NORTHAMPTON, EAST LONGMEADOW AND SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – You may think that sports and energy drinks help improve your kids’ performance on the field, but they are one of the leading causes of tooth decay for children and teens.

“Most parents are under the impression that sports and energy drinks are not as sugary as soda, so they are OK for their kids to drink,” said Dr. Vincent Mariano, a Northampton and Springfield dentist and prosthodontist at EMA Dental. “Over time, these types of beverages can do just as much damage to their oral and overall health.”

Besides containing large amounts of sugar that often cause cavities, these beverages are also high in acidity. A study recently published in “General Dentistry,” a journal from the Academy of General Dentistry, found that tooth enamel begins to erode after five days of exposure to sports and energy drinks. Teeth are more susceptible to decay, and can become sensitive to touch and temperature change once enamel is eroded.

Sports and energy beverages contain phosphoric and citric acids, but levels of both ingredients vary based on flavor and brand. These acids are also the main erosion agents found in soda, which has a pH comparable to that of battery acid, and produces the same effect on tooth enamel as sports and energy drinks do.

Lost tooth enamel is gone forever, says the Academy of General Dentistry. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter fluoride rinses and toothpastes that you and your children can use to protect your teeth from future acid attacks.

Not only do sports and energy drinks heighten your kids’ risk of developing cavities, but they also increase their chances of suffering from obesity and diabetes. According to the American Dental Association, the majority of children who exercise do not need to consume sports drinks because those types of beverages are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost during extended, intense periods of physical activity. Because sports drinks are high in carbohydrates, children who drink them on a regular basis can gain weight over time.

Energy drinks and colas are often confused with sports beverages, but they can cause more serious health problems due to the stimulants they contain. Taurine, guarana and caffeine are common ingredients in soda and energy drinks, and are known for causing anxiety and dehydration. They are particularly dangerous to children’s developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems.

The best way to ensure your kids maintain good oral and overall health is to offer them water with meals, as well as during physical activity.

Northampton prosthodontist, Dr. Mariano suggests that if your children do drink sports, energy and cola beverages, they should brush their teeth no sooner than an hour after consumption to avoid spreading the acid around their mouth. Another way to minimize damage done to tooth enamel is to use a straw.

“Chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing their mouth with water after drinking sugary beverages are effortless methods that protect tooth enamel and make a difference over time,” said Dr. Mariano, who offers extreme smile makeovers, includingdental implants, to patients from Springfield and other nearby areas. “Activities that increase saliva production can help return acidity levels to normal.”

If your children are under the care of an East Longmeadow or Amherst Invisalignprovider or orthodontist, you know that they have to pay special attention to their oral health habits. Dr. Mariano advises the patients who have braces to watch their diet for the duration of their orthodontic treatment because their teeth and gums are more susceptible to decay and periodontitis.

“I have found that patients who establish a healthy oral hygiene routine and eliminate sugary foods and beverages from their diet typically experience better treatment results than those who do not,” said Dr. Lisa Emirzian. “Even though it may require extra effort on patients’ parts, a beautiful smile is worth the sacrifice.”

© 2012 Master Google and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that EMA Dental group and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

NORTHAMPTON AND EAST LONGMEADOW, MASSACHUSETTS – You may think that your oral health only affects your teeth, but it can serve as a window to the state of your overall health.

This body-mouth connection is a growing concern for general dentistry practices, especially since many dentists have begun to take a holistic approach to their patients’ oral health treatments.

Oral bacteria can get out of control for a number of reasons, including your daily oral health habits that may become neglected over time.

“When bacteria builds up, it makes gums susceptible to infection,” said Dr. Vincent Mariano, one of the East Longmeadow and Northampton dentists at EMA Dental. “The bacteria eventually eat away at teeth and gums, causing periodontitis or gum disease.”

Gum disease can cause a number of health complications. For example, more than 90 percent of heart disease patients are found to have gum disease, according to WebMD.

