Over time, children whose mouth breathing goes untreated may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development, such as long, narrow faces and mouths, gummy smiles, gingivitis, narrow palates and high palatal vaults, and crooked teeth. In addition to swollen tonsils, these are the tell-tale signs of mouth breathing problems. Dr. Jefferson notes that “many of these children are misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity”. The poor sleep habits that result from mouth breathing can and do adversely affect growth and academic performance. In addition, mouth breathing can cause poor oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, which can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnea, and other medical issues.
Dr. Jefferson says that, “children who mouth breathe typically do not sleep well, causing them to be tired during the day and possible unable to concentrate on academics. If the child becomes frustrated in school, he or she may exhibit behavioural problems.”
Treatment for mouth breathing is available and can be beneficial especially if the condition is caught early. If the tonsils are enlarged the patient can be referred for consultation with and ENT specialist. If the face and mouth are narrow the dentist can use expansion appliances to help widen the sinuses and open the nasal airway.
Please feel free to call us or ask any question at your next appointment if you are concerned about mouth breathing for yourself or your family.
Sincerely
Dr. Mike
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Mouth Breathing Can Create Health Issues
Mouth breathing is very often caused and/or made worse by seasonal allergies that cause nasal and upper airway obstruction. Many of the physical, medical and social problems associated with mouth breathing are not recognized by most health care professional, according to a study published in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of General Dentistry, which is the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Because dentists see their patients more frequently than family physicians, they are often the first medical professional not notice the mouth breathing habit. Dentists understand many of the related problem associated with mouth breathing and are able to advise their patient and make the proper referral.
Dr. Yosh Jefferson, author of the study, feels that mouth breathing “is an unrecognized epidemic that touches every family and industrialized country”.
Mouth breathing is very often caused and/or made worse by seasonal allergies that cause nasal and upper airway obstruction. Many of the physical, medical and social problems associated with mouth breathing are not recognized by most health care professional, according to a study published in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of General Dentistry, which is the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Because dentists see their patients more frequently than family physicians, they are often the first medical professional not notice the mouth breathing habit. Dentists understand many of the related problem associated with mouth breathing and are able to advise their patient and make the proper referral.
Dr. Yosh Jefferson, author of the study, feels that mouth breathing “is an unrecognized epidemic that touches every family and industrialized country”.
Friday, August 13, 2010
We can all agree that severely bleeding gums require some form of treatment. There is no disputing and no disagreement because the condition usually involves some amount of pain and the significant bleeding is a motivation. On the other hand mild gum disease (with only mild bleeding) is often difficult to convince patients that treatment is necessary. Additionally, we dentists and hygienists often feel bad having to make the same recommendation over and over again as patients get frustrated.
Think about this. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Is it better to treat mild gum bleeding before it can lead to more serious gum disease? I think so!! It is our job to take your oral health seriously. We only get to see you a few times a year or so. Allow us to make recommendations that we feel are best for you. Remember, you are paying us to keep you healthy!
Dr. Mike
Think about this. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Is it better to treat mild gum bleeding before it can lead to more serious gum disease? I think so!! It is our job to take your oral health seriously. We only get to see you a few times a year or so. Allow us to make recommendations that we feel are best for you. Remember, you are paying us to keep you healthy!
Dr. Mike
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dr. Mike Recommends
One of the problems that we see in our office is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums come in many varieties. Most people think bleeding gums is normal. Well, in fact it is not normal. Bleeding gums is a serious problem. It can be the beginning of serious gum disease or a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes. Bleeding gums, or as we call it, gingivitis, can be mild to severe. Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar around and under the gums. Gingivitis is reversible if treated early. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease (periodontal disease) where it affects the bone and other supporting tooth-supporting tissues.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bleeding gums, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Brushing twice per day and flossing daily. However, sometimes that is not enough. We routinely assess your gums during hygiene visits. Minor gum bleeding can be treated simply by improved oral hygiene such as flossing and other aids. Sometimes a deep cleaning with local anesthetic is necessary to remove all of the plaque, tartar and bacteria under the gums or laser disinfection may be helpful. I am here to tell you that treating the mildest form of gum disease at the earliest possible time is the best approach.
