Re:Focus: Go Slow

Re-blogged from: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?FBLike=http://blog.startwithwhy.com/refocus/2011/12/go-slow.html 

In this day and age of soundbites and instant gratification, we often forget the value of spending time doing something of value.


We live in a world in which a YouTube video longer than 5 min is considered too long. We live in a world in which ideas that are supposed to change the world are given a maximum time of 18 minutes to share. And I can tell you, in my experience, the number of people who saw and liked the 18 min talk I gave on TED.com who actually then set out to learn more - to spend more time watching, reading, talking and learning more about the subject or set out to make the idea even better, are a small minority.


In our fast world, slow should not be a luxury reserved for time off on a beach or in a spa. Slow is a necessity. None of us learned to ride a bike in an afternoon. The process was slow. None of us formed deep, trusting and lasting relationships over one beer. The process was slow.


There is a reason a home cooked meal has greater value than fast food...and it’s not just because of the ingredients. It’s because a meal cooked at home is slow. It has to be. We can’t make something with love in a microwave. The process is slow.


Slow is what allows us to learn. Slow is what allows us to trust. Slow is what allows us to feel love for each other. The problem with slow is it requires time. And that’s exactly why it’s so powerful. It is the single highest gift we can give to someone, to give them our time. To offer hours, days, weeks, months or more knowing full well that any time we spend we will not get back, ever. Time is a non-refundable commodity. Once it’s spent, it’s gone. Time, more than money, has real, lasting value.


Anything slow, by definition, takes time...and that's exactly what makes it special.

10 More Things You Didn't Know About Teeth

1. In 18th-century England, wealthy women might have opted for a tooth transplant, which was briefly popular among the upper classes.
2. No - really, honey, it was the dentist's fault: Such operations usually failed, and worse, the transplanted teeth often carried syphilis.
3. Teeth begin developing in utero at about six weeks. Long after birth, they retain many substances to which the fetus was exposed - and so offer a good record of the nutrition and environmental exposures of the child (and the mother).
4. Accordingly, MoBaTann, a tooth bank based in Norway, plans to collect 100,000 baby teeth to study the relationship between pollution and disease.
5. The stem cells that produce teeth can turn up in horrifyingly wrong places. Teeth have been known to form in tumors called teratomas, which may also include hair, bones, or other specialized tissue.
6. The earliest teeth may have appeared in the throats of jawless fish more than 500 million years ago. Like oral teeth, they crushed food as it was eaten.
7. Teeth can still be found in the throats of some fish species today, including cichlids in East Africa's Lake Malawi.
8. By studying these cichlids, scientists in Tennessee and Georgia have identified the master set of genes that regulate the construction of all teeth in the animal kingdom. The discovery could aid the effort to biologically engineer human teeth.
9. There have already been some remarkable feats of dental engineering. Last year a Mississippi woman became the first American to undergo osteo-odonto-keratopresthesis, a treatment for blindness caused by corneal damage. An extracted tooth is sculpted to form a frame for the tiny lens and is then implanted in the eye.
10. How could it be otherwise? The tooth of choice for the procedure: a canine, or eyetooth.

*Source: Discover Magazine

10 Things You Didn't Know About Teeth

1. Watch what you bite: Enamel, the sturdiest substance in the body, is harder than a copper bullet but slightly less hard than a stainless-steel fork.
2. Enamel also develops tiny cracks that diffuse the stress of chewing and help prevent breaks. Aerospace engineers are studying this feature with an eye toward creating stronger spacecraft.
3. Yet your teeth cannot always stand up to your mouth's native population of bacteria, which produce acids that leach calcium and phosphate from the enamel - the process that leads to cavities.
4. Nothing personal: Those acids are an accidental by-product created when the bacteria digest sugars in the food you've eaten. (Before the invention of refined sugar, cavities were rare.)
5. Fluoride counters tooth decay by preventing the loss of minerals from enamel and promoting reabsorption of calcium and phosphate from saliva into the enamel.
6. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community in the world to put fluoride into its water system. Today, two-thirds of U.S. residents get fluoridated water.
7. The next stage in fighting tooth decay? Jeffrey Hillman, professor emeritus of oral biology at the University of Florida, has begun human trials of a genetically engineered version of the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which he modified to produce less acid.
8. This strain also creates an antibiotic that kills other S. mutans strains, allowing it to take over inside the mouth.
9. A study by researchers at Yale and New York University has confirmed a bit of folk wisdom: The more children a woman has, the more likely she is to have missing teeth.
10. Possible explanation: Pregnant women tent to develop gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) as hormonal shifts make the tissues more sensitive to irritation.

