On the social front, there’s only one way to look at bad breath. It smells! Chronic halitosis affects more than half of Americans – and yet it’s still often taboo to discuss the problem openly. Some dentists even hesitate to bring up the topic if patients don’t initiate the conversation.

So, let’s be honest. Offensive breath can wilt conversation faster than just about anything.  It’s an age-old problem, mentioned in numerous ancient writings. Currently, Americans spend billions of dollars each year on mints, mouthwash, toothpaste and breath sprays to freshen their breaths and boost self-confidence.

While breath-masking products help, I think a more effective approach is to identify the root of the problem! Is the odor’s source simply your penchant for foods with garlic, onion and other strong spices, or are you lax on your oral hygiene habits? Nine times out of 10, poor oral hygiene is the main problem.

If you aren’t brushing, flossing and using mouth wash on a daily basis, you will have offensive breath. The long-term consequences of bad dental care habits also will lead to puffy and bleeding gums, decay and tooth loss. It’s just a matter of time. Systemic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are linked to poor dental health, as well.

What Causes Bad Breath? Additional Reasons

• Gum infection
• A smelly coating on the tongue
• Smoking, coffee and alcohol
• Acid reflux
• Medication
• Disease
• Dry mouth (“xerostomia”)
• Infected sinuses
• Tonsil “stones”
• Poorly fitted dental appliances
• Extremely low-carb diets

The good news is that bad breath is highly treatable. Eating a healthful diet, breaking a tobacco habit and treating disease are a start. Regular dental checkups every six month and practicing a sound oral hygiene regimen at home are a must, if you want to conquer dragon breath.

Teeth should be brushed a minimum of twice a day, preferably after meals. Use dental floss to remove plaque from below the gum line and rinse with antiseptic alcohol-free mouthwash daily. Brushing the tongue and the palate should be routine. There are even tongue scrapers that help remove the tongue coating that harbors odor-causing bacteria. Be sure to gargle daily to loosen any plaque-like material from tonsil pockets.

Sip plenty of water throughout the day to keep the mouth moist and to rinse away food particles and bacteria. If the mouth is dry, the pH level changes, promoting an acidic environment in which bacteria thrive. Some anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and anti-histamine meds reduce salivation. So do certain medical conditions. Those with allergies and asthma often have to resort to mouth breathing and suffer from dryness. In some cases of “dry mouth,” artificial saliva may be required to protect the teeth and improve breath.

If you live in the Encino, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys or Tarzana areas in California and suffer from chronic bad breath, let’s check things out. Just call my awesome FocusedCareDental staff and ask for an appointment with Dr. Allen Melnick. Ninety percent of the time we can correct things in our office, but I’d be happy to refer you to another physician if your case is more complex.

Best Regards, AM

Tip of the Day: Did you know eating mozzarella and other cheeses helps neutralize oral acidity? If you are on the go, include a dairy product with your restaurant meal, and actually use the parsley on the side of the plate! Chewing this garnish will fight odor-producing bacteria. Drink water at the end of the meal to rinse away food, and pop in a stick of xylitol-sweetened gum such as Spry, Vitacare or Ice Cubes.

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I think laughter does a body good. We do a lot of it in our Encino dental office. We provide the utmost in cosmetic and general dentistry care, but we think friendliness and humor complement the professionalism. So, here’s a joke that’s made the rounds for years. It’s an oldie, but a goodie.

One day, a woman walked into a dental office and asked how much it would cost to extract wisdom teeth.

“A bag of gold,” the dentist replied.

“That’s ridiculous,” the woman said. “Isn’t there a cheaper way?”

“Well,” the dentist said, “if you don’t use an anesthetic, I will charge you only half a bag of gold.”

“That’s still too expensive,” the woman huffed.

“OK,” responded the dentist. “If we forgo the anesthesia and simply pull the teeth with pliers, I can knock the price to a quarter pound of gold.”

“No-o-o,” groaned the woman. “It’s still too much.”

“Well,” said the dentist, scratching his head, “I could find a dental student to do it for 15 bucks.”

“Awesome!” said the woman. “Book my husband for next Friday.”

