Thanksgiving is one day out of the year where Americans find it socially acceptable to eat their weight in turkey and gravy. While it can be tempting to take a sample plate of everything at the buffet, choosing the right foods can help prevent your waistline from increasing as well as improve your dental hygiene.
Cheese and Yogurt
While heavy amounts of cheese is not recommended, eating some cheese, maybe as an appetizer, lowers the acidity in an individual’s mouth, which directly lowers their risk for developing cavities. Cheese and yogurt also contain calcium, a mineral that increases bone density and strengthens enamel. Furthermore, yogurt contains probiotics that take up the space harmful bacteria would otherwise occupy.
Kale, Spinach, and Broccoli
Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, contain high amounts of protein and calcium, materials your body utilizes to build bones and teeth. Furthermore, leafy green vegetables carry lots of micronutrients, products the body uses to make sure everything in your body runs efficiently, boosting your natural immune system.
Apples, Carrots, and Celery
Hard, fibrous foods act as a toothbrush, gently loosening plaque which can be washed away with saliva. Eating foods like apples, carrots, and celery does not replace brushing and flossing, but rather encourage good dental hygiene by maintaining a cycle of cleanliness. Eating these foods increases the effectiveness of brushing and flossing since it’s consistently removing old plaque, lessening the chance of plaque turning into tartar.
Sesame Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil
Oil pulling, or simply rinsing the mouth with about a tablespoon of oil, is a great technique to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and promote good dental health. Many dentists advise patients to practice this easy detoxification process at home; however, ingesting foods already containing sesame seed oil, coconut oil, or olive oil kills two birds with one stone.
While Thanksgiving can be a time when people overindulge in foods high in sugar content, being aware of the benefits foods can have on teeth and the body can encourage to put down that extra pint of gravy in favor of a healthier choice.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Friday, September 9, 2016
Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers
Discolored teeth can have a negative impact on your
self-confidence. At the Wellesley, MA, dental practice of Dr. Murad Padamsee,
we’re dedicated to giving you a healthy, beautiful smile that you’ll be proud
to show off. We offer a wide range of dentistry services — including teeth
whitening and veneers.
Teeth Whitening in
Wellesley, MA
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services we
provide is teeth whitening. If your main concern is simply getting your teeth
to a whiter shade, we offer in-office Zoom!® whitening as well as a take-home
whitening system for your convenience.
Zoom!® Whitening, as its name suggests, is the fastest way
to get whiter teeth. This procedure involves the application of whitening gel
and a halide light to activate the gel. Before the actual treatment, you will
be educated about the procedure and your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and
prepped. The whitening process itself takes about an hour; aftercare involves
brushing with anti-sensitivity toothpaste and practicing good oral hygiene.
Our take-home whitening system takes longer to achieve the
same results; however, it’s more affordable than Zoom!® Whitening and is used
at your convenience. Custom-fit trays will be made for you to ensure the
whitening gel stays where it should during treatments. The trays are worn twice
daily for 30 minutes for several weeks; they can also be worn overnight if
needed. Dr. Padamsee will tell you exactly how to use your at-home whitening
system and answer any questions you may have.
Veneers for a Smile
Makeover
Cosmetic veneers are another way to achieve the smile you
want. Veneers are crafted from thin porcelain that looks and feels like your
natural teeth. Your teeth are buffed to prepare for veneer application; the
veneers are bonded to your teeth using a cement-type material and a special
bonding light. Veneers aren’t recommended for teeth that have fillings, and
they’re more expensive than teeth whitening services. But when it comes to
dramatic results, veneers can’t be beat — which is why so many celebrities who
want perfect teeth go this route.
Schedule Your
Consultation
The first step to whiter teeth is an initial consultation
and exam with Dr. Padamasee at our upscale Wellesley, MA, dental office. Callus to schedule your appointment, or get in touch through our appointment
request form. We can help you achieve the white smile you’ve always wanted; in
addition, we provide an array of other dental services including TMJ treatment,
sleep apnea solutions, preventative dentistry, pediatric dentistry and more.