One of the problems that we see in our office is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums come in many varieties. Most people think bleeding gums is normal. Well, in fact it is not normal. Bleeding gums is a serious problem. It can be the beginning of serious gum disease or a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes. Bleeding gums, or as we call it, gingivitis, can be mild to severe. Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar around and under the gums. Gingivitis is reversible if treated early. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease (periodontal disease) where it affects the bone and other supporting tooth-supporting tissues.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bleeding gums, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Brushing twice per day and flossing daily. However, sometimes that is not enough. We routinely assess your gums during hygiene visits. Minor gum bleeding can be treated simply by improved oral hygiene such as flossing and other aids. Sometimes a deep cleaning with local anesthetic is necessary to remove all of the plaque, tartar and bacteria under the gums or laser disinfection may be helpful. I am here to tell you that treating the mildest form of gum disease at the earliest possible time is the best approach.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The article quotes the researchers as saying "The take-home message from our study is that we want our kids to be fit for as long as possible and it will show in their academic performance. But if we're to intervene on those children who are not necessarily fit and get them to physically fit levels, we may also see their academic performance increase."
The article notes that the Canadian Paediatric Society suggests that children who are inactive should begin with 20 minutes of moderate physical activity and 10 minuts of vigorous activity per day for the first month. They should build up their total exercise time to at least 90 minuts per day. In 2001, however, only 33 percent of Canadian schools had formal physical education classes, while most schools offecer half the recommended provincal requirement for physical education.
The article notes that the Canadian Paediatric Society suggests that children who are inactive should begin with 20 minutes of moderate physical activity and 10 minuts of vigorous activity per day for the first month. They should build up their total exercise time to at least 90 minuts per day. In 2001, however, only 33 percent of Canadian schools had formal physical education classes, while most schools offecer half the recommended provincal requirement for physical education.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Physical activity can improve academic performance
This may be one more reason to get kids off the couch with their DS's or watching TV and to send them out to play, to go for a bike ride or head to the park.
An article in the Mar 4, 2010 edition of the Globe and Mail discusses the results of a recent study done at West Virginia University. Researchers evaluated the fitness levels and standardized test scores of 725 Grade 5 students at a particular school and re-examined the results two years later in Grade 7. The study found that academic performance dipped when the students' fitness declined and increased when their fitness improved. The childern with the highest standardized test scores, which included reading, math, science and social studies, were also the ones who were deemed fit at the beginning and end of the study. Children who ranked second highest in academic performance were those who were not fit in Grade 5, but had become fit by Grade 7. Those whose fitness level slipped during the 2 years ranked third academically, and the children with the worst academic performance were those who were not physically fit in either grade, the study found.
This may be one more reason to get kids off the couch with their DS's or watching TV and to send them out to play, to go for a bike ride or head to the park.
An article in the Mar 4, 2010 edition of the Globe and Mail discusses the results of a recent study done at West Virginia University. Researchers evaluated the fitness levels and standardized test scores of 725 Grade 5 students at a particular school and re-examined the results two years later in Grade 7. The study found that academic performance dipped when the students' fitness declined and increased when their fitness improved. The childern with the highest standardized test scores, which included reading, math, science and social studies, were also the ones who were deemed fit at the beginning and end of the study. Children who ranked second highest in academic performance were those who were not fit in Grade 5, but had become fit by Grade 7. Those whose fitness level slipped during the 2 years ranked third academically, and the children with the worst academic performance were those who were not physically fit in either grade, the study found.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Xylitol gum or mints used three to five times per day (for a total intake of 5 grams) is considered ideal. Frequency and duration of exposure is important, therefore it is important for gum to be chewed for approximately 5 minutes and mints to be allowed to dissolve slowly. Using xylitol immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce plaque and inhibit adhesion of bacteria to teeth, and to reduce the contact time of sugar is what dentists recommend. Human consumption of xylitol has been confirmed for safety. Pet owner should note, however, that xylitol is harmful to dogs.