*Source: Discover Magazine

Aging and Gum Disease Do Not Have to Go Together

      

By Dr. Steve Wegner

People are living longer and healthier lives.  Researchers are finding that good oral health is essential to a better quality of life. Oral health is not just important for a nice looking smile or for chewing up your favorite foods. The health of your heart, arteries and blood chemistry can be dependent on the health of your mouth.  The good news is that gum disease can be prevented or treated and does not have to be a part of growing older. 

More than half of people over age 55 have gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. There is a strong relationship between gum disease and strokes, diabetes and heart disease, and it is not the kind of relationship you want to foster. Even in joint replacements, such as knees and hips, the primary cause of failure is infection, which can travel from the mouth to the prosthetic joint through the blood stream in those people who have gum disease.  What is gum (periodontal) disease and how do keep it from being a problem for you?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissue, bone and ligaments that surround and support the teeth.  It is caused by bacteria that always live in the mouth, but they have grown out of control and cause many problems.  It is typically the result of inadequate brushing and flossing that allows a sticky film of dental plaque (a mixture of bacteria, food debris and bacteria toxins) to accumulate on the teeth and on the roots.  These, in turn, cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the roots leaving spaces called “pockets” next to the teeth.  These pockets become infected with the bacteria as the plaque spreads under the gums and into these pockets.

The body’s immune system fights back and the resulting battle starts a cascade of events that lead to the breakdown of the gums, bone and ligaments that help to hold the teeth in place.  The biggest problem is that this does not cause any pain to the unsuspecting person and gum disease silently becomes a serious threat.  If left untreated, gum disease leads to tooth loss.  As the bone around the teeth erodes away, the tooth becomes loose, infected, painful and soon it can no longer function to chew.  Then the tooth must be removed.

Prevention is the Key

While all this warfare under the gums sounds like a losing battle, there are several ways to win. Visit the dentist at least twice a year.  They are able to diagnose problems as they are starting and begin treating the problem before it is too late.  

Brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste several times a day will get rid of the plaque and bacteria on those areas that a brush can reach.  For the other areas in between the teeth, flossing or the use of specialized devices is a “must.”  The key to prevention is removing the disease-causing plaque and bacteria from all of the tooth surfaces.  Some of those surfaces are very difficult to reach, so consult with your dentist or dental hygienist to get the proper brushes, plastic picks or mini brushes to help you in your unique situation.  Once started, gum disease is never “cured” and it can always come back.  But with a team approach with you and your dentist, it can be kept under control.

Prevention can become more difficult with age simply because there are diseases and medications that complicate the efforts to prevent and treat gum disease.

-       Arthritis or other physical difficulty can make it hard grasp and maneuver a toothbrush into the proper position to remove the plaque. It can be  even more difficult to use floss. Special brushes with large handles, electric tooth brushes and even battery-powered “flossers” have been developed to help those with these needs.

-       Medications and cancer treatments can dry out the mouth making it more difficult to remove the plaque.

-       Diabetes and other diseases make it difficult for your body to fight infections allowing the gum disease to start and progress more easily.

-       Last, but most problematic, is smoking!  Smoking makes the process of healing from any wound more difficult. With the smoke being drawn directly into the mouth, the toxins and negative effects are most concentrated here, making gum disease worse and recovery more difficult.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Gum Disease

As mentioned earlier, gum disease is not easily recognized in its early stages except by a dental health professional.  However, if you recognize these signs and symptoms in your own mouth, it could be an early warning sign for you.  These include:

-       bad breath that will not go away

-       red or swollen gums

-       tender or bleeding gums

-       painful chewing

-       loose teeth

-       sensitive teeth

-       receding gums or teeth that appear to be getting longer

Any of these may be a sign of a serious problem that should be checked.  Many times, gum disease can be quite advanced before these warning signs become apparent. 

