When a patient starts loosing more teeth, his or her chewing habits change, and the person tends to put more force on the remaining ones. This leads to tooth fractures, excessive wear, headaches, and TMJ problems. The deterioration of the bite happens faster with some people than others. Bone density plays a role in how fast this process happens, periodontal disease accelerates the shifting,  also biting and chewing habbits plays a role.

Make sure you replace every missing tooth as soon as you loose it.  Do not take teeth and oral health lightly, remember everything you put in your mouth goes to your body.

Finally I say to you all:  healthy mouth, healthy life.

Enjoy the summer.

 Oral signs of diabetes:

• Dry mouth
• Sore or loose teeth
• Burning mouth or tongue
• Chronic bad breath
• gingivitis or periodontitis

Diabetic patients need to increase their frequency of their cleaning per year, this means having a cleaning every three or four months. These patients need to be vigilany with their home care. Remember bacteria thrives in a diabetic mouth because of the high glucose levels, this increase with the weak resistance to infection lead to gum disease. Diabetic patients need to eat before their dental appointment, especially if they take insulin, it is best to come in the morning after breakfast.

I wish you all an everlasting healthy mouth and life 

• Front teeth can chip, get worn down, or get cracked which in turn will need bonding, veneers, or crowns.
• the normal bacteria in the mouth can infect the nail bed and can reach the blood which can be life threatening in immune compromised patients, or weak patients.
• braces wearers can cause too much pressure on the root which in turn can cause shortening to the roots. This shortening of the roots can compromise the longevity of the teeth in the mouth.
• Nail biting can permanently affect nail growth and cause deformed nails.

Solutions to nail biting:

• Professionally take care of the nails, trim them, file them, or wear a nail polish.
• paint a bitter-tasting liquid and keep re-applying it evry time the hands get rinsed or washed.
• pick up another habbit like squeezing a ball, playing with silly putty, playing with an elastic band.

• Non healing and bleeding sores.
• White or red spots in the mouth.
• Lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area.
• Numbness or pain in the face, mouth, or neck.
• Feeling of something caught in the mouth.
• Difficulty Chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.

In the office, we can do a regular visual exam,or we can do a more a thorough Visilight exam which is a special rinse.  The difference between them is the Visilight exam has an 80% survival rate, and the visual exam has 50% survival rate. So, if you have any concerns about anything in the mouth you need to call the dentist as soon as possible.

Dr. Massabni

Fusobacterium nucleatum is linked to premature births and still born infants, it increases in number when gum disease is present. This increase in number of F. Nucleatum bacteria with the immune system working less than normal during pregnancy, cause this bacteria to attack the placenta and the amniotic fluid through the blood stream which results in preterm birth.

Please Brush, floss, and rinse with anti bacterial rinse. Visit your dentist for check ups and cleanings. It is as simple as that.

Is not prevention simple and the best?

• An oral evaluation is recommended no later than the age of 1. In most cases this assessment is done by the Pediatrician, if there is any area of concern contact the family dentist.
• By the age of six, most children will have their first set of permanent molars, as well as start losing their baby teeth. Routine checkups are recommended twice a year starting from the age of three. These appointments will help maintain optimal overall health, by assessing any risk factors that can lead to cavities, gingival diseases and malocclusion. At these appointments, an exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and possibly x-rays will be performed. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and helps fight tooth decay. X-rays allow for areas that are not visible clinically to be assessed, it is recommended that periodically unseen areas are evaluated. Other preventative measures such as sealing molars that have deep grooves on the chewing surfaces may be recommended. Sealants are a plastic white material that adheres directly onto the teeth preventing plaque and acids from embedding itself in the grooves of the teeth.
• Frequent snacking increases the risk for developing decay. Limit sugary snacks and drinks to meal time. In between meals healthier snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetables, dry cereals and other non-sticky foods are recommended. Consuming plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum are natural and easy ways to help the oral cavity self cleanse throughout the day.
• Teeth should be brushed with a soft bristle brush and water as soon as they erupt in the mouth.
• Children 2 years of age and older, should brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoridated tooth paste. An adult should monitor this practice to make sure that the toothpaste is not being consumed and assist with the technique for children 2-7 years of age. Flossing once a day is recommended once the child's teeth start making contact. Children should always use the proper size children's toothbrush with soft bristles, and replace it every 3-4 months, or after a cold or infectious virus.