Products containing xylitol have been around for years, but only recently have they become mainstream. Xylitol can be found in chewing gum, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral care products, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol.
Products containing xylitol have been around for years, but only recently have they become mainstream. Xylitol can be found in chewing gum, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral care products, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Dr. Mike Recommends
Xylitol is a sugar based sweetner that is found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, rasberries, mushrooms, and other natural sources. Its sweetness is equal to that of sugar, but it has about 40% fewer calories which makes it a popular sugar substitute. Xylitol not only cuts calories, it also helps prevent cavities!!
Xylitol helps prevent streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria associated with cavities, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria; as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically slowed. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque - the first stage of cavity formation, tartar formation and tooth staining - and promote better oral healthx.
Xylitol is a sugar based sweetner that is found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, rasberries, mushrooms, and other natural sources. Its sweetness is equal to that of sugar, but it has about 40% fewer calories which makes it a popular sugar substitute. Xylitol not only cuts calories, it also helps prevent cavities!!
Xylitol helps prevent streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria associated with cavities, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria; as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically slowed. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque - the first stage of cavity formation, tartar formation and tooth staining - and promote better oral healthx.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Your gums, Your health
According to the CDC records form 2006, the top 10 leading causes of death by disease were: 1) Heart disease, 2) Cancer, 3) Stroke, 4) Chronic Lower Respiratory diseases
5) Accidents (unintentional injuries), 6) Diabetes, 7) Alzheimer’s disease
8) Influenza and pneumonia, 9) Nephritis, nephritic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease), 10) Septicemia (Infection)
These are statistics from the US but the results will be similar in Canada. Four of the top 10 causes of death (in bold) have inflammatory components, and all four have reported links to gum disease based on science!!
According to the CDC records form 2006, the top 10 leading causes of death by disease were: 1) Heart disease, 2) Cancer, 3) Stroke, 4) Chronic Lower Respiratory diseases
5) Accidents (unintentional injuries), 6) Diabetes, 7) Alzheimer’s disease
8) Influenza and pneumonia, 9) Nephritis, nephritic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease), 10) Septicemia (Infection)
These are statistics from the US but the results will be similar in Canada. Four of the top 10 causes of death (in bold) have inflammatory components, and all four have reported links to gum disease based on science!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Dr. Mike Recommends
Every now and then a product comes along that has the ability to change the way dentistry is done. MI Paste is one of them. This is not a new product and has been around since the 1980s. With over 100 scientific studies the product is both scientifically and clinically proven.
When used in combination with a fluoride containing tooth pastes and once yearly professional fluoride application, it will dramatically decrease the chance of having cavity form, either a new cavity or under a restoration.
MI Paste does this by remineralization of the tooth surface. The exact chemical activity I will not get into but the active ingredient is a trademarked formulation called Recaldent (CPP-ACP). Recaldent replaces lost Calcium and Phosphate that occurs during cavity formation to repair and allow the tooth to heal.
It is not possible to guarantee that cavities never occur but I believe this will change the mouths or our patients. I have already started to recommend MI Paste several times per day. Truly it is beneficial for everyone.
Please ask about Mi Paste at your next visit. We will continue to stock MI Paste. Each 40-gram tube is $40, which is our cost only.
Every now and then a product comes along that has the ability to change the way dentistry is done. MI Paste is one of them. This is not a new product and has been around since the 1980s. With over 100 scientific studies the product is both scientifically and clinically proven.
When used in combination with a fluoride containing tooth pastes and once yearly professional fluoride application, it will dramatically decrease the chance of having cavity form, either a new cavity or under a restoration.
MI Paste does this by remineralization of the tooth surface. The exact chemical activity I will not get into but the active ingredient is a trademarked formulation called Recaldent (CPP-ACP). Recaldent replaces lost Calcium and Phosphate that occurs during cavity formation to repair and allow the tooth to heal.
