Moooooove over gum disease!

Drs. Allen Ressler, Andrew Hirschl, and Ira Lelchuk want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Understanding Gum Disease [Video]

Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Below you'll find a video that our team at the dental office of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk found which explains the three stages of gum disease, what to watch for and some simple preventive techniques.

If you have any more questions about gum disease or how to maintain good oral health, please feel free to give our office a call.

Understanding Gum Disease with Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. At each regular checkup the dentist will measure the depth of the shallow v-shaped crevice (called a sulcus) between your tooth and gums to identify whether you have gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.

Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

-Tobacco smoking or chewing
-System-wide diseases such as diabetes
-Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
-Bridges that no longer fit properly
-Crooked teeth
-Fillings that have become defective
-Pregnancy

If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, call us immediately:

-Gums that bleed easily
-Red, swollen, tender gums
-Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
-Persistent bad breath or bad taste
-Pus between your teeth and gums
-Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
-Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
-Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Good oral hygiene at home is essential to keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don't have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

If you have any additional questions about gum disease, please give our office a call.

"What is LANAP?" Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk explain!

North Miami Beach and Mount Sinani expert dentists, Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, specialize in the early detection of oral cancer. We offer our patients the newest state-of-the-art technology, to ensure that we cater to our patients’ unique dental needs. Today, we would like to share a great video, which discusses LANAP, or the FDA approved Laser-assisted new attachment procedure for the treatment of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about this new periodontal surgery, or if you would like a few tips for improving your gum care or daily oral hygiene habits. Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk can help you take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

Ask Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk: What does gum disease look like?

Patients are always asking our team at Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk about their oral health and the symptoms of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Gum disease is caused by plaque, which creates toxins that can be damaging to your gums. That's why Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk remind all of our patients to brush twice a day and to floss regularly!

The two main stages of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earlier stage of gum disease that can be corrected by proper oral care habits, while periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease that can result in the loss of teeth. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it, that's why it is so important to visit the doctor regularly. These are the symptoms of gum disease:

-Gums that bleed easily
-Red, swollen, tender gums
-Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
-Persistent bad breath or bad taste
-Pus between your teeth and gums
-Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
-Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
-Any change in the fit of partial dentures

If you or anyone in your family notices any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately! Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about gum disease or your oral health.

Talkin' dairy with Ressler, Hirschl and Lelchuk DDS

Drs. Lelchuk, Ressler and Hirschl want to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is typically caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw, and results in a loss of teeth and bone. It has been connected in studies to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and, as you probably imagined, osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, give us a call at 786-220-0246. Enjoy your weekend everyone!!