My Blog http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog.html en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 11:40:22 -0500 Wed, 16 May 2012 11:40:22 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Officite Development Scripting Ten Healthy Eating Tips - by Elissa Bluth MS RD CDNhttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/ten-healthy-eating-tips----by-elissa-bluth-ms-rd-cdn.html       The new year has rung in, bringing with it the promise of change and a better tomorrow.  Everyone is looking for ways to stick to resolutions of healthy eating and behaviors.  Here are ten tips to help make that happen.

  1. Eat breakfast … really!  If your start your day off right you’ll feel better.
  2. Prepare for snack attacks.  A new diet is not really on iron will alone.  Diet smarter not harder.  Keep smart snacks on hand for those times when you really want a little something. Snacks to consider; Dried fruit and nuts, Greek yogurt, and hummus with carrots.
  3. Watch your portion size by reading labels and measuring until you can “guesstimate”.  Healthy does not mean calorie free.
  4. Enjoy your food! Chew more slowly, concentrate on what you’re Eating and you’ll do more with less.
  5. “Drown out” the good with the bad.  No one is perfect all the time so aim for a 90/10 approach.  Ninety percent of your diet should be comprised of the “good foods” such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while ten percent can be some of your old favorites.
  6.  Swap! If you can’t stick to just 10% favorites or they are trigger foods that will send you on a binge, find ways to revamp those recipes or dishes so that you can include them more often.
  7. Don’t sabotage what you eat with what you drink.  Pop, alcohol and even juices can be very caloric. A Long Island iced tea can have as many calories as a burger! If you must indulge, dilute with ice and or water.  Anything made with more than one type of liquor, will have more calories.  Dilute juice with water o better yet, drink straight water and try flavored seltzers instead of diet soda.
  8. Be smart, use your smartphone.  Put that wonderful toy to good use. I Phones and Droids have some wonderful apps to help you track your calories, intake and even scan foods by bar code using your phone’s optical lens. No writing required!
  9. Don’t fall in to the salad traps. First off, you need a protein with that, or you’ll be heading for a Snicker’s later- martyrdom is not rewarded!  The most common salad disaster is what’s on it. Full fat creamy dressing, croutons, crunchy onions things etc… are not your friends.  Look for basic vinaigrettes and try adding beans for texture.
  10. Focus on whole foods.  The less ingredients the better. You don’t have to buy the latest health bar concoction. Real food is really good.
]]>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:58:39 -0600Root Canals Done Right!http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/root-canals-done-right.htmlWed, 01 Feb 2012 07:52:48 -06002012 New Years Resolutions!http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/new-years-resolutions.html How does one start a New Year’s Resolution? For Southfield Family Dental Center it all started with a conversation. Dr. Levi and Dr. Oleg were commiserating about gaining weight over the past year and through the holidays and had a brain child.....”Let’s have a Biggest Loser contest with the staff!” Immediately we began to work on the details and involve the staff. The following morning, the staff weighed in and thus began the Southfield Family Dental Center Staff Biggest Loser Contest.

Hmmm.....so if it's going to be a Biggest Loser Contest, how will it be fashioned after its namesake? Well, we didn't divide into teams, we don't have trainers, there won't be anyone voted off, we didn't go away to an all inclusive location away from reality and there isn't a $250,000 grand prize. We are supporting one another all the while competing for our version of the Biggest Loser prize as well as a second and third prize. The best prize of all.....we'll all be much healthier and happier by the end of our 90 day competition.

Dr. Levi and Dr. Oleg are very generous and want to reward those who have worked so hard. They have provided the first and third prize and the employees have “bought into” the competition which will provide the second prize.

Biggest Loser: 1 night at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, dinner, breakfast and $250 spending cash

Second prize: $200 cash ($10 collected from each of the 20 contestants to participate)

Third prize: $150 cash for most improved (not based on percentage of weight lost, but by overall appearance)

The motivation is truly for our staff to become healthier and support one another during our journey. We all take care of our teeth and gums because we know that our overall health is directly related to our physical health. We see patients every day whose oral health has been compromised by the issues they have with their oral health. We love the fact that we are helping our patients become healthy overall by addressing their oral health concerns. Our New Year's Resolution is to be the healthiest we can be by making lasting changes to our lives that will result in overall health and "walking-the-walk" for all to see. 