It is not possible to guarantee that cavities never occur but I believe this will change the mouths or our patients. I have already started to recommend MI Paste several times per day. Truly it is beneficial for everyone.
Please ask about Mi Paste at your next visit. We will continue to stock MI Paste. Each 40-gram tube is $40, which is our cost only.
Friday, April 16, 2010
These are statistics from the US but the results will be similar in Canada. Four of the top 10 causes of death (in bold) have inflammatory components, and all four have reported links to gum disease based on science!!
There is also evidence that a percentage of pneumonia cases resulting in death can be attributed to aspirated (inhaled) oral bacteria from a mouth with periodontal disease/infection.
The bottom line is as more evidence accumulates, it is becoming clear that part of the equation to keep the general population much healthier and living longer involves every dentist who diagnosis or treats a patient who has teeth or has been restored with dental implants.
There has also been some suggestion that the “periodontal assessment” be rename the “risk assessment” signify the screen for an overall all health risk as it relates to periodontal (gum) infection. In the future it may be common practices for physicians to refer patients to their dentist for treatment following a positive test for any inflammatory disease. These include but are not limited to arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
There is also evidence that a percentage of pneumonia cases resulting in death can be attributed to aspirated (inhaled) oral bacteria from a mouth with periodontal disease/infection.
The bottom line is as more evidence accumulates, it is becoming clear that part of the equation to keep the general population much healthier and living longer involves every dentist who diagnosis or treats a patient who has teeth or has been restored with dental implants.
There has also been some suggestion that the “periodontal assessment” be rename the “risk assessment” signify the screen for an overall all health risk as it relates to periodontal (gum) infection. In the future it may be common practices for physicians to refer patients to their dentist for treatment following a positive test for any inflammatory disease. These include but are not limited to arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Friday, April 9, 2010
A recent article in the February 2010 issue of the Journal of Obstetrics and Genecology has promoted me to again continue with the mouth-body connection theme. The article contains a report by researchers at the Department of Periodontics at Cincinnati’s Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine that reports the first documented link between a mother with pregnancy-associated gum disease to the death of her fetus. Doctors found the exact same strain of bacteria from the 35-year-old California woman’s infected gums in her stillborn baby.
According to the CDC records form 2006, the top 10 leading causes of death by disease were: 1) Heart disease
2) Cancer
3) Stroke
4) Chronic Lower Respiratory diseases
5) Accidents (unintentional injuries)
6) Diabetes
7) Alzheimer’s disease
8) Influenza and pneumonia
9) Nephritis, nephritic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease)
10) Septicemia (Infection)
According to the CDC records form 2006, the top 10 leading causes of death by disease were: 1) Heart disease
2) Cancer
3) Stroke
4) Chronic Lower Respiratory diseases
5) Accidents (unintentional injuries)
6) Diabetes
7) Alzheimer’s disease
8) Influenza and pneumonia
9) Nephritis, nephritic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease)
10) Septicemia (Infection)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Intro
Well, spring is officially here and we have had some really great spring weather. Some nice long weekends are just around the corner and I can almost smell the BBQs now. I always find this the most exciting time of year as we anticipate the warm summer weather on its way, the flowers starting to bloom and gardens starting to fill.
I hope your enjoy this issue of our “Word of Mouth” news letter. This month our feature article will again address the connection of oral health will overall health. In Dr. Mike recommends I will review a home-use product that is applied to the teeth before bed that I feel have the potential to dramatically help all of our patients. Enjoy!!
Well, spring is officially here and we have had some really great spring weather. Some nice long weekends are just around the corner and I can almost smell the BBQs now. I always find this the most exciting time of year as we anticipate the warm summer weather on its way, the flowers starting to bloom and gardens starting to fill.
