Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Thursday, October 30, 2008

COULD YOUR TEETH SAVE YOUR LIFE IN THE FUTURE?

We've all heard about stem cells and their potential. Many diseases can have treatments developed from stem cells. Some of these diseases are heart related, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis, just to name a few.

Just what are stem cells anyway? They are found in everyone, no matter what your age. They are stored in and steer the healing processes in our bodies. Adult stem cells are non-specific and early stage cells that have the ability to duplicate themselves and to grow. They can become bone, muscle, or organ tissue when we are sick or are injured. Knowing about stem cells and their benefit is not new; they were identified in the 1960's. Currently, there are medical treatments developed from stem cells that are treating a variety of diseases and illnesses being tested with human volunteers.

As you know, stem cells have been collected from a variety of places -most commonly umbilical cord blood. So what does this have to do with teeth? The National Institute of Health has just released a study showing there are strong stem cells in teeth. This discovery will give everyone the ability to save their own stem cells for the future and for future medical treatments as they are developed.

Currently there are many stem cell storage options available. If you want or need further information, please call our office at 561-394-9000, we would be happy to help you with obtaining it. If you have not had a complete dental examination within the last year, please call our office to arrange an appointment!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Periodontal disease and hair loss?

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

BAD ORAL HEALTH CAN CAUSE HAIR LOSS

Research has revealed a link between overall health and oral health, such as the fact that gum disease can contribute to increased risk for a number of problems, from low weight births to heart attacks, strokes and Alzheimer's. We know that oral health can contribute to a person's appearance, outside of their smile.

A condition called Alopecia Aredia is a condition of hair loss that is connected to poor oral health.

Bald patches may sometimes occur in a line projected from dental infections. The scalp, as well as the facial hair, eyebrows, beards maybe effected. Both men and women are susceptible to this. Patients who notice localized bold patches should visit their dentist to rule out any dental infections. Periodontal Disease is a serious disease, please be sure to floss your teeth on a dialy basis and have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months. Please call us at 561-394-9000 for an appointment with our hygienist!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Oral Piercing and Your Health

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Oral Piercing and Your Health

Oral piercing is becoming more prevalent in society. Young adults, athletes, musicians, and many more are piercing their lips or tongue to make a statement. Before making the decision to visit a piercing parlor, it is important to know the risks and side effects that can be involved with oral piercing.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, one out of every five oral piercings results in infection from contaminated puncture wounds. The mouth is a host for a vast amount of bacteria. The actual piercing site could be considered a wound in the mouth, which is susceptible to infection. There is a chance that the bacteria from the mouth or handling of the jewelry could enter the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the heart or its valves). The chance of transmitting herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B and C is also a potential risk.
If nerves have been damaged from the piercing, numbness or loss of sensation could occur. Tongue swelling from infection or trauma could block the airway and cause difficulty breathing. Dislodging and aspirating the barbell, etc. is also possible which can restrict the airway. For athletes, especially contact sports, this is more common.
Teeth that come in contact with the jewelry can be damaged by chipping or cracking. One study shows 47% of people wearing barbell tongue jewelry for 4 or more years had at least one chipped tooth. Jewelry can also interfere with salivary function because the actual jewelry stimulates salivary flow. Temporary or permanent drooling has been reported. Speech can be affected and taste can be altered.
Oral piercing is definitely not recommended! If you decide to have the oral piercing, it is important to consider the health and safety precautions taken at the piercing parlor of your choice. Ask a friend with a positive experience for a referral. Make sure the studio has a clean appearance especially in the area where the piercing is done. Ask if they use hospital-grade autoclaves for sterilization and/or use disposable instruments. Disposable gloves should be used. Ask to see health certificates. All staff members who are involved in the piercings should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. All needles and jewelry should be in sterilized packaging.
If you have questions or concerns about oral piercings please contact Dr. Mogell at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Gaining An Athletic Edge

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Gaining An Athletic Edge

It has become apparent that enhanced power and strength can be gained by a properly aligned jaw!
How does one have there jaw aligned? With the 40 year history of Neuromuscular Dentistry, these concept have applied to creating the Pure Power Mouthguard(PPM). By holding the jaw in a position that allows his jaw and neck muscles to completely relax, The PPM is literally give athletes an edge in strength, balance and flexibility.
Does it work? Ask Manny Ramirez, the star slugger of the Los Angles Dodgers. "Incredible," is how Ramirez describes it. "I pop this thing in my mouth before I go to the plate, and man do I feel a difference. Just like that, I feel stronger, and more relaxed. And when you're feeling relaxed and in tune with your body, you can do some damage... I just love it," he says.
Many other professional athletes are utilizing the PPM to give them an additional competitive edge as is Josh Brown the kicker for the NFL's St. Louis Rams. Brown believes that his PPM allows him to run faster and allows him to lift an additional 20 or 30 pounds in each exercise he does in the weight room.
The PPM is for any athlete that wants to improve their performance. For additional information on how you can be fitted for a PPM please contact us at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Periodontal Disease & Pancreatic Cancer?