 

 

 

 

]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:05:08 -0600More Resources .http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/more-resources-.html Want To Learn More About Our Recent Blog Topics? Here Are A Few Related Links

 

Find out more about what general dentists and cosmetic dentists practice as well as what a periodontitis is on these informative webpages and articles. Call (248) 327-0313 for further information.

Read up on some dental facts for kidson this page from ADHA.org

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, read this article from WebMD.com.

Read this FAQ from ADA.org to get some quick facts on periodontitis.

Find out how a pediatric dentist cares for younger teethon this page from AAPD.org.

See what periodontitis is and how it affects yourteeth and gumson this page from the Mayo Clinic.

Call Southfield Family Dental Centerfor all of your general or cosmetic dentistry needs!

]]>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:12:03 -0500Differences between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistryhttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/differences-between-general-dentistry-and-cosmetic-dentistry.html Understanding the Difference between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry

Both Dr Levi and Dr. Krivichkin are general dentist and  specialize in cosmetic dentistry services. In fact, some of the same procedures are used in both.    They have trained with the most reknowned specialists in the country. So, what is the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?  Read on to find out: 

General Dentistry

General dentists treat painful, irritated, or damaged teeth in the same way a doctor cares for the body, identifying and solving oral problems. General dentists help to educate their patients about oral healthand hygiene, as well as offering cleaning services, necessary procedures such as the prevention and treatment of tooth- and gum-related diseases, and repairs to cavities or damaged teeth. Family dentists can help treat people across a span of ages, from pediatric dentistryto reconstructive services for those who have suffered tooth loss.

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is geared towards the cosmetic enhancementof someone’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry are similar in terms of restoration, where implants or other services help to offer a patient a full and bright smile. Cosmetic dentists also offer teeth whitening services and other procedures that help improve the appearance of teeth. Crooked teeth or teeth that have been chipped and cracked can be improved or repaired by a cosmetic dentist in Southfield.

A major advantage of having your teeth treated by a cosmetic dentist is the confidence boost you can receive from having a complete and white smile. No matter your age or condition, it’s important to keep regular appointments with your local dentist for the best smile possible.

Southfield Family Dental Centeroffers both cosmetic and general dentistry services so that your whole family can have the brightest and healthiest smiles around. Our Southfield orthodontic specialist can also help realign teeth with innovative solutions. Call our main office at (248) 569-6304 or visit our websiteto learn more today.

]]>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:56:47 -0500Managing Dental Phobiahttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/managing-dental-phobia.html Dentist Fears

According to Wiki, dentist fear is associated with anxiety or a phobia. This phobia had traditionally been defined as both irrational and exaggerated. But, some studies have shown that this is not the case.

While controversy exists with whether dental fear is "irrational", as it is seen to be most commonly caused by previous bad experiences, there are subtypes of dental phobia. For example "fear of dentists" versus "fear of specific dental procedures" and needle phobia  are considered subtypes of dental phobia, and not at all irrational.

Currently, dental fear is defined as an extreme and persistent fear which involves dentists, dental procedures, a specific fear of needles, teeth, or objects and situations which remind the individual of the phobic situation. Not surprisingly, the dentist's drill is often a major factor in dentist fears. Even thinking or hearing about going to the dentist causes psychological distress for many people. Unfortunately, children are also influenced by their parents' fears and attitudes towards dental treatment - so the phobia continues.

Experiencing dentist fears often results in people avoiding the dentist until a physical problem becomes too overwhelming to handle, I want to provide you with information to help manage this anxiety.

Please keep in mind that this information is offered as suggestions. They are not being provided as professional medical advice. If you experience dentist fears which effects your day to day functions (e.g., you cannot sleep at night due to an upcoming dental visit), please seek the assistance and guidance from a licensed professional.

Suggestions for Handling Den With dentistry's many advances, diagnosis and treatment gets more                                                                      sophisticated and comfortable all the time and some of us may be worrying  unnecessarily.                                                                                 

     But, if you do have anxiety, below are some suggestions on  techniques to use to overcome dental anxiety.

  • Share your anxiety- speak to the dentist and the dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will help your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs.
  • Try to choose a timefor your dental visit when you're less likely to be rushed or under pressure. For some people, that may be a Saturday or an early morning appointment.
  • If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music. As you listen to the music, try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach or boat
 

 

]]>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:23:29 -0500Have a major toothache with throbbing pain?http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/have-a-major-toothache-with-throbbing-pain.html Abscessed Teeth

Have a major toothache with throbbing pain and not sure what is causing it? It could be an abscessed tooth.