I hope your enjoy this issue of our “Word of Mouth” news letter. This month our feature article will again address the connection of oral health will overall health. In Dr. Mike recommends I will review a home-use product that is applied to the teeth before bed that I feel have the potential to dramatically help all of our patients. Enjoy!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Keep your physician informed if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease or if you are experiencing any issues with gum inflammation. Likewise, inform your dentist if your have been diagnosed with any form of cardiovascular disease or problems.
Individuals most at risk for cardiovascular disease include those over 65, African-Americans, Hispanics, and males. Though these factors cannot be changed there are some risk factors you can change through lifestyle management and/or medical treatment to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and stress.
Individuals most at risk for cardiovascular disease include those over 65, African-Americans, Hispanics, and males. Though these factors cannot be changed there are some risk factors you can change through lifestyle management and/or medical treatment to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and stress.
Monday, March 22, 2010
How are periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease related? It has been suggested that the inflammatory proteins and bacteria associated with gum disease enter the blood stream and cause various effects on the cardiovascular system. A February 2005 study investigated 650 individuals and concluded that the presence of the same bacteria known to cause periodontitis was associated with an increase in blood vessel thickening.
To keep your gums health good oral hygiene is essential. This includes brushing twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste, flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at least every 6 months. A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular and your overall health.
To keep your gums health good oral hygiene is essential. This includes brushing twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste, flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at least every 6 months. A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular and your overall health.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Heart and Mouth Connection
Cardiovascular disease is a class of disease that affects the heart and/or blood vessels. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in the U.S.A. (similar in Canada) have one or more form of cardiovascular disease. These forms include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (acute heart attack and angina pectoris), stroke, and heart failure. Studies have shown that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease. Forms of gum disease such asgingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (bone loss), can be indicators for cardiovascular problems. This is why it is important for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease to visit the dentist regularly, practice good oral hygiene, and keep their dentist informed of af oral and overall health issues.
Cardiovascular disease is a class of disease that affects the heart and/or blood vessels. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in the U.S.A. (similar in Canada) have one or more form of cardiovascular disease. These forms include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (acute heart attack and angina pectoris), stroke, and heart failure. Studies have shown that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease. Forms of gum disease such asgingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (bone loss), can be indicators for cardiovascular problems. This is why it is important for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease to visit the dentist regularly, practice good oral hygiene, and keep their dentist informed of af oral and overall health issues.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Dr. Mike Recommends
Here fact about toothpaste that may be of some interest. Some common ingredients in toothpaste are:
· abrasives grind away left over food and plaque and help remove stain
· fluoride to help remineralize and make teeth more resistant to decay
· antibacterials such as xylitol and triclosan fight the bacteria of plaque and gum disease
· surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents carry away debris from the mouth and between teeth
· anti-tartar agents help prevent the formation of tartar
· Desensitizing agents help relieve tooth sensitivity
Abrasives are necessary to scrub away stain and bacteria and help teeth appear whiter. Toothpaste must be abrasive enough to do the job but not scrub away vital enamel. Wear on the teeth can be minimized by selecting the right toothpaste and by using proper brushing techniques and a soft-bristle brush. For help choosing a toothpaste speak to myself or one of our hygienists at your next appointment.
Here fact about toothpaste that may be of some interest. Some common ingredients in toothpaste are:
· abrasives grind away left over food and plaque and help remove stain
· fluoride to help remineralize and make teeth more resistant to decay
· antibacterials such as xylitol and triclosan fight the bacteria of plaque and gum disease
· surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents carry away debris from the mouth and between teeth
· anti-tartar agents help prevent the formation of tartar
· Desensitizing agents help relieve tooth sensitivity
Abrasives are necessary to scrub away stain and bacteria and help teeth appear whiter. Toothpaste must be abrasive enough to do the job but not scrub away vital enamel. Wear on the teeth can be minimized by selecting the right toothpaste and by using proper brushing techniques and a soft-bristle brush. For help choosing a toothpaste speak to myself or one of our hygienists at your next appointment.