Monday, September 5, 2016
5 Steps for Improving At-Home Oral Hygiene
Regular dental checkups are imperative when it comes to good
oral health; however, at the Wellesley, MA dental practice of MuradPadamsee, BDS, DMD, MS, we also believe strongly in patient education and oral
disease prevention. In between your routine dental visits, there are some
things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Check out these five
oral hygiene tips:
Brush Properly
One of the best ways to keep your mouth in good shape is by
brushing regularly — at least twice daily. Although brushing your teeth is
pretty simple, there’s a right way to do it. According to the American
Dental Association, here’s how to brush:
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use short
horizontal strokes to brush teeth. Make sure to get not only the front of your
teeth, but also the back as well. Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste when
brushing and finish up by brushing your tongue gently as well to remove
bacteria.
Floss Daily
Our Wellesley, MA, dental practice also advocates daily
flossing to remove stubborn plaque and bacteria-causing food particles from in
between teeth. Many people don’t floss as often as they should; this is
sometimes because flossing causes mouth tenderness and bleeding gums. These are
both symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease — all the more reason to floss
every day.
Flossing is an easy way to keep your mouth healthy. Wrap an
18- to 24-inch piece of floss around your index and middle fingers and use it
to get in between the teeth. The flossing motion should be horizontal, then
vertical, to remove plaque and particles from between the teeth and under the
gumline.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water isn’t just good for your body, but
your oral health as well. If you have chronic dry mouth, bacteria can build up
and lead to plaque and gingivitis. The general rule for water consumption is 8
glasses per day; however, your needs may be more or less depending on your
activity level, age, and body type. Keeping your mouth hydrated with sugarless
gum is a good way to freshen breath and keep bacteria at bay between meals.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Cleaning your teeth is just one part of the equation; what
you eat can also make a difference in your oral health. Sweet treats aren’t the
only culprits when it comes to tooth decay — eating carbohydrate-laden foods
like bread and pasta can also lead to bacteria buildup that leads to plaque,
gingivitis, and gum disease. Brush and floss after eating, and try to choose
healthy food items like crunchy vegetables to keep teeth in tip-top shape.
Don’t Use Tobacco
Smoking and using snuff and/or chewing tobacco can have a
negative impact on your oral health. Not only do tobacco users have a higher
incidence of gum disease and tooth decay, they also suffer from chronic bad
breath. Tobacco use discolors teeth, and can lead to oral cancer among other
health problems. If you use tobacco and need help quitting, speak to your
doctor.
Schedule Your Checkup
Today
When you come in for your routine checkup at our modern
Wellesley, MA, dental office, Dr. Padamsee and his experienced staff will
educate you further on how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home.
Give us a call to schedule your appointment or reach out through our website. We look forward to
caring for your smile!
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Which is Best for My Smile? Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces
At the Wellesley, MA, dental office of Murad Padamsee, BDS,
DMD, MS, we offer both Invisalign and traditional braces. Dr. Padamsee is a
certified pediatric dentist who specializes treating pediatric malocclusion—or
the misalignment of corresponding teeth. Not sure what’s right for you? Read on
to learn more about the teeth-straightening options we offer:
Invisalign®
One of the most exciting dental innovations in recent
decades is Invisalign®. If you want straighter teeth but don’t want to wear
metal braces because of the way they look, this might be the option for you.
The Invisalign® alignment system uses clear trays that are easy to insert and
remove at your convenience. They’re so discreet that most people won’t even
know you’re wearing them; what’s more, you can remove the trays whenever you
want. On average, patients get new trays every 6 to 8 weeks for their shifting
teeth. The total treatment duration for Invisalign® varies from patient to
patient, with the average being about 12 months.
Invisalign® is normally recommended for teens and adults who
need their teeth shifted into place; for large gaps between teeth and severe
malocclusion, traditional braces are usually the best course of action.
Traditional Braces
For pediatric malocclusion and severe malocclusion in teens
and adults, traditional braces remain the gold standard. Crafted from metal,
traditional braces aren’t as comfortable and convenient but can take care of
dental problems that Invisalign® can’t. For example, braces are often used to
correct bruxism — a condition associated with TMJ.
On average, traditional braces are worn between 18 months
and 3 years; some patients must wear a retainer after their braces have been
removed. Although not everyone wants traditional braces as their first choice, Dr.