This joke is light-hearted, but it brings up a serious topic. Wisdom teeth.

Wisdom Teeth: A Third Set of Molars

Wisdom teeth are third molars that start to form around your 10th birthday. They are the last set of teeth to come in – usually making their debut between 17 and 25 years of age. Because this is the age when most young people are gaining knowledge at a rapid pace, these extra molars have been dubbed “wisdom teeth.” A misnomer? Perhaps, but that’s a topic for another time!

Evolutionary biologists classify these third molars as vestigial organs, kind of like the appendix. Perhaps they were useful in grinding raw food and roughage at one time, but in this modern day and age, they tend to be more trouble than they are worth and are the source of many dental problems.

Wisdom teeth typically cause grief when they begin to emerge from the gums, because our jaws are too small to accommodate extra teeth. Some lucky souls have no problems or very mild symptoms. Others get hit with severe – even life-threatening – complications when impacted wisdom teeth cause an avalanche of side effects.

Good oral hygiene is hard to maintain when erupting wisdom teeth cause pain in the back regions of your mouth. People tend to slack off on the brushing to avoid discomfort. Germs and bits of food accumulate under the gums, compounding the problem. Bad breath and gingivitis ensue as infection spreads. Opening your mouth and chewing becomes a chore too, so nutrition may suffer. It’s a vicious cycle.

Here at FocusedCareDental.com, we’ve compiled a list of problems that can occur with troublesome wisdom teeth. If you experience any of these, seek medical treatment. I’d be happy to take a look and make an assessment. I promise that I won’t charge a bag of gold or use tool shed pliers!

Signs of Erupting or Impacted Wisdom Teeth

• Bad breath
• Pain and infection
• Fever and lethargy
• Redness and bleeding gums
• Ear aches and headaches
• Swelling of gums and jawline
• Tooth decay and loss of bone
• A funny taste in your mouth
• Difficulty chewing and painful swallowing
• Overcrowding of neighboring teeth

These symptoms should never be ignored. In severe cases infection can spread, putting oral health and even one’s life in danger.

Wisdom Teeth and Braces

Orthodontic treatment also can fail if wisdom teeth are not considered. If you plan to go through the expense of getting braces, be sure you discuss your wisdom teeth and jaw size with your dentist/orthodontist. Complications can be avoided if wisdom teeth are removed before roots get too long or teeth tilt at crazy angles and cause overcrowding.

With medical advances, dentists and oral surgeons are able to remove third molars with much less pain, trauma and down time than when our forefathers went to a blacksmith to get teeth pulled. Now, oral sedation dentistry is offered for peace of mind, and medications are prescribed to manage pain. Size, shape, root length and physical orientation affect the ease with which wisdom teeth are removed. Some cases are complex, and some are easy. Healing time varies, but ice-packs, antibiotics and specific post-op guidelines speed recovery.

Best regards, AM

Tip of the Day: Follow post-operative guidelines religiously after wisdom tooth extraction. (Remember no straws, no spitting and only soft food.) Plan to take a few days off to rest and promote healing. This is no time to play volleyball or go jogging. You don’t want to disturb healthy clotting, break stitches or cause extra swelling. You’ll have gauze in your mouth anyway, so it’s best to stay home, nap and watch a few movies.

Last month a young Cincinnati father died as the result of a tooth infection. It made the national news. Although this 24-year-old had been advised to have oral surgery on his painful wisdom tooth, he was unemployed and uninsured. He decided to wait it out.

When his whole face began to swell, he went to the emergency room. He was prescribed pain medication and antibiotics, but decided to treat only the pain because of expenses. He did not get his antibiotic prescription filled. The infection spread to his brain and his life was cut short.

These are desperate times and it saddens me to know that this young man lost his life because of his decision, which was influenced by his joblessness and lack of health insurance. Unfortunately, he is not alone. Others are making similar choices, putting their health at risk too.

The 2011 Survey of Dental Care Affordability and Accessibility says:

• 50% of Americans lack dental insurance.
• 77% of those without dental insurance delay regular dental care.
• 74% of the noninsured only see a dentist when there’s a perceived problem.
• On average, the uninsured go to the dentist only once every three years.
• One-third of uninsured seniors say that it’s unlikely they will be seen by a dentist in the next five years – due to cost.
• About half of uninsured parents report delaying children’s regular check-ups because of financial burdens.

