Sleep apnea affects an alarming number of adults in the United States. This condition is characterized by snoring, gasping, or choking in one’s sleep. The side effects range from moderate to severe, including high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, weight gain, acid reflux, and adult asthma. During the day, lack of sleep can significantly impair both work performance and the ability to drive. Today, new orthodontic devices are available to treat sleep apnea and reduce the negative side effects of this condition. One treatment is the DNA Appliance, a set of oral aligners that reposition the soft tissues of the mouth to minimize symptoms while creating a beautiful smile. Learn more about the DNA Appliance on the Miami Dentist Blog.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/sleep-apnea-is-killing-you/
Treating a Gum Infection
What are the symptoms of a gum infection? If you are like most people, you will not notice that a gum infection has potentially taken place until your gums become swollen, bloody, and/or painful. However, infection may begin long before the first signs of discomfort are noticed. Some studies suggest that gums can become infected just 48 hours after sugars and starches attach themselves to tooth enamel and begin creating plaque. This makes one thing certain: Proactively brushing and flossing your teeth is the easiest and most effective way to minimize the risk of developing bloody, swollen, or agitated gums. Flossing is also vital, as it removes food debris that toothbrushes cannot reach.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/treating-bleeding-swollen-gums/
Can dental fillings be poisonous?
Dental amalgam is approved by the ADA for use as a dental restorative. Most patients recognize amalgam as “silver fillings,” a material that has been used to complete an estimated 1.4 billion procedures globally. But what if each one of those metallic fillings were poisonous? In this article, learn more about the mercury content of silver fillings. Explore the ways in which mercury from dental fillings might enter the blood stream, causing serious neurological damage. Also learn how mercury from dental fillings can pollute the environment when disposed of incorrectly.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/mercury-poisoning-from-dental-fillings/
EPA may lobby to change how silver fillings are disposed
Why would the EPA care how dentists dispose of dental amalgam? After all, if the ADA says it’s safe to use in patients’ mouths, then why would it be harmful if flushed into public sewer systems? The answer is very simple: Dental amalgam is dangerous because it contains up to 50% liquid mercury per mixture. In a report published by the World Health Organization, dental amalgam is recognized as being incredibly harmful to the natural environment. In fact, the 1991 report called dental amalgam the most significant source of mercury pollution in non-industrialized settings. Now, the EPA might be lobbying to place stricter guidelines on dental offices that use dental amalgam to ensure the controversial material is properly disposed of. Despite concern for environmental pollution, the substance is still used on patients.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/epa-proposes-more-eco-friendly-disposal-of-mercury-fillings/
Silver fillings contain toxic elements
Dental amalgam (silver fillings) can be extremely hazardous to human health. Though some of the metallic mixture is comprised of tin and other non-toxic metals, up to 60% is mixed with liquid mercury, a dangerous substance that is known to cause serious illness. Holistic dentists and physicians worry that silver fillings may emit mercury vapor over time. If that’s the case, it could easily pass through the soft tissues of the oral cavity and into the blood, where it is then transported throughout the body. Mercury vapor inhalation is known to cause a variety of serious health side effects, including impaired vision, loss of motor skills, central nervous system damage, and even death. So why is dental amalgam still being used when safe, bio-compatible restorative materials are available? In this article on the Miami Dentist Blog, we explore the many ways in which toxic dental amalgam poses a threat to patients, dentists, and environment.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/measurably-misleading-the-danger-of-silver-fillings/
Israel Announces End to Water Fluoridation
Health Minister Yael German has succeeded in issuing a statewide ban on water fluoridation in Israel. Called a “sloppy form of medicine” by famous anti-fluoride activists like Ed Begley, water fluoridation is a controversial public health topic that is garnering more and more international attention with every passing year. Read why the holistic dental professionals at Miami’s Assure a Smile dentistry office say ending water fluoridation is a smart play both in America and around the world.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/israel-announces-end-to-water-fluoridation/
Mercury in Your Mouth – A Free Infographic
Mercury is the most dangerous non-radioactive substance known to man. Despite the threat this neuro-toxin presents to all biological life (both plant and animal), mercury is still used in several different industrial processes. As a result, it pollutes the environment and damages the cellular structures with which it comes in contact. The damaging effects of mercury are uncontested; so why is it used in dental amalgam? Most patients are shocked to learn that dental amalgam is mostly mercury, meaning that silver fillings can actually be 50% or more mercury. Although the American Dental Association has made no formal ban, other global agencies and health experts warn patients against the use of silver dental fillings. In this free infographic, learn more about the toxic side effects of mercury in your mouth.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/mercury-in-your-mouth-free-infographic/
3D Dental Imaging Arrives at Assure a Smile, Miami
Dental technologies just keep getting better and better. Today, new 3D dental imaging systems are making it safer and healthier to see what’s going on inside a patient’s mouth. Say goodbye to x-rays and hello to new 3D imaging, a technology that provides a clearer and more detailed analysis of the oral anatomy. Using 3D imaging, dentists can detect dental problems earlier and plan procedures with greater accuracy. Patients benefit as well, receiving a three dimensional look at their teeth and gums that shows strengths and weaknesses like never before. In Miami, one of the first dental practices to offer new 3D technology to patients is Assure a Smile.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/3d-dental-imaging-provides-better-diagnosis-treatment/
Holistic Dentist Recommends Patients Get Some Sun
Have you been in the sun lately? If not, a holistic dentist would recommend you do! The sun’s rays are an essential element of natural health, according to dentists and dermatologists in Miami. Most patients are shocked to hear doctors say such things— traditionally, the sun has been labeled as a powerful and potentially dangerous thing. Now, however, studies show that sun exposure is actually the only thing that triggers all-natural vitamin D production within the body. Vitamin D is very important to dental, periodontal, and tooth health. Visit the Miami Dentist Blog to learn more on the science of sun tans, vitamin D production, and improved oral health.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/dentists-weigh-in-on-sun-exposure-myth/
What is Oil Pulling?
What is oil pulling? The Internet has been buzzing lately as word of this ancient practice has spread across holistic health blogs and dentistry newswires. Originally used in ancient India, oil pulling involves “swishing” oil throughout the teeth and gums to naturally extract bacteria. Holistic dentists believe that oil pulling every day can significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Because oil pulling has such a positive affect on oral health, holistic dentists also believe it can significantly improve total body wellness.
http://www.assureasmile.com/miami-dentist-blog/oil-pulling-for-holistic-health/
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