Treatment of Gum Disease

Years ago, surgery on the gum tissue was the most common way to treat the deep gum pockets.  Now, there are many non-surgical options  for many cases and gum surgery is reserved for only the worst cases.  The goal of treating these pockets around the teeth is to make them accessible to the patient so they can keep them clean at home in between the professional deep cleanings.  These professional deep cleanings meticulously clean the root surfaces of plaque and tarter. This is called “scaling and root planning”.  Antibiotics and other medications are used to decrease the swelling of the gums and heal the pockets so they can be more easily cleaned by the patient at home. Bacteria and plaque must be cleaned out of the pockets at least every 24 hours.  If this can be accomplished, the disease can be stabilized in most cases.  Only your dental professional can tell you what your chances for success might be.  It’s a team effort by the dentist, hygienist and the patient, to treat gum disease.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line

While gum disease is most common in older adults, it does not have to happen at all! Do not let gum disease compromise your physical health and longevity. Good oral health not only keeps your smile looking good, but also plays a role in good cardiovascular and physical well-being.  Proper dental care, healthy gums, regular dental exams and good nutrition can save your teeth and your life!

Discover the Fountain of Youth

Discover the Fountain of Youth with a Beautiful Smile

While it may be a stretch to call it the Fountain of Youth, it is true that a healthy, radiant smile can erase years from your face. People often want to maintain or re-gain their healthy, youthful appearance. The problem is that normal wear and tear, combined with the subtle (and not so subtle) changes caused by aging, can steal the sparkle from your smile. Whether you are a thirty-something or a great-grand parent, cosmetic dentistry can give you the opportunity to look years younger than your actual age, and give your confidence and self-esteem a big boost!

Teeth that have worn down, chipped, stained or shifted from a proper alignment create what is termed an “elderly smile.” As we age, teeth become thinner as enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, is worn away. This thinner enamel chips more easily, which causes teeth to look shorter or broken. Thinner enamel also allows the gray and gold colors to show through from the deeper parts of the teeth. Elderly smiles tend to be flat on the edges and dark/dull in color.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Smile?

A skilled and well-trained cosmetic dentist can offer you choices to create a brighter and more youthful smile. These include:

Teeth Whitening – This is usually the simplest and fastest smile enhancement. Year of smile-dulling foods and beverages darken the enamel. Tooth whitening is a fast, inexpensive and proven way to brighten the teeth. Usually, impressions of the teeth are taken and special plastic trays are made. The whitening gel is placed into the trays and then the trays are placed over the teeth. These trays are worn for a few hours each day or overnight. In a few short weeks, your teeth are as bright as they can be.

The only problems with teeth whitening is that it will not change the color of large fillings or crowns. If some of your teeth have restorations, they will not change color while the other teeth will change. This is not an attractive result. If you have some large restorations or crowns that show in your smile, tooth whitening is not a good choice for you.

Bonding – Bonding is using a tooth colored material to fill in gaps between the teeth or to fix chipped teeth. This can usually be done in a single office visit and can last several years. Bonding is more susceptible to staining and chipping than other restorative choices.

Crowns – Crowns (also known as “caps”) cover a tooth completely, right down to the gum line. Crowns are made of porcelain and sometimes utilize a metal core for added strength. Teeth that are significantly broken down or decayed do not have enough strength for bonding or a filling. A crown holds the tooth together and makes it less likely to fracture apart. Crowns can last a long time with proper care.

Veneers – Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are attached to teeth with special “glue.” Veneers are used to improve the appearance and function of teeth that are discolored, uneven, chipped, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.

Smile Makeovers – To create a beautiful smile, veneers or crowns are used on all of the teeth that show when you smile. In this way, all the teeth can be made to have the same bright color, proper shapes and youthful contours. Each patient can decide on his/her individual desires to make a positive change. Patients tell us how wonderful they feel about their smiles and how happy they are that they had their smile made over. It is not only looking good, but also feeling good about yourself. A radiant smile helps to show off your inner beauty as well.

What Should I Look for in a Cosmetic Dentist?