Suffer the Children

Let me be frank. These are horrific statistics. They affect not only adults, but also the health of tomorrow’s generation. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta report that cavity rates are up 15 percent in children ages 2 to 5 in the last decade. The U.S. Surgeon General’s office notes that an estimated 51 million school hours are lost each year because of children’s dental-related illnesses.

Dental problems are not just cosmetic. Neglecting preventive dental care has a snowball effect. Over time, health is impacted, as well as our kids’ education. (It’s hard to pay attention to the teacher or be nice to your classmates when your tooth hurts!)

Fallout of Dental Neglect

Gum and tooth infections are linked to diabetes, heart disease, tooth loss, cancer and other diseases. So skipping your children’s dental appointments not only sends them the wrong message about the value of good oral hygiene, but it also sets them up for health problems down the road.

I understand that times are hard. That’s why my FocusedCareDental office is committed to working with each patient to ensure that policy benefits are maximized. Our office manager has more than 30 years of experience in dealing with insurance companies, and she is very good at it. We know that dental insurance policies can be confusing and complex – maybe purposefully so. Every company differs. Some are easy to work with, while others are difficult.

We promise to do our best in estimating what is covered by insurance and to be transparent about out-of-pocket expenses. It’s our goal to serve families in Encino, Tarzana, Woodlands Hills and Sherman Oaks, as well as the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles. We are more than happy to set up reasonable payment plans that can be worked into your personal budgets. You may have to skip a few spiced pumpkin lattes at Starbucks, but we’ll find a way to make it work for everyone involved.

Affordable First Dental Checkup

As a matter of fact, if you are new to my FocusedCareDental.com blog, we are offering a new patient introductory checkup for only $99! This budget-friendly dental deal includes teeth cleaning with our dental hygienist, a complete exam, X-rays and a fluoride treatment. Normally, these services would cost $249. To take advantage of this offer, call (818) 385-3681 to make an appointment, mentioning this Internet special to my office staff. I hope to see you soon.

Best regards,     AM

Tip of the Day: Get your baby used to dental care early. After meals, gently swab your infant’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth or cotton ball dipped in water. Once his teeth erupt, switch to a soft-bristled baby brush and water. Do not use toothpaste until the child can spit – usually after age 2. Avoid using baby bottles and sippy cups as pacifiers. Prolonged exposure to sugars in milk and juice will lead to “bottle mouth” decay.

The Little Details…like Spit!

The late John Wooden, UCLA’s legendary basketball coach, was wise both on the court and off. After his coaching career, he was a coveted guest speaker around the country and is often quoted. One bit of advice attributed to Coach Wooden is this nugget of truth:

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

I know it’s a simple statement, but it is really so true! That’s why it popped into my mind while I was catching up recently on some dental research.

For most people the term “dentistry” brings to mind the mouth, teeth and gums. The term “saliva” or “spit” is not typically our first thought. I suppose the general population is kind of squeamish about that sort of thing, but as a family dentist, I had to get over that reaction long ago!

The salivary system is actually a complex environment and crucial to our oral and digestive health. It maintains the health of the soft and hard tissues in our mouths and assists our speech. It contains antioxidants and many disease fighting substances that repair cell damage, control microbe levels, and help inhibit the development of dental cavities. It’s an integral part of our digestive system, lubricating the mouth and throat so we can chew and swallow foods.

Did You Know…?