Padamsee and the staff at our Wellesley, MA, dental office use the latest in
modern dental technology and believe in a gentle approach to dentistry; it’s
our goal to make the process as pleasant
as it can be from start to finish.
We Can Straighten
Your Smile
The first step when deciding between Invisalign® and
traditional braces is the initial evaluation, during which, high-tech imaging
studies will be done. Dr. Padamsee and his friendly staff will create a
treatment plan that is personalized to suit your dental needs and answer any
questions you may have.
Call our Wellesley, MA, dental office today to schedule
your appointment, or contact us through our website.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea
is a potentially dangerous medical condition in which breathing stops and
starts during sleep. At the Wellesley, MA, dental office of Dr. Murad Padamsee,
we have over 20 years of experience in providing our patients with sleep apnea and snoring solutions. We use the
latest advances in dental technology, such as state-of-the-art 3D imaging and
intraoral imaging.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are
three types of sleep apnea — obstructive, central, and complex.
Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common type of sleep
apnea; it occurs when throat muscles become relaxed during sleep and soft
tissue blocks the airway.
Central sleep apnea: This condition occurs when the brain
doesn’t send out the right signals to properly control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea: Some patients have complex sleep
apnea, which is both of the above types at once. Complex sleep apnea is also
called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
Characteristics of
Sleep Apnea
One of the
most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Other symptoms include waking
up multiple times a night with shortness of breath, morning headaches, daytime
fatigue, and insomnia. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be harmful and even
fatal.
There are a
variety of sleep apnea risk factors to be aware of, including:
- Advanced age
- Being male
- Larger neck circumference
- Smoking
- Use of alcohol or sedatives
- Nasal congestion
Although
children can have sleep apnea — with many of the same symptoms — it’s far less
common than in adults. Childhood obesity is one risk factor that may raise a child’s
sleep apnea risk.
Treatment Options
There are a
variety of treatment options available for sufferers of sleep apnea. CPAP, or
continuous positive airway pressure, is a common treatment method. For some
patients, oral appliances are a better option. The oral appliances we use offer
superior mobility and are far less invasive than the CPAP route. The first step
is a thorough evaluation and exam, including an analysis of your dental and
medical history. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be created to
suit your needs.
Schedule Your
Appointment
If you
suspect sleep apnea, schedule your appointment with Dr. Padamsee in our bright
and modern Wellesley, MA, dental office. Give us a call or reach out through
our appointment request form — we look forward to serving you!
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
To Take Good Care of Your Teeth, Follow These Six Brushing Tips
Brushing everyday is one of the best ways to take care of your teeth. However, it's not just that simple. For optimal dental care, follow these six tips.
1. Pick the right brush - Not all brushes are the same, and you need to choose one that fits your mouth.
2. Brush the right way - You should hold your brush at a 45-F-degree angle to your gums and use an up-and-down motion with short strokes.
3. Take your time - While brushing twice a day is recommended, three times is probably best. Also, whenever you brush, make sure you do it for at least two minutes.
4. Don't overdo it - Conversely, don't brush too much or for too long, as this can wear down enamel and hurt your gums.
5. Keep it clean - Always rinse your brush, as germs can linger on it.
6. Let it go - Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or if the bristles are becoming frayed or broken.
1. Pick the right brush - Not all brushes are the same, and you need to choose one that fits your mouth.
2. Brush the right way - You should hold your brush at a 45-F-degree angle to your gums and use an up-and-down motion with short strokes.
3. Take your time - While brushing twice a day is recommended, three times is probably best. Also, whenever you brush, make sure you do it for at least two minutes.
4. Don't overdo it - Conversely, don't brush too much or for too long, as this can wear down enamel and hurt your gums.
5. Keep it clean - Always rinse your brush, as germs can linger on it.
6. Let it go - Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or if the bristles are becoming frayed or broken.
Monday, August 15, 2016
The Importance of Children’s Braces
We all want our children to live happy, healthy lives. In addition to impacting regular dental function, bite misalignment during childhood, also known as pediatric malocclusion, can have a serious impact on children’s quality of life as they grow. Treating bite and jaw alignment issues with braces as the jaw is developing is an important part of preventing these common oral health problems:
Overcrowding and Impacted Teeth
The third molars are not the only teeth that can become impacted, or stuck, during the development phase. Overcrowding and impaction are common when a child doesn’t have enough space in their arch to accommodate every tooth. This makes it extremely difficult for kids to properly brush or floss their teeth. Primary teeth (baby teeth) are already more susceptible to developing cavities – the inability to properly clean every tooth only amplifies this vulnerability and makes it harder for children to maintain healthy, lasting smiles.