In order to make sure your dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends that you ask your dentist for the following items before undergoing treatment:

-       Before and after photos – These photos will allow you to examine the results of other patients that have been treated by this dentist to be sure that his/her work fits your dental needs and expectations.

-       References – References allow you to get a sense of the quality of care the dentist provides.

-       Proof of continuing education – Be certain that your dentist has taken continuing education courses to keep him/her up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.

Nothing can make you look and feel younger than a beautiful smile. It is a fact! Plastic surgeons always comment that they can get rid of wrinkles and make the skin look tighter, but the patient’s teeth always gives away their age. A youthful smile is the true way to the Fountain of Youth!

Medications, Side Effects and your Oral Health

Aging seems to bring an increase in the number and type of medications we take.  Each has its purpose and provides benefits to help us enjoy healthier and happier lives.  Unfortunately, many also have bothersome side effects that impact our oral health.  Many common medications cause a range of problems that can make your mouth dry and sensitive, and can even cause rampant decay. Others may cause excessive bleeding or problems with the bone in your jaws.  Great communication with your dentist is key to minimizing the risks and severity of these oral side effects.

 Osteoporosis drugs (like Fossamax, Boniva, Actonel and others) are used to strengthen bones and decrease the risk of hip and other bone fractures. They are also used in certain cancer treatments.  Dental risks come from taking these long-term and seem to be even more prevalent with intravenous use as opposed to taking them orally.  Men and women who have taken these medications risk oral problems if teeth are removed or periodontal (gum disease) treatments are done that involve the jaw bone.  Occasionally, these areas do not heal correctly and are chronically raw, painful, inflamed and can lead to exposed jaw bone through the gums.  Never stop taking these without consulting with your physician.  The risks of developing these dental side effects are low and the benefits of taking these medications far outweigh the risks.  More studies are currently being done, so stay in touch with your health care providers and pharmacists to be informed regarding the most recent updates.

 Blood thinning drugs such as Coumadin or Warfarin slow the blood’s ability to form clots to decrease the possibility of a heart attack or stroke.  The key is to regulate the amount of this medication in your system to keep the clotting time within a specific range.  As long as the proper level is maintained, it is safe to have dental work done and even safe to remove one or two teeth.  Never stop taking this drug without strict monitoring by your physician. The risks of serious medical complications and/or death go up considerably when you stop taking blood thinners.  On the other hand, too much of this drug may thin your blood so much that you could lose too much blood during a dental procedure.  If you are taking this type of medication and need a dental procedure that might cause bleeding, have your blood level checked within a day of the dental appointment to be safe.

Dry Mouth is a side effect of over 400 drugs in use today. These include: antihistamines, decongestants, high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, sedatives, pain medications, Parkinson’s disease medications and antacids. It is hard to avoid this side affect if you take many different medications.

Saliva is critical to oral health.  It lubricates and eases chewing, swallowing and digestion. It also dilutes the acids that cause cavities.  People who wear dentures may have a difficult time keeping them in their mouth because of increased mouth sores and lack of suction. Those with natural teeth can see marked increases in decay and tooth sensitivity.  Mouth soreness and tenderness can affect anyone with decrease saliva flow. There is no real solution to these problems, but using a “saliva substitute”, sipping on water or sugarless liquids, or sucking on sugarless candy can help.

Tooth Decay is a side affect of any medication that dries out your mouth.  Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, contain a lot of sugar.  These include antacids, cough drops and many chewable tablets.  This increase of sugar can result in a marked increase in tooth decay even with good home brushing and flossing habits. Ask your dentist for a fluoride supplement to brush on your teeth and seek regular preventive care.

Altered taste sensation results in a metallic or bitter taste.  Some medications can change the perceived taste of all the foods you eat. These include certain cardiovascular drugs, central nervous system stimulants, Flagyl (metronidazole, an antibiotic) nicotine skin patches and some respiratory inhalants.  Ask your physician or pharmacists if you suspect that the medication you take is causing altered taste.  If this side effect is intolerable, ask your physician if your medication can be changed.