• The body produces between one and two pints of saliva per day.
• Spit buffers oral acid to keep the mouth at a pH of 7.0-7.5.
• Asthmatics have more cavities than non-asthmatics, studies show. Dry mouths may be the reason.
• Stress and depression can reduce saliva levels.
• Saliva flow is higher when sitting and standing than when lying on a bed.
• The three primary sources of saliva include the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, plus the uvula, and more than 600 other minor glands that contribute to salivation.
• Saliva is 98 percent water. Enzymes, mucus, antioxidants, proteins, electrolytes and other important substances comprise the other 2 percent.
• Being overly excited or angry can increase salivation.
• Saliva washes away debris and baths the enamel with calcium, urea, bicarbonate and phosphate ions, which help repair teeth.
• The submandibular glands produce 70 percent of the mouth’s saliva.
• Elevated cortisol levels in saliva have been used to detect stress in newborns and have been linked to compromised cognitive function (memory issues), according to a Maryland study reported in General Psychiatry (July 2007).
• Chewing gum (preferably sugarless gum containing xylitol) activates saliva flow and can increase output by 1000 percent.
• Saliva output increases before vomiting, and the bicarbonate it contains acts as an acid-buffering agent, which protects tooth enamel.
• If lost in a cave without any light, you would produce up to 40 percent less saliva. Wearing a blind fold would elicit the same response, studies show.
• According to the Academy of General Dentistry, nine out of 10 systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms.
• Enamel gets harder as we age, thanks to its constant saliva bath.
• Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy may help surgery patients recover normal bowel function faster – thanks in part to increased salivation, some doctors have noted.
• Pregnant women may drool more during their pregnancies.
• Strong smells cause a short-term increase in salivation.
• One in five adults will experience acute or long-term “dry mouth.”
• Researchers have found that saliva is a good diagnostic tool. For example, scientists have identified more than four dozen proteins in saliva that distinguish healthy women from those with an elevated breast cancer risk.
• A simple saliva test can detect HIV, illegal drugs and other environmental toxins.
• Radiation, chemotherapy and autoimmune diseases reduce salivary flow – as can hundreds of prescription drugs.
• UCLA has developed a saliva test that is able to predict head and neck cancer patients with 82 percent accuracy. Additional research is ongoing to find identifying biomarkers for other diseases as well.

I hope you found this information interesting. The human body is truly a wonder.

Best regards,     AM

Tip of the Day: After brushing your teeth, rinse your brush thoroughly under water. Then soak your brush in mouthwash while flossing. Tap off the excess mouthwash before putting your brush away. It will taste nice and fresh in the morning and have less bacteria on it.

Antioxidant Foods

Oral Antioxidants

I love to read the latest medical research findings. When I happen upon something that’s relevant to my patients and the general public, I like to pass it on. I recently learned some things about dental stem cell research and baby teeth and wrote about it in my FocusedCareDental.com blog. Well, I guess the media found it interesting too, because the topic got picked up on numerous online news sites.

While “oral antioxidants” may not be the media darlings that “stem cells” are, these molecules play a role in everyone’s health. Researchers have been studying salivary antioxidant activity and its relationship to oral inflammation, healing of mouth wounds and systemic disease. Links have been found between oral inflammation and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as conditions ranging from obesity to diminished fertility and premature birth.

The Saliva Defense System

Naturally occurring antioxidants in the saliva are part of the body’s defense system.  They protect your cells from damage caused by an overabundance of free radicals. Free radicals are produced in the body after exposure to things like radiation,  environmental pollutants and certain foods all leading to illness and aging.

Researchers have been studying the role of oxidation in oral health – particularly as it relates to periodontitis, chronic dry mouth, oral cancer, and malfunction of the jaw joint (TMJ). Smokers, patients under stress and those with these diseases have been found to have reduced antioxidant activity in their saliva. Oxidation in the oral cavity is thought to lead to mouth inflammation, so I think increasing antioxidant levels in the mouth is a valid component of a comprehensive oral hygiene program – especially if patients have had mouth surgery, teeth extractions or oral ulcers or lesions and need extra healing.

In fact, there is a topical oral antioxidant gel that has been available since 2010 called AO ProVantage. It contains ferulic acid and phloretin, two antioxidants that counteract free radical activity in skin cells. Researchers at Baylor College of Dentistry’s Department of Biomedical Sciences in Dallas, Texas, also recently linked these two substances to oral cell regeneration, according to a study released this month at the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. (Note: Currently, AO ProVantage is available only through a dentist or other health care professional.)