Overbites and Underbites
Bite misalignment can also impact a patients’ facial structure. While in childhood, an over or underbite may not be especially noticeable, these alignment issues hinder overall facial development, creating the look of a too small or protruding lower jaw. From a functional perspective, this severe malocclusion prevents proper chewing, biting, and swallowing. The misalignment can also increase the risk of nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), which wears down teeth and makes them vulnerable to cavities and fracture.
Sleep Apnea
While many often consider sleep apnea to be exclusively an adult condition, this breathing issue can also affect children. Children already have limited space in their mouths – when combined with bite or jaw misalignment, overcrowding prevents the tongue from fitting properly with the rest of the dentition. As a result, the soft tissue and tongue fall back and blocking airflow while children sleep, spurring on sleep apnea.
Extractions
Childhood orthodontic appliances are specifically designed to ensure the correct development of the jaw and smile. Having braces early on, when these components are still developing, helps ensure that the dentition and jaw is in the position for optimal health and function in the future without having to make serious adjustments to the smile. In particular, when patients put off orthodontics treatment until their late teens or adulthood, they often need some teeth to be extracted to make enough room in the dentition for the rest of the smile.
Learn More about Kid’s Braces in Wellesley Today
At the family dental practice of Dr. Murad Padamsee, our mission is to ensure every child has access to the right dental care for lasting dental health. As a certified pediatric dentist in Wellesley, Dr. Padamsee is uniquely experienced in creating long-term braces treatment plans for children. For more information about the consequences of pediatric malocclusion and available braces solutions for your child, contact Murad Padamsee, BDS, DMD, MS today to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation.
Overcrowding and Impacted Teeth
The third molars are not the only teeth that can become impacted, or stuck, during the development phase. Overcrowding and impaction are common when a child doesn’t have enough space in their arch to accommodate every tooth. This makes it extremely difficult for kids to properly brush or floss their teeth. Primary teeth (baby teeth) are already more susceptible to developing cavities – the inability to properly clean every tooth only amplifies this vulnerability and makes it harder for children to maintain healthy, lasting smiles.
Overbites and Underbites
Bite misalignment can also impact a patients’ facial structure. While in childhood, an over or underbite may not be especially noticeable, these alignment issues hinder overall facial development, creating the look of a too small or protruding lower jaw. From a functional perspective, this severe malocclusion prevents proper chewing, biting, and swallowing. The misalignment can also increase the risk of nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), which wears down teeth and makes them vulnerable to cavities and fracture.
Sleep Apnea
While many often consider sleep apnea to be exclusively an adult condition, this breathing issue can also affect children. Children already have limited space in their mouths – when combined with bite or jaw misalignment, overcrowding prevents the tongue from fitting properly with the rest of the dentition. As a result, the soft tissue and tongue fall back and blocking airflow while children sleep, spurring on sleep apnea.
Extractions
Childhood orthodontic appliances are specifically designed to ensure the correct development of the jaw and smile. Having braces early on, when these components are still developing, helps ensure that the dentition and jaw is in the position for optimal health and function in the future without having to make serious adjustments to the smile. In particular, when patients put off orthodontics treatment until their late teens or adulthood, they often need some teeth to be extracted to make enough room in the dentition for the rest of the smile.
Learn More about Kid’s Braces in Wellesley Today
At the family dental practice of Dr. Murad Padamsee, our mission is to ensure every child has access to the right dental care for lasting dental health. As a certified pediatric dentist in Wellesley, Dr. Padamsee is uniquely experienced in creating long-term braces treatment plans for children. For more information about the consequences of pediatric malocclusion and available braces solutions for your child, contact Murad Padamsee, BDS, DMD, MS today to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation.
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