David J. Martin, DDS Blog

It’s no secret that pregnancy is an important time in a woman’s life. While women often hear about how pregnancy causes physical changes that affect their hormone or appetite levels, these changes can have a great effect on their oral health as well. Despite the fact that good oral health is essential for the overall health of both mother and child, only 22 to 34 percent of women in the United States visit a dentist during pregnancy. In fact, dental care during pregnancy is not only safe and effective, it’s essential for combating the adverse effects of oral disease, according to an article published in the May/June 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dentists have the ability to maintain the oral health of expectant mothers by treating the dental findings that are common during pregnancy.

“Hormonal changes during pregnancy can result in several changes in the mouth,” says Homa Amini, DDS, co-author of the article. “Reports show that the most common oral disease is gingivitis, which has been reported in 30 to 100 percent of pregnancies.”

Gingivitis, a buildup of plaque that causes inflammation of the gums, should be treated with a professional cleaning and proper toothbrushing and flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. “Patients tend to delay the treatment of oral disease due to concerns for fetal safety; however, routine dental treatment can be performed safely at any time during pregnancy,” says Dr. Amini. What’s more, untreated dental disease can lead to pain, infections and unnecessary exposure to medications, any of which could harm the developing fetus. Poor oral health also can affect the nutritional intake of expectant mothers, which is essential for fetal growth and survival.

The hormonal fluctuations that result from pregnancy can produce benign pregnancy tumors in the mouth. These tumors usually appear after the first trimester and typically go away after delivery; however, surgical removal may be required when these tumors bleed, interfere with eating or do not resolve after delivery.

In addition to examining for oral disease, dentists may notice dental erosion—the chemical or mechanochemical destruction of tooth material—in pregnant women, due to increased acid in the mouth following morning sickness.

“To neutralize acid after vomiting, pregnant women should rinse the mouth with a mixture of a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water,” says Patricia Meredith, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the AGD. “The teeth should be brushed only after the mouth has been rinsed and the acid has been neutralized to prevent further damage to the enamel.”
Oral health assessment and treatment should be an essential part of prenatal care, as these steps allow the patient to receive ongoing advice concerning proper oral hygiene and infant oral health care.

I often am asked about he type of fillings that are most commonly done. I thought it might be a good idea to put together a short question and answer primer about composite (white) fillings.

What is a Composite Resin (White Filling)
A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

How is a composite placed?
Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

What is the cost?
Prices vary, but composites can cost up to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.

What are the advantages of composites?
Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

What are the disadvantages?
After receiving a composite, a patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities. It is possible to have indirect composite or porcelain onlays placed in teeth with large needed restorations.

All sporting activities have an associated risk of facial injuries due to falls, collisions with players, devices, and hard surfaces. Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth during sports. The risk of an facial injury was 1.6-1.9 times higher when a mouth guard was not worn.

We have added state of the art vacuum equipment to allow us to process two layer custom mouth guards. I am so excited to be able to provided this added level of protection of our sports orientated patients.
There are three types of mouth guards:
1. Stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting goods and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection. Dentists do not recommend their use.
2. Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The “boil and bite” mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. Studies show there is no difference in protection whether a boil and bite guard is worn or not.
3. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.
Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
Who Needs a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards should be used by anyone — both children and adults — who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in non-contact sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
Why Use a Mouth Guard When Playing Sports?
Because accidents can happen during any physical activity, the advantage of using a mouth guard during sports is that it can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss.
Can I Wear a Mouth Guard if I Wear Braces?
Yes. Since an injury to the face could damage braces or other fixed appliances, a properly fitted mouth guard may be particularly important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. Your dentist or orthodontist can determine the mouth guard that will provide the best protection for your unique mouth work. An important reminder: do not hgduring any recreational activities that put your mouth at risk for injury.
There are studies that show there is a strong possibility that wearing custom made mouth guards reduce the chance of a concussion if there is a head injury during a sporting activity. The most recent studies draw conclusions that there is a significant advantage to a custom made guard over the boil and bite guards. The amount of protection to both the teeth and the head is far greater. Some studies go as far as drawing a conclusion that the boil and bite guards are as effective as having no guard at all. We strongly believe there is no substitute for offering the athletes the maximum protection to concussions and oral facial injuries. All it takes is one blow to cause an avoidable injury. Now have a simple way to minimize that possibility.