You may be asking yourself, "What is an abscessed tooth?" Well, it is an infected tooth, usually caused by severe tooth decay. The infection can happen either at the root of the tooth or between the gums and the tooth. This infection is usually in the form of a pus-filled sac.

An abscess at the root can also be caused by injury to a tooth, such as a major blow to the tooth or jaw. An abscess between a tooth and gum usually happens when bacteria and food become trapped in an area that is hard to clean.

When decay reaches the inside or pulp of a tooth, which contains the nerves and blood supply, the pulp dies. The infection in the pulp spreads from the tip of the root to the surrounding bone.

Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth:

  • A constant ache.
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold.
  • Throbbing, especially if it occurs with no clear cause and is unrelated to biting or chewing.
  • Pain when biting or chewing.
  • Redness and swelling of the gums.
  • Tender glands in the neck.
  • Swollen face.
  • A bad taste in your mouth.
  • Unpleasant drainage.
  • An open, draining sore on the side of the gum.

How Does Your Dentist Tell if You Have an Abscessed Tooth?

To determine if you have a dental abscess, your dentist will examine your teeth and usually take X-rays to check for any disease.

The dentist may use ice or an electric tester to check the health of a tooth. Also, a probe may be used to tell if an infected pocket has formed in your gums. If an abscess exists, the probe may release some of the pressure from built-up infection, but the pocket will have to be fully cleaned out to remove pus and debris.

This kind of abscess is usually treated by first draining the infection, then thoroughly cleaning the area. The dentist then smoothes out the root surfaces of the tooth to promote healing and to help keep the infection from recurring. Before doing this procedure, your dentist may inject a painkiller to numb the gum and tooth.

If an abscess is at the root of a tooth, root canal therapy is usually recommended. A general dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in this therapy) may perform a root canal.

Don't Ignore an Abscess

The symptoms and effects from an abscessed root will not go away until it is treated. An infection that spreads from the tip of the root builds up pressure and destroys the surrounding bone. This destruction continues until the pressure is released by root canal therapy, or until the infection destroys enough bone so that it can drain out near the tooth, creating a gumboil on the tissue.

An abscess between the gums and a tooth will normally heal soon after the abscess has been drained and the root surfaces cleaned. However, the abscess may recur if the area is not kept clean. Your dentist may recommend the use of special tools to make cleaning these areas easier.

Prevention is the Best Course

The best way to prevent an abscess is to visit your dentist twice a year. At these appointments, your dentist and dental hygienist will examine your teeth and mouth and check for any decay between the teeth and evaluate the health of your entire mouth.

 

Source: Michigan Dental Association

]]>Thu, 26 May 2011 08:20:43 -0500Total Body Health Starts With Good Oral Hygienehttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/total-body-health-starts-with-good-oral-hygiene.html The signs and symptoms of many potentially life-threatening diseases appear in the mouth first.  Some of these diseases include heart disease, diabetes, and oral cancer.

Heart Disease - Numerous research studies have shown a connection between heart disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease.  While research continues, dental hygienists are instrumental in identifying the presence and extent of the periodontal infection and work with patients to both treat the existing problems and prevent future complications.

Diabetes - Periodontal disease has long been considered a major complication of diabetes. After a physician has made a conclusive diagnosis, it is critical that patients with diabetes receive professional oral health care regularly and follow a customized home-care routine to help keep their blood sugar levels in check.

Oral Cancer - This is one of the most serious diseases found in the mouth.  Often curable in its early stages, oral cancers are a major cause of death in the Unites States according to the National Cancer Institute.  

Dental hygienists are preventitive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who specialize in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases in order to protect total body health.  Be sure to stay on-track with your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments.

  Source: ADHA.org

]]>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:28:36 -0500Braces Friendly Recipeshttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/braces-friendly-recipes.html Below are a few recipes that are "braces friendly" - Start cooking and enjoy!

Orthodontic Orange Sherbet Salad

2 pkg. orange Jell-O Topping:
1 cup boiling water 1 cup sour cream
1-cup fruit juice (from pineapple/oranges)
1 pint orange sherbet
1 cup mandarin oranges
1 # 2 can crushed pineapple
2 bananas – sliced

Dissolve Jell-O in water and fruit juice. Add sherbet – stir until melted. Add fruit – chill. Spread topping over Jell-O.