This article was written by Mariely Nicasio RDH.

there are many other reasons why these individuals should not avoid the dentist:

• They will miss on their oral cancer exam
• They will miss on their dental, gum, and TMJ exam
• They will miss on the PH balance of the mouth exam.
• They will miss on any opportunity to save the teeth, or prevent bone loss
• They will miss on the opportunity of learning about regular home and office care.
• They will miss on a possibility of cosmetic enhancement.
• They will miss on the education we provide for a long time maintenance.
• Finally I would like to say let us help you when things show up in the mouth not when they blow up.

The Hygienist role is to remove all hard and soft plaque above and below the gum line, so the tissue can reattach to the teeth. The post operative pain is related to the amount of the inflammation present in the tissue which will last up to one week. During the healing period it is absolutely necessary to keep the teeth clean by brushing, flossing, rubber tipping, rinsing with warm water and salt,and taking Advil or Tylenol. you may need to double your efforts in your home care at the beginning until we bring the gum to the optimum health.

home care instructions are tailored to each patient's needs. we do not give the same instructions to all patients.

Most importantly, we need to hear your feedback after your cleaning. we take your feedback seriously, and it helps us to adjust our work to your comfort level.

Have a happy brushing and flossing.

this article was written by Jackie Forbes. RDH.

1. If tooth is a baby tooth don't worry about replanting it back into the socket, if it is an adult tooth hold it by the crow and DO NOT touch the root.
2. Rinse the tooth with water, saline, or milk for 10 seconds, DO NOT scrub the root. Try to replant the tooth back to the socket and hold it in place until you see the dentist.
3. If you can not replant the tooth, then soak the tooth in cold milk or saline, milk is even better. DO NOT soak the tooth in water this will hurt the vital cell of the tissue surrounding the root.
4. Patient should see the dentist immediately or within the hour, the longer the tooth stays outside the mouth the less success we have to save the vitality of the tooth
5. Remember see the dentist immediately, or with in the hour at the most.Happy New Year everyone, may it a blessed year to you all and your families.

1. The amount of radiation we get from dental X-rays is so small. In the past we used to expose patients for 40 seconds per x-ray, now with digital x-rays the exposure is just 7 seconds. For example, assume you are exposed for 40 seconds for each X-ray times 20 films which is a full mouth series we do once every 5 years, you will still not be exposed as much as if you are when you walk or sit in the sun for just a half hour. You will also get the more exposure by being in front of the TV for half hour not protected with lead shield. We get more harm from the sun than we get from x- rays.

2. The way x-rays are directed and contained: In the past we had the cone shaped x-ray machines which scattered the rays to all directions. This has been changed to a cylindrical shaped cone x-ray machines which is more site specific and does not scatter x-rays to all directions at all.

3. The sensitivity of cells towards X-rays: X-rays affect the growing cells more than the mature cells. For example, in the case of a pregnant woman, the second trimester is the safest to do dental work with x-rays. Having said that, there is more danger to the fetus by not doing anything when a dental problem occurs at any point during the pregnancy. Given the knowledge of the sensitivity of the growing cell to the x-rays, let's see how the cancer cells behave. We all have cancer cells in our bodies, for whatever reason, and there are so many, we don't even know what triggers this behavior. These cells start to multiply and grow in a strange and radical way. Traditionally, to kill these cells we do radiation therapy in addition to Chemo therapy.

4. Doing an exam or operating in dentistry without x-rays is like driving with your eyes blind folded, would you do that? Try it let me know what you think. It is the same thing with dentistry. We can't see what is going on in the bone, sinuses, or teeth decay without taking x-rays. We also cannot do root canals, surgeries, extractions, crowns, implants etc.......... and the list goes on without taking x-rays. Dentists only take 4 films per year every year to check for cavities, shape and amount of bone loss, and many other things that outweigh the minute exposure to dental x-rays. The bottom line, you cannot expect to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life without the benefit of x-rays.

5. Let's look at our environment: the water, the air, the laser games, TVs, radio waves we can't see. All these are one way or another harmful to us, but we live and the span of our lives in today's society is longer than in the past when people lived much more simply. Has anyone walked in the cemetery in Plymouth where pilgrims first settled; the oldest survivor was 50 years of age.

6. For something to be really harmful it needs to be repeated everyday with intensity.

So, relax everyone don't panic. Make sure you brush and floss every day, and get your dental check-up regularly. Enjoy healthy, teeth and gums for life.

Happy New Year!

