Dental Spotlight: What is Oil Pulling?

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Oil pulling, also known as “kavala” or “gundusha,” is a growing trend, but what exactly is it? Based on an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique, it involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for 20 minutes, then spitting it out.

Enthusiasts claim that toxins in the body build up in the mouth and that swishing oil will draw out these impurities or wash them from the mouth. A recent study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine shows that oil pulling may improve your oral health, as well as help against gingivitis, plaque, and even remove the microorganisms that cause bad breath by adhering to the oil.

Oil pulling is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Start with five minutes a day and slowly work your way up to 20. You can use sesame, sunflower or coconut oil, but the anti-microbial agents in coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay. Gently swish, push and suck the oil through your teeth and make sure you don’t swallow. Just discard the used oil into the nearest trash and continue with your usual brushing and flossing routine. Tell us, would you try or have you tried oil pulling?

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Your Child and the Battle Against Junk Food

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Childhood obesity has become a common health concern for parents. It is estimated that one in every five children is overweight. An obese child is considered well above the normal weight for their age and height. One of the contributing factors in obesity is unhealthy eating habits. Parents should introduce healthy eating to children as early as possible. For some this may be easier said than done, because children love junk food.

What makes junk food enticing to children is sugar, high sodium, the taste of fat-commonly hydrogenated oils, in addition to bright, colorful packaging, fun shapes and unnatural food coloring. Parents can win the fight against junk food by making healthy food more appealing to children’s senses.

Here are a few tips on converting kid favorites into healthier choices:

Hot dogs- instead of regular beef and pork hot dogs, purchase low sodium turkey franks and ones without added nitrates. Decorate the hot dog with colorful vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, red and yellow peppers.
Salty cheese snacks- make plain cheese fun by cutting it into quirky shapes or adding bright and sweet fruit. You can make cheese and fruit shish kebabs.
French fries- opt for baked sweet potato fries and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C, B6, and D. They are a great source of Iron, magnesium and potassium.
Ice cream- frozen yogurt is just as tasty and contains less sugar and fat. Adding toppings such as fruit and granola is a plus.
Popsicles- freeze real fruit juices with bits of fruit into bars.
Potato chips- kale chips are rich in vitamin A and easy to make at home. Make them delicious by adding herbs and spices.
Candy- healthy alternatives to candy include raisins or strawberries and bananas lightly drizzled with chocolate.
Milk shakes- smoothies made with fresh fruit and low fat yogurt are a healthier option.
Meat lasagna- load lasagna with vegetables instead of meat, choose low fat cheese and whole-grain pasta.
Macaroni and cheese-use low fat cheese and Greek yogurt to make it creamy. Add spinach to make it nutritious.

The battle against junk food is not lost. In addition to healthy eating, keep your family physically active and make an appointment with your family doctor to ensure that everyone is at their recommended weight.

Are Gummy Vitamins Good for my Child?

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Gummy vitamins contain important nutrients to maintain a child’s health, but they can be damaging to your child’s teeth. Similar to candy, gummy vitamins stick to the grooves of your child’s teeth and can cause cavities.

Although your child may brush their teeth the recommended two times per day, toothbrush bristles cannot reach the deepest grooves of the back molars. Sticky sugar particles can remain embedded in the grooves, causing cavities when not brushed properly.

Try switching to traditional chewable tablets if you’re giving your child gummy vitamins. Before the age of two years, speak with your children’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist about a liquid vitamin.

If you believe your child has developed a cavity, ask at your child’s next dental visit or call The Dental Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5521 to schedule an appointment.

Can Hypertension Lead to Dental Problems?

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Managing your high blood pressure with the appropriate medications is very important for your overall health, but sometimes those medications can negatively affect your dental health.

Often, medications that are used to treat hypertension can have side effects in the oral environment. Some of these medications can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, causing xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva, the mouth can become irritated and inflamed. Dry mouth can also increase the risk of developing infection, gum disease, and the development of plaque, and therefore cavities.

Gum swelling or gingival overgrowth is another possible side-effect of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth occurs when gum tissue becomes so swollen that it begins to grow over the teeth. Swollen gum tissue creates a favorable environment for bacteria because plaque can easily get trapped underneath the gums, making it hard to brush and maintain good oral hygiene.

It is import to inform your dentist about any health conditions you have, and the medications you are taking. Good oral hygiene and more frequent visits to the dentist can help lower your chances of developing complications.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Department provides preventive dentistry programs to school children, as well as adults and seniors. Oral cancer screening programs are also frequently performed at all our community health fairs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-670-5521.

Do Dental Sealants Preserve Your Child’s Teeth?

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Though tooth decay is a growing problem among children and young adults, preventative measures, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments, can help keep your child smiling brightly.

Children and young adults are more prone to tooth decay for two main reasons: diet and poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth uses sugar (from foods or drinks) to produce acids that dissolve and damage the teeth. A diet consisting of frequent consumption of sugary drinks, candy, and gum greatly contributes to tooth decay. Additionally, inadequate flossing and failure to properly brush at least two times a day, for three minutes each, allows bacteria to grow.

Preventing Tooth Decay
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth against the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. The procedure is simple and pain-free.

Fluoride can also help prevent tooth decay. Dentists apply a fluoride treatment, either a gel, foam, or varnish, directly to the teeth and let it set for approximately four minutes. In addition to an in-office treatment, fluoride can be found in several brands of toothpaste and even tap water.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Flushing Hospital’s Department of Dentistry at 718-670-5521.