Did you know that stress can leave a lasting impact on your oral health? In fact, stress can affect your teeth and gums, which in turn affects your overall health. There is mounting evidence that there is a strong link between gum disease and stress and related psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression and loneliness. Studies suggest that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol which weaken the immune system, create conditions that are ripe for bacteria from plaque to invade the gums. If you are experiencing chronic stress, pay attention to your oral health to avoid long-term problems.

Stress has been associated with canker sores, teeth grinding, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, TMJ and gum disease - with gum disease being the most serious.

Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, painful chewing and bad breath. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and loss of bone in the jaw. Dr. Pankaj Singh, director of Arch Dental Associates states that "Individuals with high stress levels tend to increase their bad habits, which can be harmful to periodontal health. They are less attentive to their oral hygiene and may increase their use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs. Patients should seek healthy ways to relieve stress through exercise, balanced eating, plenty of sleep and maintaining a positive mental attitude." Patients who minimize stress may be at less risk for periodontal diseases.

If you are experiencing stress you can take these preventative measures to protect your oral and overall health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least three minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue.
• Floss everyday
• Regular visits to your dentist is extremely important in helping keep your mouth healthy. Schedule cleanings at least twice a year.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar that plaque-causing bacteria feed on.
• Rinse thoroughly after every meal
• Exercise regularly
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep

When your child needs urgent dental treatment, our team stands ready to help. Here are some helpful answers to some recent patient questions.

Q: What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in milk or saliva. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap, use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

A: Contact any one of our offices immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you when you visit us.

Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

A: Go immediately to the emergency room of the closest hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?

A: Call us promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Q: How can I best prevent a dental injury from happening to my child in the first place?

A: Oral injuries can occur from many activities.

Many oral injuries occur during physical activity such as sports. You can greatly reduce the chance of oral injury by having your child wear a mouth guard. While there are many store-bought varieties available, a custom mouth guards can often provide better protection. Our offices provide custom-mouth guards and is an Under Armour provider.

• Always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone in the car.
• Child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects.
• Help prevent your child from dental-health related toothaches with regular visits to our practice.
If you have any other questions about dental health and emergencies for your child, please contact us.

Tooth sensitivity is common in many of our patients at Arch Dental, and can usually be identified by pain or discomfort when consuming foods or beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sensitivity can be felt when brushing or flossing, and can also be experienced after routine dental procedures such as the placement of a filling or crown, tooth restoration, or even teeth cleaning. Such sensitivity is usually temporary; if it does not cease after four to six weeks please consult us.

Tooth sensitivity is often due to the breakdown of tooth enamel or a receding gum line, which can occur from:

• Teeth grinding
• Tooth Decay
• Gum disease
• Vigorous brushing
• Cracked or chipped teeth

In most instances, tooth sensitivity is treatable. Here are a few remedies you can take advantage of at home:

1. Try a desensitizing toothpaste which contains chemicals that block sensations like hot and cold from reaching the nerves in your teeth.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will be gentler on both your teeth and gums.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice every day and flossing once daily.
4. Switch to a fluoride mouthwash.
5. When possible, avoid acidic foods such as tea, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.

Depending on the cause and severity of your sensitivity, you may benefit from professional treatment. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please be sure to contact us at our Manhattan, Garden City, or Huntington, NY office. We can set up an appointment to discuss your unique situation and determine the best way to address the problem.

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at Arch Dental. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today! We love receiving patient testimonials!

“So happy in my 8th week of Invisalign. I can’t believe the difference already. 8 more weeks to go. Judy spent so much time explaining the benefits not only will I have an amazing smile but I will have healthy teeth, I really understood it. I have to admit when I do go out to dinner I take it off for a couple of hours and put it right back after. It’s been so easy.” – Michelle B.

“Last week I brought my daughter to Arch Dental Associates for an extraction of her wisdom tooth. She was seen by Dr. Chu who gentle & mild mannered. My daughter was initially uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. I have to admit that Dr. Chu was very patient and did the procedure swiftly and skillfully. The cost was very reasonable and the staff was professional and up front with the billing. I highly recommend Dr. Chu to anyone that is nervous to go to a dentist!” – Sam S.

“I suffer from sleep apnea and recently found an article in the newspaper concerning a mouthguard that can help. I contacted Dr. Singh's office and was given an appointment within a week. Not knowing what to expect, I found a friendly staff and doctor who explained all that would be done. The equipment was totally updated, computerized and painless. Time was taken to explain any questions and procedures. Within 2 weeks I had my mouthpiece. They do follow-up and e-mail to make sure all is satisfactory. Not knowing what to expect when I first went and being totally comfortable with what the doctor explained and did made me write this review. I would recommend this office for any dental work.” – Kathy Z.

“I was interested in a holistic dentist and after searching the internet I came across Arch Dental of Huntington. Dr. Brenner and Dr. Singh, were able to answer all my questions and concerns regarding amalgam free dentistry. The staff was warm and caring right from the start. They were truly accommodating; the office manager had a genuine concern for my treatment options. After having had a horrible experience in a different office it is refreshing to see that there still is a place that actually cares for their patients and not the money!” – Carol T.

Patients at Arch Dental can feel confident they are receiving the best in dental health care. Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. Dr. Pankaj Singh and team are also devoted to continuing education and further our learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s 6oth Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, where Dr. Singh will head in October.

On October 22nd, Dr. Singh, who is a Fellow at the Academy, will be presenting at the meeting from 8 a.m. to noon, where he will discuss Botox cosmetics and Dermal Fillers. This is very important for dentists because they need to be able to recommend and use these products and procedures not only to improve patient smiles, but also to improve the dento-facial profile. Attendees will also learn the therapeutic value of Botox cosmetics in the treatment of TMD. Dr. Singh is also a Diplomate at the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and co-author of the third edition of the Atlas of Oral Implantology.

The presentation will cover:

• Patient assessment and consultation for Botox cosmetics, and dermal fillers and enhancers for use in the facial areas
• Differentiating between status and dynamic lines and their root causes
• Review the muscular anatomy of the face and peri-oral area
• Safety and risk assessment for botulinum toxin and dermal fillers injectable therapy
• Enhancing and finishing esthetic dentistry cases with dermal fillers and Botox
• Botox treatment for TMD and Bruxism
• Incorporating Botox and dermal fillers into your esthetic treatment plans
• Management and treatment of possible complications
• Beautiful lip augmentation, enhancing the cupid’s bow and creating the proportional lip to teeth proportion
• Eliminating smokers lines and fine lines around the mouth
• Volumizing the nasolabial folds and marionette lines and lifting the corners of the mouth
• Eliminating “number 11’s” and “crow’s feet”

Learning Objectives: Attendees can expect to learn the following from the presentation:

1. Non-surgical facial enhancement esthetic procedures in today’s cosmetic and implant practice
2. When to use Botox and when to use dermal fillers
3. How to use and administer Botox and dermal fillers
4. Treat TMD using non-traditional dental modalities
5. How to profit from and enhance your practice form these non-traditional dental procedures

If you’ve got an appointment or consultation scheduled with us in the fall, we invite you to ask Dr. Singh about his Las Vegas trip, including what he learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively at Arch Dental!