Palatable Pinwheels

Cream cheese spread – choose favorite flavor
4 (12 oz) pkgs. Flour tortillas
Chopped green chilies (optional)
Chopped black olives (optional)

Spread cream cheese over tortillas – add chopped ingredients if desired. Roll tortilla tightly. Chill 2 hours. Cut to make 1-inch pieces. Discard ends.

 

Hash-browned Potato Casserole

1-32 oz. pkg. Shredded frozen potatoes (thawed)
½ cup melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
12 oz. grated American cheese
1 8 oz. carton sour cream
1 t. salt
½ small onion chopped
Bread crumbs

Place thawed potatoes in 9 x 13 baking dish. Mix together next 6 ingredients and pour over potatoes. Top with breadcrumbs or use your favorite topping. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

]]>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:35:49 -0500Are you a candidate for teeth whitening?http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/are-you-a-candidate-for-teeth-whitening.html Not everyone can use tooth whitening solution. Circumstances that may prevent the use of tooth whitening product are:

  • People with hypersensitive teeth should avoid tooth whitening, because this process may enhance the level of sensitivity they experience.
  • Teeth that have restorations , such as veneers or having been bonded with white fillings, cannot be whitened with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These materials do not whiten past the color they were originally made. The color of these types of restorations were determined by the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are whitened, the restorations will stand out and look artificial. Replacing old or discolored restorations will allow you to change their appearance.
  • Teeth that have internal staining, discoloration from developmental conditions or have been root canalled may not be affected by the typical whitening process. Internal tooth whitening or permanent restorations may be an option to consider.
  • Natural tooth colors that are brown or gray in hue may not produce desired results. Typically, teeth with a yellow hue will produce the best results.
  • Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid whitening their teeth as there is not enough research to determine the safety of tooth whitening products during pregnancy or lactation.

At Southfield Family Dental Center we offer Zoom(R) whitening and take-home whitening trays.  Call or email us today to schedule a consultation.

]]>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:42:49 -0500Possible Treatments For Bad Breathhttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/possible-treatments-for-bad-breath.html Bad breath is sometimes caused by obvious factors such as eating certain foods. However, there are a number of hidden and non-obvious conditions that can lead to bad breath; poor oral hygiene and the insufficient removal of plaque from the teeth, chewing tobacco and/or smoking, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

One of the main underlying reasons for bad breath is infection within the gums. If bad breath seems to be a chronic condition, your teeth and gums need to be evaluated by a dentist to check for the existence of periodontal disease. If periodontal disease does exist, there are a number of treatments that can clear up the bacteria, restore oral health, and alleviate bad breath problems permanently from the source.

Recommended twice daily brushing and flossing, removes plaque and helps keep teeth and gums in optimal condition. Medical conditions that cause bad breath need to be properly treated by a physician, and dry mouth can be alleviated through drinking water frequently and using saliva substitutes. Eliminating tobacco products and eating a healthy diet comprised of leafy green vegetables will also help to keep breath fresh.


 

]]>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:10:43 -0500My oral cancer screening is positive. Now what?http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/my-oral-cancer-screening-is-positive-now-what.html

Here at Southfield Family Dental Center we use the ViziLite Plus screening system.

Below are answers to important questions about ViziLite Plus exams.

Q. What does it mean that my results were positive?

A. It means that during the visual portion of your oral exam, your health care provider saw something that didn’t look entirely normal. 

Q. Is a positive result bad news?

A. Not necessarily.  ViziLite Plus identifies oral abnormalities including serious abnormalities such as oral cancer. However, it will also identify benign abnormalities. Your dental provider will first rule out trauma such as cheek bites or food irritations as a cause of the abnormality.  You may be recalled for further evaluation.  If at the time of your re-evaluation, your dental provider is not 100% certain that the abnormality is benign, you will likely be referred to a specialist for further assessment.

Q. What should I be doing until my re-evaluation exam?

A. First, don’t panic over the positive reading. You should continue to practice good health measures.  Your mouth responds to positive lifestyle changes like avoiding cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and alcohol.  it’s OK to continue to eat the foods that you normally do; however, try to eliminate foods that can irritate and scratch the inside of your mouth, tongue, and cheeks – such as nuts or hard candies – until after your next exam.