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Note From Dr. Mike
Most of the winter is behind us now and spring is just around the corner. I’m sure we will have a least a few more snow falls before the warm weather begins. For those of you looking for those last few ski weekends the snow will be a blessing. March break is always a great time for kids to be outdoors enjoys winter activities. Remember to be safe and wear helmets to protect from head and brain injuries. I hope you enjoy this issue of our news letter.
Please come out to our Invisalign day or Saturday March 26 from 10am to 1pm. The purpose of this day is twofold. Firstly for those of your ready to start treatment you will receive $600 off our total treatment fee. Secondly, for those of you looking for more information we will try to answer all of your questions.
Most of the winter is behind us now and spring is just around the corner. I’m sure we will have a least a few more snow falls before the warm weather begins. For those of you looking for those last few ski weekends the snow will be a blessing. March break is always a great time for kids to be outdoors enjoys winter activities. Remember to be safe and wear helmets to protect from head and brain injuries. I hope you enjoy this issue of our news letter.
Please come out to our Invisalign day or Saturday March 26 from 10am to 1pm. The purpose of this day is twofold. Firstly for those of your ready to start treatment you will receive $600 off our total treatment fee. Secondly, for those of you looking for more information we will try to answer all of your questions.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The last thing we have implement and I feel the most beneficial is a new and improve comprehensive examination for new patients and for re-examination of our current patients. The significant improvements we have added are a more thorough cancer screening exam which will now include, in addition to our oral cancer screening, a full head and neck exam, that will allow us to screen for any lumps or bumps from the top of the head to the bottom of the neck. All complete exams will include a blood pressure recording and assessment. We will also provide patients with a video tour of their mouth and capture significant findings for monitoring purposes or to compare with a subsequent photo at another interval.
We are proud to be able to offer these services and at no additional cost to our patients. The fact is that many of our patients see us more often than their physicians and we owe it to you to be part of the health care team and help keep your whole body healthy.
Dr. Mike
We are proud to be able to offer these services and at no additional cost to our patients. The fact is that many of our patients see us more often than their physicians and we owe it to you to be part of the health care team and help keep your whole body healthy.
Dr. Mike
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Dr. Mike Recommends
Finding it hard to shed those few extra pounds acquired over the holidays. Here are some of the key points that I picked up from an article in the Globe and Mail. Most are common sense and we all know these intuitively but it never hurts to be reminded and refocused: 1) You can sweat for 30 minutes and loose 200-300 calories but if you then snack on a couple of cookies or have that extra helping at dinner you are back to square one. 2) The best way to win the battle over the pounds does not involve a strict diet or big changes. Small, consistent changes are what add up and make the difference. 3) If you want to lose weight permanently, you need to start focusing on what “forever” will look like. In other words, what you will have to do to maintain your goal weight. 4) Most people gain weight gradually over time adding 1-2 pounds each year. 5) Weigh loss is broken into 2 parts: changes you make to take weight off and changes you make to maintain your goal weight. 6) The “energy gap” is what matters. This is the difference in calorie that you intake compared to what you burn. For example, a 220-pound man will have to adjust his lifestyle by 200 calories to hold a steady weight at 198 pounds (10% change) after reaching that goal or just to halt middle-aged weight-gain. That is because maintaining a body weight of 198lb compared to 220 lb takes 200 less calories daily. A 15% change would require 300 less calories. 7) Some of the small changes that help burn calories or reduce caloric intake including the following: a)walking 2000 step, jogging for 10 min, swimming for 15min and peddling a stationary bike for 12 min will burn 100 calories, b) Eat half or a medium-sized bagel instead of a whole bagel and save 142 calories, c) Serve pasta with tomato sauce instead of creamy Alfredo sauce and save 130 calories for a ½ cup, d) say not to buttery topping at the movie theatre and save 300 calories e) use 2% milk instead of half and half cream in coffee and save 80 calories for a ¼ cup. The important thing to remember is to take is slow and make small changes that you can commit to, so that your results last. Hope this was helpful.