Diabetes is a disease that can affect the whole body, including your mouth. Dental care is particularly important for people with diabetes because they face a higher than normal risk of oral health problems due to poorly controlled blood sugars. The less well controlled the blood sugar, the more likely oral health problems will arise. This is because uncontrolled diabetes impairs white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.
What Dental Problems Are People With Diabetes at Higher Risk For?

People with diabetes face a higher risk of:

* Dry mouth . Uncontrolled diabetes can decrease saliva flow, resulting in dry mouth. Dry mouth can further lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay.
* Gum inflammation (gingivitis and periodontitis). Besides impairing white blood cells, another complication of diabetes is that it causes blood vessels to thicken, which slows the flow of nutrients to and waste products from body tissues, including the mouth. When this combination of events happens, the body’s ability to fight infections is reduced. Since periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, diabetics with uncontrolled disease may experience more frequent and more severe gum disease.
* Poor healing of oral tissues. People with uncontrolled diabetes do not heal quickly after oral surgery or other dental procedures because blood flow to the treatment site can be impaired.
* Thrush . People with diabetes who frequently take antibiotics to fight various infections are especially prone to developing a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. The fungus thrives on the high levels of sugar in the saliva of people with uncontrolled diabetes.
* Burning mouth and/or tongue. This condition is caused by the presence of thrush.

People with diabetes who smoke are at even a higher risk — up to 20 times more likely than nonsmokers — for the development of thrush and periodontal disease. Smoking also seems to impair blood flow to the gums — which may affect wound healing in this tissue area.

Looking for a unique bachelorette party idea? If you’re tired of the usual cheesy party games, over-indulgence in alcohol, and dealing with inappropriate pictures the next day, think about hosting an at-home Juvederm party!

What’s Juvederm? Juvederm is one of the newest dermal-filling products on the market and so far, we’re extremely impressed! Juvederm is an injectable substance used to plump minor folds around your smile, vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows, and add volume to thin or aging lips. And the results are incredible!

With immediate results, little-or-no downtime, and no need for anesthesia, Juvederm is one of the fastest, non-surgical aesthetic procedures in the United States. More and more brides are turning to Juvederm to give the gift of confidence to others.

Say “thank you” to your bridesmaids, friends, and family with an opportunity to enhance their looks in an easy and relatively painless way! Dr. Martin will travel to your home to perform the Juvederm system for the ultimate level of comfort and confidentiality. Serve cocktails, appetizers, and host an elegant bachelorette party your guests are sure to enjoy.

For more information about Juvederm, and to learn other ways Dr. Martin can help prepare you for your big day, make an appointment today!

It’s official–wedding season is here! If you’re the bride-to-be, you’ve been busy planning the seating chart, picking out a dress, coordinating wedding decorations, and registering for fine china. But have you planned any pampering services for you?

Of course you’ll have your hair and makeup done on your big day, but what about services that last longer than just a few hours? Dr. Martin and the rest of his staff have several ways to pamper you before your wedding!

First, is our ZOOM! Whitening Service. Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, so we know you’ll be smiling a lot. You could spend weeks and weeks with frustrating and messy at-home whitening trays to improve your smile, or you could come in for a 1-hour office visit and see amazing results in a fraction of the time! Whitening your teeth is a quick procedure that will last for months, but you’ll be happy with your wedding photos forever.

The second way Dr. Martin can help you look your best is by offering Botox. You probably thought you had to visit a plastic surgeon’s office or your local hospital to decrease facial lines and wrinkles, but Dr. Martin can provide you with Botox services at your next dental visit! Botox injections are mostly painless and take only minutes to administer. When finished, you’ll enjoy a smoother, younger complexion without having to worry about imperfections on your wedding day–what’s better than that?

If you’re looking to enhance your overall look on your wedding day, a whiter smile and a rejuvenated face will make all the difference! Come in today for a free consultation and more information on our services.

I found this article on the fact there is a correlation between TMD and posture. The occlusal arrangement becomes the cornerstone to the rest of your body and having all the parts in sync is so important. More support for the Neuromuscular approach to TMD pain.

“If you experience frequent headaches and pain in your lower jaw, check your posture and consult your dentist about temporomandibular disorder (TMD), recommends the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.

Poor posture places the spine in a position that causes stress to the jaw joint. When people slouch or hunch over, the lower jaw shifts forward, causing the upper and lower teeth to not fit together properly, and the skull moves back on the spinal column.