I think amping up the antioxidant levels in the mouth is a valid approach to promote healing of oral wounds and inflammation. When teamed with a nutritious chemical-free diet, brushing, flossing, professional dental cleanings, moderate exercise, stress reduction and good sleep on a consistent basis, I think we might see “spit therapy” play a role in the measurable reduction of disease. It’s a tall order, but we dentists can dream can’t we?

If you have oral inflammation or it’s been a while since you’ve been in for a checkup, call our Encino dental office to schedule an appointment at (818) 385-3681 or email us.

Best Regards, AM

Tip of the Day:

Eat foods high in beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and Vitamins A, C and E and you’ll be well on your way to an antioxidant-rich diet: carrots, blueberries, beans, mangos, spinach, apricots, squash, watermelon, pumpkin, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts, grains, cantaloupe, asparagus, papaya, eggs, collard greens, kale, broccoli, red wine, grape juice, figs, raisins, strawberries, peppers, avocados, spices, fresh herbs and cocoa. (I saved the best for last!)

How Does Gum Inflammation Affect Fertility?

Many health-minded women hit the gym and clean up their diets prior to becoming pregnant. I give them kudos, because it’s not always easy to pass up the Cheetos in the vending machine or climb on the elliptical trainer when you’ve had a hard day at work.

Shopping the organic produce aisles, preparing nutritious meals, and doing research about pregnancy and child-rearing can be expensive and time-consuming, but a think a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby are worth the effort. A strong body, a prepared mind and a calm spirit are a gift to yourself, your unborn child and those around you.

Unfortunately, many do not know that oral health affects fertility as well as pregnancy. This topic was addressed earlier this month during the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Stockholm, Sweden. Australian researchers, who had examined the records of thousands of women, found that those with better dental health conceived – on average – two months before those who had gingivitis or periodontitis.  Women with periodontal disease took more than seven months to conceive, while women with good oral health took only an average of five months to get pregnant, the researchers from the University of Western Australia noted. The cases of more than 3,400 women seeking to conceive a child were examined during the study.

Ladies, gum disease is preventable. Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings usually do the trick. But, if you have symptoms or have not seen your dentist in the last six months, you need to make an appointment. I think good dental health is just as important as taking a folic acid supplement and having a complete physical before trying to conceive a baby.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen or sore gums
• Loose teeth
• Gums pulling away from teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum infection or pus between teeth

Gum disease begins when bacteria in tooth plaque starts to harden and irritate the gums. If not addressed, the inflammation can become a full-blown infection, releasing toxins into the lungs and blood stream, where they inflict cellular damage. Gum disease is a progressive disorder and has been linked to premature birth and miscarriage, as well as tooth loss, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, kidney disease and respiratory ailments. Tobacco use, stress, systemic disease and some medications may contribute to gum disease, too.

These are not the thoughts we like to associate with bouncing baby boys and girls dressed pretty in pink, are they? But, these are the facts, and I want to be as direct as possible.

Your health – and the health of your unborn child – is very important to me, so please make a dental appointment, as well as schedule a checkup with an ob-gyn physician or your family practice doctor. Then, in a year or so, you can bring your beautiful healthy newborn in to meet me and my awesome staff at FocusedCareDental.com. We love babies and make goo-goo eyes with the best of ‘em.

Best Regards, AM

Tip of the Day:

If you are pregnant, eating a balanced diet is paramount to your health and that of your unborn child. Your baby’s teeth develop between the third and six month of gestation, so it’s essential that you get a broad range of nutrients, including adequate amounts of calcium, protein, iron, phosphorous and vitamins A, C and D. Please talk to your obstetrician about a healthy diet and taking a prenatal vitamin.

My office strives to give residents of Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley the highest quality dental care possible. We use the best techniques, material and equipment available, based on the latest research and discussions with lecturers at conferences.

I love to hear about cutting-edge research and make it my business to keep patients and my office staff informed. I think that’s part of what it means to be a caring dentist.

Researchers have been working feverishly for years to find clinical applications for stem cells, which have the remarkable ability morph into different cell types. Early in life, stem cells naturally divide and either remain as stem cells or are signaled to turn into specialized cells to build muscle, bone, blood, teeth, etc. Researchers have discovered that some of these cells can be artificially prompted in the lab to turn into specified tissue or organ cells.