I was recently was shown an article that was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in January of 2007. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk for Pancreatic Cancer!
According to Dominique Michaud, the lead author of the study and assistant professor of epidemiology at HSPH, "our study provides the first strong evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer." The researchers believe that a possible reason for the study results is that inflammation from periodontal disease may promote cancer of the pancreas.
This reinforces our concern that in today's world, that dentistry is not just about your teeth, but your total body health.
If you have not had a complete dental examination and your teeth cleaned lately, please call us at 561-394-9000 to schedule an appointment.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Soda Can Hurt Your Teeth!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

We all know that soda is bad for our waistlines but did you know it is also one of the culprits responsible for the increase in dental erosion across America. What is dental erosion? It is the loss of the protective enamel on your teeth and is caused by acids found in many common products like soft drinks, sports drinks, acidic fruit juices and some herbal teas. Other causes can be linked to certain medications, like aspirin. Gastric reflux or an eating disorder like bulimia can also be causes.

A study done by the University of Texas Health Science Center earlier this year studies 900 middle school students (10 – 14 year olds) and found that about 30% of them had signs of dental erosion. Loss of tooth enamel leads to sensitivity and increased likelihood of tooth decay.

If your teeth are already showing signs of enamel loss you may notice your teeth becoming much more sensitive. Fortunately, through the use of fluoride and other treatment options we can stop further damage from occurring. If you believe you may have risk factors for dental erosion please call our office at 561-394-9000 for a consultation so we can monitor your oral health more closely.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Dental Hygiene and Pregnancy

Monday, October 13, 2008

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH

Did you know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums? Your oral health can affect the general and dental health of your unborn child. Any infection during pregnancy is a cause for concern. A mouth infection, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, can lead to premature birth and low birth weight, putting your unborn baby at serious risk for life long conditions such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, or even death. Recent research suggests that the hormones the body releases to trigger labor may be similar to those released in response to an infection. In fact, pregnant women with gum disease are six times more likely to deliver their babies earlier than women with healthy gums. Since tooth decay is an infectious disease, a reduction in maternal cavity-causing bacteria may diminish transmission of these bacteria between mother and child. Other research suggests a link between maternal oral health during pregnancy and the development of early childhood caries in children.

What can you do to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

The best advice for women considering pregnancy is to visit their dentist for a complete exam and to treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant. It is also very important to continue seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups and dental hygiene visits. This is important because pregnancy gingivitis occurs from increased level of hormones, which exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque. However, it is still plaque, not hormones that is the major cause of gingivitis. Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line by flossing, brushing and regular hygiene visits every three months will dramatically help reduce or even prevent gingivitis during your pregnancy.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Mogell or our hygienists, Katherine and Kim, please call our office at (561) 394-9000.

Katherine Danias, R.D.H., BA,

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Whoopi's Dental Impressions

Monday, October 06, 2008

If Whoopi says it is so….

At dinner Friday night, my friend Margie shared with me what she saw on “The View”. I will preface this for Margie’s sake that she doesn’t spend her days watching “The View” but she just so happened to be in an office that had it on the television in the reception area!
It seems that Whoopi, like many people, hasn’t been to dentist is years. Also like many people, Whoopie became motivated to go to the dentist by pain. Whoopi shared her experience with the millions of watchers how positive her appointment was!
Yes, she said you can go to the dentist and not experience pain! More importantly Whoopi shared with America the how dental neglect affects your entire body and overall health.
It takes a lot of courage to open up so honestly in front of her fans, but it takes more courage for her to address the issues that will impact her everyday life. Good for you Whoopi, thanks for being an advocate for dental health!
Has it been a long time since you were seen by a dentist? Please call us for an appointment at 561-394-9000 we will be sure that your experience is as positive as Whoopi’s!
The clip can be seen at: http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/video, Hot Topics 10/01 The Dentist

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.