at least thirty minutes a day to walking, bike riding, running, swimming, dancing, t’ai chi, qigong – you name it – as long as you’re moving. And then devote another thirty minutes a day to pure relaxation (deep breathing techniques, aromatherapy, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset).

And fi nally, try and ensure a good night’s sleep by avoiding alcohol, drinking a warm non-caffeinated drink, and putting the day’s challenges behind you.

These simple practices are guaranteed to raise your energy levels, lower your stress, and help you navigate our sometimes diffi cult and challenging world.

Yours in good dental health

Dr. Christina Binert & Associates

We love to care for smiles!®

Oral Health Changes…During pregnancy

Did you know that pregnancy can cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones? So, if you’re planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, it’s important that you see your dentist right away. Estrogen and progesterone can exaggerate the way gums react to plaque. And as oral health affects your overall health, it’s important that pregnant women maintain good oral hygiene throughout their pregnancy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis – When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis – red swollen, tender gums that tend to bleed. Most pregnant women are affected to some degree by pregnancy gingivitis. Untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

Gingivitis & Your Baby’s Health – Gingivitis & Your Baby’s Health – Gingivitis & Your Baby’s HealthResearch suggests a link between pre-term delivery, low birth-weight babies, and gingivitis. When excessive bacteria enter the bloodstream through your gums, it can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.

Gingivitis Prevention – Gingivitis Prevention – Gingivitis Prevention Keep your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. Brush at least twice a day and after each meal with fl uoride toothpaste. And make sure to fl oss daily. Vitamins C and B12 help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong; and frequent cleanings from your dentist will help control plaque, pregnancy tumors (non-cancerous growths) and prevent gingivitis.

pregnant women are affected pregnancy

Untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

…During pregnancy

Did you know that pregnancy can cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones? So, if you’re planning to become

Ask us about dental procedures during

pregnancy or any other questions you

may have

FAQtually Speaking

About toothpasteQ. What does fluoride toothpaste do? A. Fluoride fi ghts tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel.

Q. Will tartar-fighting toothpastes prevent gum disease? A. No. They only help reduce additional tartar buildup above the gumline, so regular fl ossing and hygiene visits are essential.

Q. Are whitening toothpastes okay for sensitive teeth? A. No. Most contain a higher level of abrasives. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead.

Q. Does The American Dental Association test toothpastes? A. Yes. The ADA Seal of Acceptance means they meet specifi c criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Q. Do children’s toothpastes need to taste good? A. Yes. This encourages brushing, but use a pea-sized amount and don’t let them swallow.

Q. How often should I use toothpaste?A. You should brush at least twice daily with toothpaste for 2-3 minutes and fl oss daily.

Everybody wants to put their best smile forward. According to a national study, teeth are the number-one facial feature that people would change... three out of four adults think that a nice smile is important to landing their dream job … 84% think that an attractive smile is important for meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. It seems that we associate a pleasing smile with many of life’s passages. Celebrating these milestones means family, friends, and … photographs. Are you ready to get ready?

Sometimes even subtle changes can turn a nice smile into a sensational smile – often in only one or two visits…

Whether you want your best milestone smile for a graduation, wedding, or The Big 4-0 – give us a call as soon as you can. You’ll have your great new look in no time!

Share your smile with the one you love!

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FAQtually FAQtually SpeakingFAQtually SpeakingFAQtually

About toothpasteQ. What does fluoride toothpaste do? A. Fluoride fi ghts tooth decay and strengthens

Q. Will tartar-fighting toothpastes prevent gum

A. No. They only help reduce additional the gumline, so regular fl ossing and

hygiene visits are essential.

Q. Are whitening toothpastes okay for sensitive

A. No. Most contain a higher level of abrasives. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead.

The American Dental Association

ADA Seal of Acceptance means they meet specifi c criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Celebrate

specifi c criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Q. Do children’s toothpastes need to taste good? A. Yes. This encourages brushing, but use a pea-sized amount and don’t let them swallow.

Q. How often should I use toothpaste?A. You should brush at leasttoothpaste for 2-3 minutes and fl oss daily.

their dream job … 84% think that an attractive smile is important for meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. It seems that we associate a pleasing smile with many of life’s passages. Celebrating these milestones means family, friends, and … photographs. Are you ready to get ready?