 Herbal supplements are often marketed to treat depression or help memory functions.  Many people think that it is not important to tell their health care providers that they take these supplements.  However, many “herbal remedies” can have a significant, negative impact on your other medications.  For example, Ginko may interfere with blood thinners like Coumadin, causing over thinning and bleeding disorders.  Ginseng can increase blood pressure and should not be used if you are taking a medicine for high blood pressure.  There are many others.  If you take herbal supplements, be honest and fully disclose them to your physician and pharmacist to minimize potential complications.

The bottom line is to be sure to let your dentist know about all the medications and over-the-counter products you use.  Good oral health is a team effort that needs excellent communication among you, your physician and your dentist.  Be sure to take a list of your medications and supplements to give to your dentist and update him/her of any changes in your medications or health history. 

            Keep Smiling – Dr. Steve Wegner

Saliva and Your Dental Health

Did you know that the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States is the group of 100 years and older and that the second fastest growing segment is those 90 and older? People are living longer! Excellent medical care, new medications and treatments contribute a great deal to a longer and more enjoyable life. But how do their mouths look at those higher ages?

The key to good dental health in our senior years is saliva. That wonderful fluid that starts digestion of the foods we eat, lubricates our teeth, gums and cheeks and dilutes the acids that cause tooth decay is just taken for granted until it is not there like it used to be.

Remember when you were little and you would wake up in the morning with your face and pillow soaked in your own saliva? When we are children, we have so much saliva that we are lucky not to drown in it! Fast forward to age 50 when you might start taking a glass of water to bed with you to get rid of that dry, gummy feeling in your mouth when you wake up at night. By age 65, nearly everyone wakes up with a mouth that feels parched and like a herd of cats slept in there overnight. Thanks to Mother Nature and the increasing number of medications we take, our saliva diminishes to nearly nothing in our senior years.

What is so important about saliva? Think about it. You are working away and you somehow cut your finger. What is the first thing you do? You stick it in your mouth. If your dog hurts is paw and it endlessly licks it. Mammals lick their wounds by instinct because saliva contains antibodies to help fight infection (remember the figure-of-speech, “Licking your wounds?”). In the case of our oral health, these antibodies help fight the bacteria that cause decay. Diminishing saliva = more decay.

According to the AARP, the average American over 75 is taking more than 11 medications that are prescribed to them for various reasons. Antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, diuretics, muscle relaxants, heart meds, pain pills and decongestants and many more cause dry mouth (clinically called xerostomia).  Sometimes your physician can prescribe an alternate medication, but most times it is one of those side effects that cannot be changed.

Decreased saliva flow means a dry mouth. But it also means the possibility of more cavities, more denture irritations and red and tender gums. From the dentists standpoint, it can be frustrating too. Fillings and crowns fail prematurely because decay destroys the good tooth around them and patients with dentures have a hard time getting comfortable because there is not enough saliva to lubricate the gums and create suction to hold them in place.

What can be done to improve this situation?

Until researchers finally develop a vaccine against the bacteria that cause cavities or a medication that causes saliva glands to produce more, there are only a few things we can do.

1. Stimulate the flow of saliva by chewing gum or sucking on sugarless mints that contain xylitol. These can be found at the grocery store or check out this web site, www.xlear.com for some great options.
2. Drink water all day and when you wake up at night. Water dilutes the acid environment that otherwise develops in a dry mouth. Plus, it also lubricates the oral tissues making them more comfortable.
3. Look for products like Biotene mouthwash, oral spray, mints and gum. These are very effective at stimulating your own saliva flow as well as making your mouth more comfortable by moisturizing the tissues and diluting acids.

The most important thing is to communicate with your dentist if you are having dry mouth problems. Treating these symptoms early can keep you more comfortable and hopefully help you keep your teeth healthy. In addition, you and your dentist can discuss your treatment options. If you are fighting that uphill battle and losing teeth or having fillings done over and over, perhaps dental implants and a denture would be better. They are not so reliant on saliva and do not get cavities. In the long run, it could be healthier and more economical than trying to save your own teeth.

Dentistry in our senior years is full of healthy options and good possibilities! Good dental health is key to proper nutrition as well as good physical health. It is important to stay educated, informed and advocate for yourself and your loved ones in dealing with health care professionals. It is your mouth and your body – take good care of both!

- Dr. Steve Wegner