1. Use the Rotadent toothbrush which has specialized heads. one of these heads is specifically designed for braces. Rotadent is also excellent for adults with crowns, veneers, implants, root exposures for adult, perio patients, or sensitivity.
2. Brush with baking soda, or Wow toothpaste and floss.
3. use any product that has Xylitol during the day to prevent decay or beginning of decay. Products you can find in whole food such as sparx, or other products.
4. At night I recommend brushing and flossing, then apply a special paste (clinpro). Do not rinse or drink water after you apply this paste since it gives several hours of protection while you are sleeping.
5. Apply an in office treatment of Varnish 3 times per year.

For more information call our office at 1-781-935-2200.

1. use a rinse called Caphosol prescribed by their Doctor or Dentist. this rinse is covered by medical insurance since it is expensive.
2. use anything over the counter that has Xylitol in it like Spry, Ice breakers, ice cubes gum, or any Xylitol mints. there is also a prescribed Lollipops that will increase salivation. "Xylitol is safe for diabetics".
3. patients should also use a special paste sold only in dental offices that will give protection for several hour at night while sleeping.
4. should use backing soda while brushing, or you can buy a tooth paste called WOW, and use it. this tooth paste has baking soda+ Xylitol+ citric acid.
5. and in office varnish treatment 3 times a year.

In summary, Morning Brushing with baking soda, keep the mouth moist during the day with Xylitol, at night use a protective paste, and Varnish treatments 3 times a year.

Next week i will be talking about Kids with braces and how to prevent those annoying white lines that we commonly see after the braces are removed.

Happy Brushing and flossing everyone.

today I'm goign to start with a protocol for Dry mouth people:

1- at home:

a- use baking soda with your brush.

b - apply a special paste at night after brushing and flossing. this will give you a 6 hours protection, eg (clinpro, Mi paste).

c - during the day keep your saliva going with any gum over the counter that contains Xylotol eg ( ice breakers, ice cubes etc), there is a prescribed lollipop that the office can help you with, and gum amd mints that have 100% Xylotol.

2- In office:

a- Varnish protector applied 3 times a year

b- different products that can help you at home.

For more information call our office and we will be happy to help you.

Stay tuned for more information for Chemotherapy patinets, radiation therapy patients, and dieters.

to your health,

Dr. Massabni

1. Brush your tongue.
2. Brush your teeth manually one minute on the top and one minute on the bottom. Always use soft brush and put half the bristles on the gum and half on the teeth. Go downward on the top, and go upward on the lowers. Never brush horizontally.
3. Flossing: secure the floss in a C shape hugging the tooth, floss it up and down, then hug the tooth next to it and floss it in the same manner, then come out. People tend to pass the floss up and down without hugging any tooth. This will only dislodge food but not remove plaque off the teeth.
4. Finally brush with an electric toothbrush, 30 seconds on each quadrant. Put half the bristles half on the gum and half on the teeth. DO NOT bend the bristle at all, pressing too hard since will damage your gum.
5. For periodontal patients with greater than 4mm pockets, rubber tip only the back molars. Insert the tip in a 90 degree angle, and massage counting to 10. Rubber tip each area from the cheek side and the tongue side.

Go through these few steps every day, and you will show great results.

Your Woburn Dentist,

Ghada

Step 1: Brush Your Teeth Daily

It seems obvious, right? While brushing your teeth seems like a mundane task, failing to give your teeth the attention they need and deserve each and every day can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, tooth discoloration and gum disease.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean all sides of the teeth, and remember to brush your tongue and along the gumline. When your toothbrush starts to look worn, or after three months, toss your old toothbrush for a new one. Ask your Woburn dentist for the best brushing techniques and the most appropriate toothbrush for your teeth.

Step 2: Don't Forget to Floss

Don't underestimate the importance of flossing. Flossing regularly ensures your penetrating those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gumline to remove food particles that a tooth brush can't. Failing to floss properly and regularly allows plaque to build-up, eventually turning to tartar- a hard substance that can only be removed by your dentist. With time, bacteria accumulate within the tartar, leading to gingivitis and eventually progressing to gum disease.

Not sure about the proper methods for flossing? Talk to your Woburn dentist for easy tips and techniques. Coupled with good brushing, you can help eliminate the harmful bacteria that lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

Step 3: Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Just as eating nutritional foods is good for your body, it's equally as important for your teeth and gums. Avoid excessive snacking between meals- especially sugary or starchy foods. And limit your amount of soda intake as even diet soda contains harmful acids that can erode tooth enamel. Foods rich in calcium, fluoride, and vitamins will keep you teeth strong and stunning. As a general rule, if it's bad for your body, then it's probably bad for you mouth as well.