Dr. Mike
Finding it hard to shed those few extra pounds acquired over the holidays. Here are some of the key points that I picked up from an article in the Globe and Mail. Most are common sense and we all know these intuitively but it never hurts to be reminded and refocused: 1) You can sweat for 30 minutes and loose 200-300 calories but if you then snack on a couple of cookies or have that extra helping at dinner you are back to square one. 2) The best way to win the battle over the pounds does not involve a strict diet or big changes. Small, consistent changes are what add up and make the difference. 3) If you want to lose weight permanently, you need to start focusing on what “forever” will look like. In other words, what you will have to do to maintain your goal weight. 4) Most people gain weight gradually over time adding 1-2 pounds each year. 5) Weigh loss is broken into 2 parts: changes you make to take weight off and changes you make to maintain your goal weight. 6) The “energy gap” is what matters. This is the difference in calorie that you intake compared to what you burn. For example, a 220-pound man will have to adjust his lifestyle by 200 calories to hold a steady weight at 198 pounds (10% change) after reaching that goal or just to halt middle-aged weight-gain. That is because maintaining a body weight of 198lb compared to 220 lb takes 200 less calories daily. A 15% change would require 300 less calories. 7) Some of the small changes that help burn calories or reduce caloric intake including the following: a)walking 2000 step, jogging for 10 min, swimming for 15min and peddling a stationary bike for 12 min will burn 100 calories, b) Eat half or a medium-sized bagel instead of a whole bagel and save 142 calories, c) Serve pasta with tomato sauce instead of creamy Alfredo sauce and save 130 calories for a ½ cup, d) say not to buttery topping at the movie theatre and save 300 calories e) use 2% milk instead of half and half cream in coffee and save 80 calories for a ¼ cup. The important thing to remember is to take is slow and make small changes that you can commit to, so that your results last. Hope this was helpful.
Dr. Mike
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Newsletter
The end of the year is always a busy time for us, as many of our patients want to get things done before the end of the year, so that they do not have to worry over the holidays, or to maximize their insurance. This year, however, has been busier than usual as we have made some significant changes that we think will greatly improve our patient care. It has been stressful but gratifying at the same time.
The first change we made was to add to our office digital x-ray equipment. Digital x-rays are not only larger to view and more clearly, which makes them better to detect problems early, but they allow us to reduce the radiation exposure to our patients by approximately 40%. In addition we had installed large tv monitors for patient to view their x-ray and see what we are looking at to asses problems.
We have also added intra-oral camera to the same monitor system which allows us to take photos of teeth and area of the mouth. Photos provide magnification of approximately 20x which allows us to see things we may not others and to better monitor any areas of concern. The most impressive use of the cameras has been to provide patients with a video tour of their mouths as part of our routing exam. We have just begun this and the response has been fantastic. So far patients have loved seeing their mouth in a way they never have before. We have been able not just to show areas of concern but how well patients are doing. Please ask us for a tour of your mouth at your next visit.
The end of the year is always a busy time for us, as many of our patients want to get things done before the end of the year, so that they do not have to worry over the holidays, or to maximize their insurance. This year, however, has been busier than usual as we have made some significant changes that we think will greatly improve our patient care. It has been stressful but gratifying at the same time.
The first change we made was to add to our office digital x-ray equipment. Digital x-rays are not only larger to view and more clearly, which makes them better to detect problems early, but they allow us to reduce the radiation exposure to our patients by approximately 40%. In addition we had installed large tv monitors for patient to view their x-ray and see what we are looking at to asses problems.
We have also added intra-oral camera to the same monitor system which allows us to take photos of teeth and area of the mouth. Photos provide magnification of approximately 20x which allows us to see things we may not others and to better monitor any areas of concern. The most impressive use of the cameras has been to provide patients with a video tour of their mouths as part of our routing exam. We have just begun this and the response has been fantastic. So far patients have loved seeing their mouth in a way they never have before. We have been able not just to show areas of concern but how well patients are doing. Please ask us for a tour of your mouth at your next visit.
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