Also, mothers-to-be with gum disease are as much as seven times more likely to give birth before their due date, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Risk factors for oral cancer and gum disease are similar, so preventive steps toward avoiding one may help you steer clear of the other, as well.

Periodontitis has also been found as a cause and consequence of diabetes. Ninety-five percent of diabetes patients also have gum disease, according to the ADHA. Many of those people often have a harder time controlling their blood sugar level than if they did not suffer from gum disease.

The bacteria that enter your blood stream as a result of gum disease can cause infection in other parts of your body, such as the endocardium, or innermost layer of your heart’s tissues.

Bacteria-ridden blood that enters that bloodstream can cause cardiovascular disease, according to Woman’s Day. This can often lead to stroke.

Through their National Stroke Awareness Month in May, the National Stroke Association offers stroke prevention tips. While some causes of stroke are uncontrollable, there are many simple ways, such as developing good brushing and flossing habits, that may help you to avoid this dangerous condition.

There are several other ways your oral health can help you know more about your overall health. For example, oral lesions may be a sign of HIV/AIDS. Tooth loss, which can be caused by gum disease, is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease if it occurs before age 35. The good news is that any teeth you lose due to decay can be replaced by dental implants.

Simple, daily habits such as brushing and flossing can have a positive impact, based on how well and how often you do them.

It is especially important to attend to oral health habits if you have Invisalign or any other types of braces because orthodontic hardware can make it more difficult for you to properly care for your teeth.

Your general dentistry expert can help you by identifying gum disease and other bacteria-related problems before they wreak havoc not only on your mouth, but also your entire body. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the state of your oral health and steps you can take toward improving your oral hygiene habits.

© 2012 Master Google and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers all-inclusive SEOservices, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHAMPTON AND EAST LONGMEADOW, MASSACHUSETTS – April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness, the professionals at EMA Dental, a Springfield, MA extreme makeover and prosthodontic specialty office, explain the importance of getting oral cancer screenings.

These screenings are a regular part of dental appointments, so it is important for you to see your family dentist regularly. Typically, routine appointments are twice a year.

The Oral Cancer Foundation invites dentists to participate in Oral Cancer Awareness Month to stress the importance of early detection. This foundation is a non-profit organization designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy and patient support activities, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation website.

“This type of cancer is the largest group among head and neck cancers,” says Dr. Vincent J. Mariano, an expert in prosthodontics.

Some common names for oral cancer include mouth cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer and throat cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimated that 36,540 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010, resulting in 7,880 deaths, according to the American Dental Association website.

“Screenings aid in early diagnosis, resulting in a higher chance of survival,” says Dr. Mariano, the Springfield MA Lumineers expert.

During the screening, the dentist will look for red or white patches or mouth sores. With gloved hands, your dentist will feel the tissues of your mouth for lumps or abnormalities. The presence of lumps and sores doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer. Further testing will determine if any abnormalities are cancerous.

Typically, a thorough oral, head and neck examination is done in less than five minutes. We will talk you through the entire process to create a more comfortable environment. We will use this time to educate you about signs and symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer and how to find it at an early stage.

Education and early detection are the keys to raising the survival rate of oral cancer. Take a mouth mirror and a light and inspect your mouth once a month. If you spot something suspicious, call your dentist.

“A biopsy is the only definite way to determine if you have oral cancer,” says Dr. Mariano. “The suspicious cells are removed and tested.”

High risk patients are more likely to benefit from oral cancer screenings. Different factors that put a patient at risk are:

1. Tobacco use of any kind
2. Excessive alcohol use
3. History of oral cancer

Oral cancer is a preventable disease if caught early. To help prevent your risk of oral cancer, limit your consumption of alcohol, stop tobacco use, stay out of the sun, wear lip balm with SPF and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If by chance you are diagnosed with oral cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. These different methods can be used alone or in combination to kill the cancer cells.