Sometimes even subtle changes can turn a nice smile into a sensational smile – often in only one or two visits…

Share your smile with the one you love!

Q. What does fluoride toothpaste do? A. Fluoride fi ghts tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel.

Q. Will tartar-fighting toothpastes prevent gum

A. No. They only help reduce above the gumline, so regular fl ossing and

hygiene visits are essential.

Q. Are whitening toothpastes okay for sensitive teeth? A. No. Most contain a higher level of abrasives. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead.

Q. Does The American Dental Associationtoothpastes? A. Yes. The ADA Seal of Acceptancespecifi c criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Q. What does fluoride toothpaste do? A. Fluoride fi ghts tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel.

Q. Will tartar-fighting toothpastes prevent gum disease? A. No. They only help reduce buildup abovehygiene visits are essential.

Q. Are whitening toothpastes okay for sensitive teeth? Everybody wants to put their best Everybody wants to put their best

smile forward. According to a national study, teeth are the number-one facial feature that people would change... three out of four adults think that a nice smile is important to landing their dream job … 84% think that

CelebrateCelebrateCelebrateCelebrateLife!Celebrate

Share your smile with the Share your smile with the

be

fore

aft

er

Tooth-colored inlays/onlaysWhitening Bonding

Veneers CrownsDental implants

Create an even more dramatic impact. We can match your natural tooth enamel, tooth size, and shape, while cosmetically enhancing your smile…

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De-Escalate!Reclaim your world

It’s a wonderful world we live in. Yet the excitement and challenges of even the best things in life can create tension. Teeth clenching and grinding are common symptoms of stress which over time can escalate into Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), a painful problem of the jaw joints. Of course, dentistry can provide relief with oral appliance therapy, but a strategy for self-care will help keep you at ease for the long term.

Martial arts for relaxation? Absolutely. Aikido, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong combine meditation and movement to improve posture, balance, coordination, endurance, and fl exibility.

Yoga is popular, very do-able, and doesn’t require special equipment.

Proper breathing, exercise, relaxation, diet, positive thinking, and meditation are tried and true. TMD is all about taking the pressure off.

Too much information! Hardly a day goes by without yet another announcement about lifestyle, health, and longevity. Sifting through the pieces may make it seem complicated, but apparently it’s simpler than we think. Researchers say that by combining the following four modest and achievable lifestyle changes, you could prolong your life by 14 years.

Give up smoking. You could gain an 80% improvement in health. Smoking has been linked to gum disease as well as oral and other cancers.

Eat five fruits and vegetables daily for a healthy mouth and body.

Keep active for cardiovascular health, strong bones, and stress relief.

Drink moderately. Alcohol has been linked to oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco.

Fourteen extra years of oral and overall health. That should keep you smiling!

Give up smoking. You could gain an 80% improvement in health. Smoking Give up smoking. You could gain an 80% improvement in health. Smoking 1

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smiling!smiling!

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Too much information! Hardly a day goes by without yet another Too much information! Hardly a day goes by without yet another announcement about lifestyle, health, and longevity. Sifting through the pieces announcement about lifestyle, health, and longevity. Sifting through the pieces

4 Your Health

Are YouSymptom Free?

Learn how to avoid

the Silent Disease

Are you ready for biology’s next revolution? The Human Oral Microbiome Database has been created to provide scientists with comprehensive information on oral microbes. That’s good news for you because gum disease is no minor infection. It can change your appearance, your ability to eat, your social life, and your general health. It has been called the silent disease because you can have it and be symptom-free. Being young is no protection.

Here are some more facts you need to know… Up to 30% of people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease

and six times more likely to develop periodontitis, its most serious form. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It can

destroy jawbone and supporting tissues as well as your appearance. Unnatural-looking indentations left by missing teeth and bone loss

can compromise the esthetics of replacement teeth. Research has linked gum disease to other health problems including

heart disease and stroke, respiratory diseases, cancers, osteoporosis, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy. Surveyed U.S. dentists say gum disease is a more pressing oral

health concern than tooth decay by a 2-to-1 margin.

Millions of people don’t know they have gum disease.