Step 4: Monitor Your Gums

Tender, swollen and red gums; gums that bleed easily; and persistent bad breath are all common warning signs of gum disease- an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. Getting to your dentist as soon as signs of infected gums are detected is the best way to ensure a quick and full recovery. Luckily gum disease can be treated at all stages, and even more importantly, easily be prevented with good oral hygiene, a well-balanced diet and regular visits to your dentist.

Step 5: Visit Your Dentist

One of the most essential steps for achieving a healthy smile is to visit your dentist in Woburn for routine check ups and cleanings- usually twice a year. During your regular visits, your dentist will look for signs of diseases, infections, injuries, oral cancer and other dental problems that she is trained to detect. The earlier a problem is identified, the more effectively your dentist can administer the appropriate treatment.

Being proactive about your personal dental care is the best way to combat harmful plaque and bacteria from accumulating on your teeth and gums. Start by improving your brushing and flossing, paying extra attention to the hard to reach areas between the teeth and along the gumline. Modify your diet and be more cautious of how often and how much of certain foods you are eating. Monitoring the health of your gums is also important as gum disease is a common and very serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences. And finally, keep up-to-date with appointments to your Woburn family dentist as she can detect dental problems in their earliest stages to keep your teeth their very best for a lifetime.

However, these problems are likely to turn into bigger problems which will be more costly, more timely, and potentially more painful.

For example, it is better to get older fillings replaced to prevent repeated decay. When you replace older fillings, it is a fairly easy procedure that can take 30-60 minutes. By not replacing them, additional decay will result, and subsequently you will need a larger filling, possibly a root canal, and maybe a crown.

So, prevention is the best approach, and it is always better to deal with dental problems when they show up not when they blow up.

Prevention is the key to good oral health, and this includes daily dental care and routine visits to your Woburn dentist. People who suffer from dental anxiety, however, often avoid regular visits to their dentist, and this in turn can lead to dental problems.
Fortunately, it's not difficult to overcome your dental anxiety, especially with new and innovative technology now available that help educate patients and streamline dental care. With that being said, communication should be the foundation of any dental treatment plan. Get to know your dentist, educate yourself about good dental health and take advantage of advanced dental technology.

Establishing Trust with Your Dentist

If you don't feel comfortable at your dentist's office, you are going to have a difficult time relaxing during a procedure. Learn to express your fears and concerns to your dentist so that she can administer the most suitable treatment for your needs. Remember, your dentist is not only trained for clinical skills, but for patient anxiety as well.

Just as you need to learn how to trust your dentist, your dentist also needs to feel confident that she can trust you. If you are experiencing unusual symptoms or dental pain, you need to tell your dentist so that she can properly diagnose you and help treat your problem. For instance, if you're suffering from an excruciating toothache, but avoid telling your dentist because you don't want a root canal, you are only making the condition worse and prolonging the pain.

Laser Dentistry for Phobia-Free Dental Care

Perhaps it's the sound of the drill or your intense fear of needles that keeps you from scheduling regular appointments with your dentist. Luckily, with new advances in dental technology, receiving quality treatment from your Woburn dentist is safer, faster and more comfortable than ever. Using a specialized beam of light, your dentist in Woburn can successfully treat dental diseases for both hard and soft oral tissue, targeting decay with higher water content and ultimately preserving the healthy part of the natural tooth structure.

Laser dentistry is revolutionizing the way dentists can administer dental care for certain procedures, minimizing pain and working much faster compared to other traditional techniques. In fact, clinical studies have shown that 97% of children and adult patients receiving laser dentistry did not require anesthesia, meaning less time is lost waiting for Novocain to take effect or wear off.

Online Communication and Education

Communicating with your dentist is easier than ever with the power of the World Wide Web. In fact, many dentists have integrated the Internet into their practice by building a website with practice details, service descriptions and dental education that help expedite appointments and enable patients to get to know their dentist from the comfort of their homes. Ultimately, an educated patient is a less anxious patient, and the more informed you are about your dentist and the services offered, the more confident you'll feel at your next appointment.

Not only can a dental website provide you with valuable dental information, it can also make communicating with your dentist easier and more efficient than ever. You can visit your Woburn dentist's site and make an appointment online, and if you're new to the practice, print new patient forms and fill them out before your first appointment.

Don't let your fear of the dentist prevent you from receiving exceptional dental care and a healthy, radiant smile. Talk to your dentist and express your misgivings; learn more about advanced dental technology such as laser dentistry; and take advantage of a wide range of dental information by visiting your dentist's website.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

According to the American Dental Association, parents should bring their child in for his or her first dental appointment by their first birthday. This allows the dentist to identify problems early and make recommendations for the best possible prevention and treatment. Many dentists specialize in treating the teeth and gums of little ones, and are best equipped to make your child feel comfortable at each and every appointment.