Q. Where can I get more information about oral health issues?

A. Your dental and health care professionals are always an excellent source of information. In addition, you may also visit the Oral Cancer Foundation website at www.oralcancerfoundation.org for more information.

Call us at 248-569-6304 or email us at contactus@southfieldsmile.com to schedule your next exam.

KEEP SMILING!

 
]]>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:21:40 -0500ASK THE DENTISThttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/ask-the-dentist.htmlDo you have a question that you would like Dr. Levi or Dr. Oleg to answer?

Just let us know what your question is and we will be sure to answer within a few days. No question is off limits but please refrain from asking billing questions as we cannot discuss these on an open forum. Thank you and we look forward to keeping you as up-to-date as possible in the world of dentistry.

]]>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:27:13 -0500The Beauty of Cosmetic Dentistryhttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/the-beauty-of-cosmetic-dentistry.htmlWed, 08 Sep 2010 08:27:13 -0500What do Dentists look for in Xrays?http://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/what-do-dentists-look-for-in-xrays.html When you go to the dentist’s office for a routine examination and cleaning, it’s likely that X-rays will be part of the procedure. But why exactly do dentists take X-rays? The reason is that they enable dentists to spot potential health problems that might not be obvious to the naked eye. Once X-rays of your mouth have been taken, your dentist will use them to look for signs of the following problems:

Cavities

Your dentist will first look for possible signs of tooth decay. While many cavities are in obvious, highly visible places, others may be lurking between teeth or in areas where they are not easily noticed. An X-ray can also help a dentist identify underlying issues that may exacerbate decay, such as broken tooth roots or bone loss in the jaw area.

Filling Damage

If you have any fillings, an X-ray is necessary to ensure that they have remained stable. Decay can develop underneath a filling, where it may be impossible to clean, and cracks and fractures can result from a filling expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature.

Signs of Misalignment

The continued health and integrity of your smile can be severely threatened if your teeth become crooked or misaligned. An X-ray gives your dentist a detailed picture of your entire mouth, which makes it easy to identify which teeth are beginning to drift and which cannot break through the gums properly.

Indications of Disease

An X-ray allows a dentist to look for cysts, abscesses, and tumors in the mouth. It also enables a dentist to look for possible symptoms of disorders such as periodontitis, lymphoma, and Paget’s disease.

When you need a Southfield dentist you can depend upon for all of your oral health needs, come to Southfield Family Dental Center. Dr. Oleg, Dr. Levi, and our other dentists are friendly, experienced, and highly professional. Visit us online to learn more about our dental services, or call (248) 327-0313 today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.  

]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:50:33 -0500Spring Cleaning for Healthhttp://www.southfieldsmile.com/blog/post/spring-cleaning-for-health.html By...Elissa Bluth

Spring has sprung and now that the holidays have passed we can focus on the rest of that spring cleaning.  Now that your curtains are washed and you’ve aired out the house, it’s time to think about you.  Spring is a time for new beginnings and a great time  for “detox”.  I’m not talking about some dangerous starvation diet where you only drink lemonade for a week.  I’m talking about cleaning up your diet and eating habits.  Eating “clean” means real unprocessed food, food that contributes to your well being, not poisons you.

Here are some Tips:

  1. Clean out the fridge!  That wilty lettuce is not helping you and neither is that leftover pizza.
  2. Thin out your pantry.  If it has more ingredients than you have cousins it’s probably not a good choice.  If you can’t pronounce what’s in your health bar look for another one.
  3. Clean out your closet.  Remove all items that don’t look great on you. If it’s a special item put it away but don’t leave it hanging in the closet.  If it doesn’t fit you it will just depress you. Think of all the new clothes you’ll be able to buy later.
  4. Reduce clutter in the kitchen so you can make fast , delicious and stress free meals.
  5. Consider a cleanse.  This is a short stint of time where you only consume anti-inflammatory or easily digestible foods.  For an excellent cleanse check out the Dr Oz weekend cleanse.  To get you started here’s my green smoothie recipe.

Green Smoothie Mojito

½ Granny Smith apple             Handful of mint

½ green pear                              Juice of one lime

Pinch of parsley                         2 kale leaves

½ a banana                             sweeten to taste with honey 

]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 16:41:11 -0500