This movement puts stress on muscles, joints and bones and, if left untreated, can create pain and inflammation in muscles and joints when the mouth opens and closes.”

Good posture is important, yet many people don’t realize how posture affects their oral health.

An oral appliance can help align the teeth in a position that will reduce facial pain caused by poor posture. The appliance can also prevent future damage to teeth.

Just wanted to share this with all that their is positive value to treating Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction utilizing Neuromuscular theories. This was posted on facebook today and wanted to share how positive factor on one’s life being pain free and able to absorb trauma if in the proper physiological position. I will continue to post patient responses to treatment.

“Jackie Brady David J Martin DDS MAGD/ Debra M Ferraiolo DMD FAGD: I just had to write to you all to tell you that I was in a multi-car accident on Tuesday. (I’m good, just sore) And to thank you for treating my TMD because my jaw is FINE! If this had happened before, it would have been terrible. I think my jaw’s the only thing that *doesn’t* hurt on my head/back/shoulders/neck. So thank you so much.
about an hour ago · Comment · LikeUnlike · Report”

What is Juvederm?
Juvederm is one of the newest, “next generation” substances in cosmetic surgery known as “dermal fillers” or “injectable fillers.” Because more patients want quick procedures that show almost immediate results with little, or no, downtime, Made of a natural substance known as hyaluronic acid, Juvederm is FDA approved and — like Botox — is one of the fastest growing non-surgical aesthetic procedures in the United States.
Juvederm is often used to:
• Plump up folds that run from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Fill in the prominent vertical wrinkles, (the “11s”) between the eyebrows
• Reduce the “Marionette lines,” the downturned creases at the corner of the mouth
• Augment thin or aging lips
Hyaluronic acid is important because one of its chief functions in the human body is maintaining skin volume and hydration. In medicine, hyaluronic acid has been used to ease joint pain, treat wounds and in eye surgery. In was used for the first time in 1996 in Europe for facial tissue augmentation. We know that we lose 1% of dermal (just below the skin) collagen over age 50. The use of fillers are curative and preventative and continued maintenance is crucial. Dermal fillers are not a substitute for a face left to correct wrinkles and sagging skin.
What are the Benefits of Juvederm?
An injectable filler like Juvederm can accomplish the same facial rejuvenation, as a surgical procedure, so the patient can leave the doctor’s office immediately and fully resume his or her normal activities by the next day. Moreover, the cost is less than surgery. There is no need for anesthesia or down time.

Where Do I Begin?
With a consultation at the office of a trained individual. Using During consultations, doctors can learn more about patients and vice versa. Moreover, the consultation visit gives the doctor a chance to evaluate the current state of the patient’s skin and face while discussing options that will help the patient achieve the desired look. Consultation visits also give patients the opportunity to talk about their goals and expectations for their treatments, ask any questions they might have, and look at before and after pictures of previous patients who had the same procedure. These visits also allow doctors to tell their patients about the benefits, precautions, treatment response, adverse reactions, method of anesthetic administration, if any, and other important issues.
What Are The Risks and Side Effects To Having Juvederm?
Depending on the procedure and the amount of Juvederm injected, risks include bruising, swelling and infection, all of which are minimized by seeing a trained practitioner. In clinical testing, the most commonly reported side effects included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain and tenderness, skin firmness and lumps and bumps under the skin known as granulomas. According to Allergan, Juvederm’s manufacturer, treated areas should not be exposed to excessive sun, or extremely cold weather until initial swelling and redness has been resolved. Laser treatments, chemical peel and other procedures on the skin should be delayed until after receiving Juvederm due to a possible risk of inflammation at the injection site. Most Juvederm providers caution patients that bruising or bleeding at the injection site can be increased by taking aspirin, ibuprofen or any other substance that thins the blood. Juvederm is not indicated for people who have allergies to bacterial proteins or patients with severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylaxis or multiple severe allergies.

What Are the Results of Juvederm and How Long Do They Last?
Juvederm’s results are usually natural, seen immediately and look about the same as with surgery. However, the body absorbs the hyaluronic acid over time so the injections must be repeated periodically to maintain the refreshed look; Juvederm lasts about four to six months. For longer results, the manufacturer, Allergan, also offers Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus which are said to last about a year.

What Are the Costs of Juvederm?
Costs vary according to the region of the nation in which you live. The national average for a vial of Juvederm runs between $400 and $500. One-half vial of Juvederm treats one nasolabial fold.