Oral cancer screenings are routine. It doesn’t mean your dentist thinks you have oral cancer if he/she suggests a screening. The goal is for you to live a healthy and happy life.

© 2012 Master Google and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers business SEO marketing strategies, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

EAST LONGMEADOW, NORTHAMPTON AND AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS – At some point in your life, you may need a dental crown. Knowing the creation process can prepare you for the procedure. A dental crown (“cap”) is a dental prosthesis that is placed over a tooth to restore the shape, strength or to improve appearance. “There are different reasons for needing a dental crown,” saysAmherst dentistry professional Dr. Vincent J. Mariano. “A consultation will help the dentist pinpoint the reason.” Dr. Mariano as a prosthodontic dentistry specialist of Amherst explains a few situations for needing a dental crown:

1. Weak teeth that are not stable enough for Lumineers or porcelain veneers
2. Restoring broken or worn down teeth
3. Covering a tooth with a large filling for support
4. To anchor a dental bridge
5. Severely discolored teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening procedures
6. To cover a dental implant

The creation of a dental crown typically takes two visits.

The First Appointment

The first appointment in the process of getting a dental crown involves shaping, or preparing,  the tooth, taking an impression and  constructing a temporary crown. Before this process begins, the tooth and surrounding tissues need to be anesthetized with local anesthetic to make the process comfortable and pain-free.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the tooth is prepared to accommodate the crown. Reducing the size of your tooth allows the crown to slip on with ease. Next, an impression is made of your teeth. A temporary crown is created in the office from this impression. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, and a plaster cast of your mouth is created.

A temporary crown is placed on the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Typically, this process takes two weeks. The final step of the first appointment is deciding the type of crown you want. The crowns are usually made from gold, porcelain-fused-to-gold, resin or the new generation of all ceramic crowns.

The Second Appointment

Before the prosthodontist seats the permanent crown, he needs to make sure that it fits and is aesthetically acceptable. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted and cemented.

The inspection process includes the use of floss to make sure that all sides contact the other teeth properly. The contact paper is then used to see how the teeth meet when you bite down with the opposing dentition. Typically, the paper is red on one side, and blue on the other. Solid contact with opposing teeth is the goal.

After you and the dentist agree on the fit, the crown is cemented. Once the cement sets, the dentist removes any excess that may have exited the crown around the gumline.

Once you are complete with the entire process, a dental assistant will go over any precautions that you should take. Any questions you may have can also be answered at this time. For the first day you may want to chew and function cautiously until you are comfortable with your new crowned tooth.

Most crowns will last 10 years or more depending on each individual’s maintenance schedule and oral environment.

© 2012 Master Google and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers dental lab marketing strategies, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – In preparation of National Prosthodontics Awareness Week April 22-28, Springfield dentist Dr. Vincent J. Mariano explains what a prosthodontist does.

Specializing in dental crowns, dental implants, dentures, oral reconstruction and dental bridges, a prosthodontist is one of nine dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association, a prosthodontist is a skilled architect who restores optimum function and the appearance of your smile and can also treat facial deformities due to congenital or birth anomalies to teeth and oral cancer reconstruction. According to Dr. Mariano, “the goal is to reconstruct a beautiful, natural smile for all our patients.”

“Prosthodontists receive three years of additional training beyond dental school,” says Dr. Mariano of EMA Dental, a multi-service practice that offers family dentistry. “We are trained to give the highest level of care in the field of prosthodontics.”

The graduate programs that a prosthodontist takes include classroom lectures, treatment of patients and lab experience with creating restorations. Additional training is earned through a hospital based program, which is accredited by the ADA.

There are approximately 3,000 prosthodontists in the United States. Only 1,000 of those are board certified. Dental specialists, Dr. Mariano is the only board certified prosthodontist in Western Massachusetts and Dr. Thomas Vergo is the only maxillofacial prosthodontist in Western Massachusetts.

© 2012 Master Google and EMA Dental group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers orthodontic marketing strategies, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.