Could you be one of them? Stay as healthy as you feel by keeping up with your home care routines and maintaining your regular appointments. It could give you a revolutionary advantage.

Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specifi c information be sure to consult our offi ce. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact us directly.

officeinformation

Contents may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. © PATIENT NEWS PUBLISHING (800) 667-0268

9883 - 44239 ML09-2

Dr. Christina Binert & AssociatesDr. Christina BinertDr. Priscilla HuiDr. Marijana Primorac700 Coxwell Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4C 3B9

Office Hours Mon-Thu 8:00 am – 8:00 pmFri & Sat 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

We have extended office hours for your convenience

Contact InformationOffice (416) 461-2273Email: cbinert@sympatico.caWeb site: www.dentist-toronto.com

Office StaffJoy, Loida, Sabrina ............ ReceptionistsRicky, Lynda, Joan .................HygienistsLeonora, Menchi, Narine .............. PDA’sGerry ............................ Office ManagerNeda ........................................... PDA

Regular walking may stimulate the brain, two new studies suggest. two new studies suggest. The fi rst study indicates that older people who had memory problems but not The fi rst study indicates that older people who had memory problems but not dementia started walking briskly and doing other moderate aerobic activities for 50 dementia started walking briskly and doing other moderate aerobic activities for 50 minutes three times a week for six months , and were encouraged to continue for minutes three times a week for six months , and were encouraged to continue for the next year. They experienced modest improvements in memory that persisted the next year. They experienced modest improvements in memory that persisted for 18 months which is remarkable because the activity level was undemanding. for 18 months which is remarkable because the activity level was undemanding. for 18 months which is remarkable because the activity level was undemanding. The second study found that walking on a treadmill three times a week improved The second study found that walking on a treadmill three times a week improved not only walking ability but also brain function in a group of stroke patients. The not only walking ability but also brain function in a group of stroke patients. The not only walking ability but also brain function in a group of stroke patients. The researchers theorized that the activity stimulated the brain to reprogram itself. researchers theorized that the activity stimulated the brain to reprogram itself.

If you have – or think you have – sleep apnea, do not use an off-the-shelf “boil and bite” device. Mandibular advancement mouthpieces, designed to pull Mandibular advancement mouthpieces, designed to pull your jaw forward when you sleep, are often used as a fi rst treatment for mild apnea. your jaw forward when you sleep, are often used as a fi rst treatment for mild apnea. your jaw forward when you sleep, are often used as a fi rst treatment for mild apnea. But prefabricated devices that you mold yourself are not an effective substitute for But prefabricated devices that you mold yourself are not an effective substitute for those custom-made at the dentist’s offi ce. When people wore a custom-made device, those custom-made at the dentist’s offi ce. When people wore a custom-made device, they had signifi cantly fewer apnea events than when they used other devices found they had signifi cantly fewer apnea events than when they used other devices found on the internet, as they are less likely to stay in place in the mouth. Sleep apnea is a on the internet, as they are less likely to stay in place in the mouth. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be evaluated by your doctor or a sleep specialist. condition that should be evaluated by your doctor or a sleep specialist.

How about pistachios? Studies have linked walnuts, peanuts, pecans, and Studies have linked walnuts, peanuts, pecans, and nearly every other nut with cardiovascular benefi ts, and a recent study confi rmed nearly every other nut with cardiovascular benefi ts, and a recent study confi rmed nearly every other nut with cardiovascular benefi ts, and a recent study confi rmed that pistachios can improve cholesterol levels too! People ate a lot of nuts – enough that pistachios can improve cholesterol levels too! People ate a lot of nuts – enough to supply 10% of their total daily calories, about 1 to 2 ounces (no shells) a day. This to supply 10% of their total daily calories, about 1 to 2 ounces (no shells) a day. This lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9%, on average, after four weeks. lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9%, on average, after four weeks.

Wellness Tips

Congratulations!

Keep brushing those teeth kids!

Congratulations to Julie the winner of our “Name The Seven Emotions That We Experience” contest. She won a $100 gift certifi cate to Cineplex Odeon Movie.

Congratulations to nine year old Sunny our Valentine’s bike winner.

Our Easter bike winner will be drawn on April 15th and our summer draw will be on June 15th.