In the beginning, lots of controversy surrounded regenerative medicine because the cells used initially in research were embryonic stem cells. Since then, other rich sources of these cells have been identified. Stem cells have been harvested from adults, and dental stem cells were discovered by scientists at the National Institutes of Health in 2000. Advances built on that discovery have been a catalyst for human clinical trials to treat gum disease and regenerate alveolar bone – the bone that holds the tooth sockets.

Experts think dental stem cells hold promise in cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease and even diabetes. The real kicker is that these dental stem cells are easily available in every household with children! Why? Their baby teeth! Those little pearls on the end of strings (not my preferred method of removal) are a potent source of active stem cells!

And now there are reputable services – such as StemSave and Store-a-Tooth – that help parents bank this precious material for their children. Youngsters going to the dentist’s office to have healthy baby teeth (or wisdom teeth) removed for braces can harvest them for future use, if ever needed. The tooth is medically stored in an FDA-approved and ADA-accepted kit and shipped to facilities where they undergo cryopreservation (really cold stuff). Although there are currently no FDA-approved clinical therapies using dental stem cells for consumers, I firmly believe that’s only a matter of time.

Earlier this year, scientists were able to get dental stem cells harvested from the pulp of baby teeth to generate islet-like cells. Islets are tiny organs in the pancreas that produce insulin, which helps the body regulate blood sugar. This promising research may help us fight the diabetes epidemic plaguing 25.8 million people in the United States. That’s 8.3 percent of the population, says the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

In another study, researchers were able to get stem cells to generate jaw bone material, which may someday spell relief for TMJ sufferers. Other cell therapy scientists have their eyes on solving the organ shortage for transplantation and treating arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and severe burns.

In summary, FocusedCareDental.com backs dental stem cell harvesting for the following reasons:

• It’s non-invasive, unlike harvesting bone marrow stem cells.
• It hosts fewer ethical concerns than embryonic cell use.
• It’s easier and less costly than umbilical cord blood collection/storage.
• The time frame for action is broader – whole childhood vs. the birth event.
• It holds potential treatment, should your child – heaven forbid – ever get seriously sick.

Tip of the Day: Is your teen complaining about swollen lymph nodes or a painful lump in the back of his mouth? Is his breath bad enough to knock over a stout horse? It could be an emerging wisdom tooth. The third molars come in between 17-25 years of age. When these teeth are only partially erupted, food and bacteria can collect under the gum flap, causing an infection and swelling. Make an appointment, and I’ll check it out. In the meantime, have your teen brush, floss and swish warm salt water several times a day.

Best regards, AM

The folks at FocusedCareDental here in Encino send our patients and neighbors a collective “Gesundheit!” – especially those with an allergy to tree pollen. “Gesundheit” is German for “good health” or “healthfulness,” and that’s what we want for all of you.

Pollen is just one of many allergens that aggravate the sinus system. Mold, dust, pet dander and smoke can be just as bad. Fortunately, we live in a dry zone, so mold is typically less of an issue here than, say, for the folks experiencing flooding and storms in the Mississippi Valley. Tree pollen, however, is at moderate to high levels in the Encino area right now, according to The Weather Channel’s Pollen Almanac, and grass pollen levels are expected to rise in the next week or so.

What’s this forecast mean? Well, for some it means itchy eyes. For others, it means constant sneezing and a nose that runs like a faucet. Some people get swollen congested sinus cavities. That stuffiness can lead to facial pressure, infection, bad breath and aching teeth.

Yup. I have patients that complain of tooth pain, which is not uncommon for those with sinusitis. The maxillary sinus cavity sits right above the top molars in the back of the mouth. The teeth and sinuses share a common wall, so when there’s infection or pressure buildup in the sinus cavity, painful teeth may result.

Determining the source of dental tooth pain is paramount. While we typically think “abscess,” “cavity” or “loose filling” when we hear complaints of tooth pain, the root cause can be something entirely different for chronic sinusitis sufferers. Sinus infections can aggravate facial nerves, infect bone tissue or cause tooth fractures. In the worst case scenario, a brain infection may ensue.