At the first visit, the parent and dentist can review important dental health information such as diet, tooth brushing, bottles and fluoride use. Not to mention that starting dental care early will help your child become comfortable with his or her dentist while establishing good dental health habits with each and every appointment.

Establish Good Brushing Habits

Just as daily oral hygiene is important for adults, it is as equally important for children. Because children have less motivation and focus to care for their teeth and gums, however, incorporating proper brushing into a child's every day routine can be difficult.

Start practicing good dental care early, generally around six months when a child's first teeth start coming in. Try to make the process fun by doing it together. And continue to provide supervision and help your child brush and floss until they are responsible and mature enough to do it properly on their own.

Fighting Cavities with a Healthy Diet

Finally, just as brushing is important for reducing decay, good nutrition and healthy teeth also go hand in hand. A healthy, well-balanced diet supplies your child with the essential nutrients they need to grow, including the strong development of teeth and gums.

Improve your child's calcium intake to build strong teeth and prevent cavities. And limit your child's sugar intake, including candies, sodas, juices and other sweets. Additionally, talk to your child's dentist about their fluoride ingestion- a key way to prevent cavities.

Taking your child to your Woburn dentist at an early age is the best way to instill good dental health habits and implement preventative treatment so that it carries over into adulthood. Combined with proper brushing and healthy eating, you can help promote healthy teeth and gums for your child.

If you dread getting older and the changes that come with it, you're not alone. Perhaps you've already noticed changes in your physical appearance, energy and health. You can't stop the aging process, but with simple modifications to your lifestyle, it is possible to slow down the physical changes that come with growing older.

Keep your body healthy and fit by adding physical activity and a nutritional diet into your daily routine. Maintain the health of your teeth and gums by practicing good dental health and visiting your dentist every year for routine check ups. Doing so can keep your teeth white and attractive while improving your overall health. Finally, keep a positive attitude, enjoy friends and family, and learn to laugh. People that take on life optimistically tend to have stronger, healthier immune systems.

Work Out and Eat Healthy

You don't have to be a health expert to know that regular exercise can improve your physical well being. Visit the gym with a friend or take your dog for a walk in the park. It doesn't have to be strenuous or long. In fact, a brisk 20 minute walk every day is great for your circulation, heart and lungs. And if you aren't sure how much physical activity your body can endure, consult with your physician first.

Every routine workout plan should be accompanied with a well-balanced diet. Research studies have indicated that regular physical activity coupled with healthy eating improves your level of energy and reduces the chance for heart complications, tooth decay, high cholesterol and other serious medial problems. Drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins and improve your skin. And increase your antioxidant intake, which includes a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits.

Take Care of Your Teeth

Poor dental health can lead to tooth decay, bad breath and discolored smiles, but what many people aren't aware of is that failing to practice good dental hygiene can actually lead to other serious health problems throughout the body. In fact, studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between your oral health and your overall health. When plaque causing bacteria settles on your teeth, it can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). And left untreated, gum disease can lead to chronic illnesses in the rest of your body, including stroke, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, pneumonia and low birth weight in infants. And if the bacteria reach the arteries surrounding the heart, the risk of heart disease increases significantly.

The good news is that gum disease can easily be prevented. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to remove food particles and bacteria that cause decay. And always maintain routine dental appointments. Your dentist can remove decay causing bacteria that your regular brushing and flossing cannot, as well as identify dental problems before they become an issue. Not to mention that a healthy, white smile keeps you looking young- something we all strive for as we age!

Improve Your Outlook on Life

Improving your overall attitude and learning to have a more positive outlook on life is one of the easiest ways to enhance your health and well being. In fact, past studies have shown that laughter reduces stress causing hormones and increases a body's production of endorphins that strengthen the immune system. Spend more time with friends and family, and do something you love every day. Happier people generally have stronger immune systems, which ultimately leads to a greater quality of life and a healthier you.

With age comes change, but the change doesn't always have to be bad. You won't always be able to control problems as they come your way, but recognizing the changes and understanding how to care for your body now can strengthen your immune system and prevent serious health problems from occurring in the future. Take time to exercise and modify your eating habits by incorporating fruits and vegetables into your daily schedule. Visit your dentist for routine check ups and cleanings, and improve your dental health with regular brushing and flossing. And finally, keep a positive attitude and make time for friends and family. Making lifestyle changes takes dedication, but when your goal is to live a healthier, happier life, you can make these changes possible- and look and feel younger too!