My advice? Don’t “just live with it.” Get to the bottom of your sinus problems. Get yourself evaluated medically, start treatment, and make lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms. (See tips below.)

If you come in with tooth pain, we will take a full medical history and do diagnostic testing to determine the source of your pain. If sinusitis is suspected, we tap the teeth with an instrument to test for sensitivity, and sometimes we take X-rays. Typically more than one tooth is sensitive when sinus pressure and infection are involved. Usually sinusitis presents with upper tooth pain. Lower tooth pain points to TMJ or other issues.

Standard treatment for allergy and sinusitis includes saline nasal washes, warm compresses to the face, antihistamines, analgesics, antibiotics, topical or oral decongestants, and steroids. Lifestyle modifications are encouraged. A referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist or allergist may be necessary.

FocusedCareDental.com’s Seasonal Allergy Tips

Limiting exposure to allergens is key when trying to get sinus attacks under control. FocusedCareDental.com offers these environmental control measures to alleviate sinusitis symptoms.

• Limit outdoor time during allergy season
• Bathe indoor-outdoor pets frequently
• Use a saline nasal rinse daily
• Wash your face and hair, especially before bed
• Use the air-conditioner in your car and at home
• Change air filters frequently
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
• Opt for wood or tile floors rather than carpet
• Keep indoor humidity between 40-60 percent
• Avoid cigarette smoke and other pollutants

Forty million American’s suffer from sinusitis. If you think your tooth pain might be linked to your sinuses, call us to schedule a consultation. We’d like to help.

Tip of the Day: Don’t bubble wrap your children. Let them play and get dirty once in a while. I think it helps develop their immune systems, so their T cells don’t over-react – as they do during an allergic response. Overuse of hand sanitizer, antibiotics and disinfectants is one of the theories behind the development of “super bugs,” food allergies and immune system failures. And remember, it’s ok to eat candy once in a while. (I love very dark chocolate)

Best regards, AM

Has your “main squeeze” been giving you fits? I think life is too short for such nonsense. Dump the migraines. Kick that TMJ pain to the curb. ‘Om’ away those tension headaches. Life goes by too fast to be dragged down by a pain in the…brain!

Thirty million people in the United States are plagued by migraines, according to the National Headache Foundation, and nine out of 10 of the rest of the population are affected by other sorts of headaches. Some headaches are seasonal, brought on by California’s blooming trees, grass fires, or mold linked to high humidity. In fact, 40 million Americans are affected by sinusitis, reports the Cleveland Clinic, a highly regarded research, treatment and teaching hospital.

Tracking Headache Triggers

When a patient comes into my Encino dental practice, complaining of headache, I have to look at the big picture. It’s important to identify the source of the pain and what triggers it, and then treat it. While the problem may lie in ill-fitting dentures or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation, the pain may also be linked to food allergies, hormones, alcohol use, medicinal side effects or a job with a high stress quota.

Headaches can just as easily be associated with something benign as chewing too much gum, going off caffeinated coffee cold turkey or embracing corn-on-the-cob season with too much vigor. These later examples may just require a little behavior modification. Other headaches may need more creative intervention to facilitate headache relief.

You can usually sort headaches into one of five types:

Five Headache Types

1. Sinus headaches
2. TMJ-linked headaches
3. Migraine headaches
4. Tension headaches
5. Cluster headaches

Sinus headaches are marked by pain, pressure and swelling in the nasal cavities. Breathing through the nose may be difficult. Limiting exposure to allergens is key, as well as treatment with antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics and over-the-counter analgesics.

TMJ headaches may be caused by teeth grinding, jaw joint malfunction, stress, uneven tooth surfaces, trauma, or overworked muscles from ice or fingernail chewing habits. I talk about this in depth on my website on the Joint (TMJ/TMD) Disorders page. Please review this information if you have tenderness in the temples or neck, popping or clicking in the jaw, or a jaw that locks.

There are numerous therapies for TMJ, including moist heat applications, analgesics, lifestyle changes, dental splints, braces, relaxation therapy, tooth resurfacing and other treatments. After a full diagnostic evaluation, we will design a rehabilitation plan that is unique for you. You will not find one-size-fits-all treatment in our office!

If I’ve ruled out a dental cause for your headaches, I might refer you to an allergist or your family doctor for a full workup, especially in cases of ongoing cluster headaches or severe migraines that bring on nausea, one-sided pain, extreme light sensitivity and visual anomalies. Migraines are a leading cause of absenteeism and lost productivity in the workplace, so for your well-being and job security, it’s really important to get to the bottom of all the pain.

According to the National Institutes of Health, pain in the workplace costs the economy an estimated $100 billion, and American workers lose 50 million workdays over the course of a year due to chronic pain, says the American Pain Foundation. If you have been missing work or social engagements because of headaches, email our office or give us a call at (818) 385-3681 to make an appointment. We would like to help.

Tip of the day: Do you suffer from headaches? Keep a health diary to track down personal headache triggers. Jot down your activities, meals, medications and stressors. You may see some patterns: too much coffee, a visit from the in-laws, sleep deprivation, a skipped yoga class, monthly hormonal fluctuations, or maybe you have indulged in too many boxes of chewy Cracker Jacks at weekend ballgames!

Best regards, AM

Fish Oil Compounds May Resolve Gum Inflammation

I like to make my dental advice simple – something the average person can understand and apply right away to his or her life. Health journals are hard to translate, and there’s a lot of junk health information floating in cyberspace. So what’s a health-conscience person to do?

Well, you can start by visiting my FAQ website page or my blog site regularly. I cut to the chase and only dispense verified researched information that I feel good about. So here is my FYI tidbit for the day.

It Does a Body Good

Include polyunsaturated fats in your diet. In particular, eat cold water fish like salmon. You also can opt for a little seaweed (Sushi, anyone?) or take an Omega-3 fish oil supplement found at the local grocery store.

Why is this healthful? Well, statistical analysis shows a reduction in gum disease in those with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fats in their diets. Gum disease – or “periodontitis” – is linked to tooth loss, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and many kinds of cancer. In severe cases, gum infections can cause pregnant women to give birth prematurely. (The little tykes are underweight and can have all the health issues associated with being a preemie.)

Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s why it’s so good for you. I think when this type of dietary therapy is combined with daily brushing, flossing and professional dental cleaning, your chances of avoiding disease are a lot better.

Fact or Fishin?

Harvard Medical School and researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health recently examined the records of 9,000 adults from varied demographics. Those who consumed the highest amount of a particular type of fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA) had a 20 percent decrease in gum inflammation.

Japanese researchers found the same thing in a study of dental health in the elderly. Low fish oil consumption was significantly associated with oral bacteria and gum disease. In fact, periodontitis was 1.5 times more prevalent among those with the lowest measured intake of DHA in their diets.

Salmon is not your only fish option. Other cold water fish contain the fish oils that are beneficial to gum health and heart health, too.

Seafood That Contains Fatty Acids:

• Trout
• Tuna, particularly blue fin tuna
• Sardines
• Shellfish
• Herring
• Seaweed
• Mackerel
• Pilchard
• Salmon

Oils from this seafood have the added bonus of helping in weight maintenance. Some smaller studies also have shown that these omega-3 fats may help with rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, Raynaud’s circulation symptoms, Lupus fatigue, development of brain function in infants and possibly alleviation of depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Why mention these other health disorders on a dental blog site? Simply put, we value our patients’ overall health. We embrace a holistic approach to healthcare and don’t think dental problems exist in isolation. A healthy body and mouth work in tandem. At Focused Care Dental, we want you to live a long vibrant life – complete with healthy gums and strong teeth.

If you are experiencing any of the signs of periodontal disease, please call us to schedule a consultation. Here’s what to look for:

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums
• Gums that are pulled away from teeth
• Loose or separated teeth
• Gums with redness, swelling or tenderness
• Ongoing bad breath
• Pus between gums and teeth

Best regards, AM

Tip of the Day: Mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Stir until dissolved. Use this to gargle and swish around your mouth for 60-90 seconds after brushing. It will help soothe mild gum irritation and wash away residual bacteria.