More and more research suggests that the same good health and nutritional practices that prevent cavities and gum disease may also keep you healthy and prevent other illnesses.
Research has shown that serious chronic health problems are often associated with dental caries, or cavities, and gum pathology. This connection is documented by a large number of recent studies performed after 1990. For example - poor mental health is associated with cavities [1-4]. In a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, January 2008 , elderly individuals without dementia were found to have an average of only 2.7 fillings. Elderly individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease averaged 7.8 teeth with fillings.
A recent authoritative review showed a clear association between cavities, gum health and heart diseases [5}. Additionally, this same study reported that people with poor oral health, on average, lead shorter lives. Recent publications concerning Periodontal Disease and Your Heart
are listed by the American Association of Periodontology.
You can take this quiz to asses your risk of gum disease:
Gum Health Self-Assessment Quiz.
Connections between diabetes, as well as heart disease, and dental decay have been suspect for decades. Active, ongoing research [6-8] deals with the association between cavities and diabetes. While recent publications concerning Periodontal Disease and Diabetes are listed by the American Association of Periodontology.
A large number of scientists studying this relationship have proposed that diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates were common cause of these diseases [9-15].
Nutrition is suspect as a possible factor in heart disease, infectious respiratory diseases, dental diseases and mental diseases. These diseases can result, in part, from common failures in metabolism. When a deficiency of essential nutrients occurs, particularly vitamins D, C, and niacin, metabolic failures are inevitable.
The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cavities is especially strong in dozens of studies conducted in the 1930's and 1940's [16-27]. More than 90% of the studies concluded that Vitamin D supplements prevented children's cavities.
Cancer, respiratory infections, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments  are also linked to a Vitamin D deficiency. For example, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008, indicated that compared to individuals with highest vitamin D levels, individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels had more than double the risk of dying from heart disease and other causes over an eight-year study period. Linus Pauling  reviewed evidence for vitamin C was and the evidence for niacin was described by Abram Hoffer .
Individuals who ensure their good levels of nutrition through balanced diet and nutrient supplements, in conjunction with good dental care, will have dramatically fewer cavities and gum problems than individuals who only receive good dental care.
 B Ellefsen; P Holm-Pedersen; D E Morse; M. Schroll; B. Andersen; G. Waldemar. Caries Prevalence in Older Persons with and without Dementia. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Volume 56, Number 1, January 2008, 59-67(9).
 J M Chalmers, K D Carter, A J Spencer. Caries incidence and increments in community-living older adults with and without dementia. Australian Research Center for Population Oral Health, Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia. Gerodontology Volume 19 Issue 2, 80 – 94.
 Friedlander, A.H.; Mahler, M.E. Major depressive disorder psychopathology, medical management and dental implications. Graduate Medical Education, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (14), Los Angeles, CA, USA. Journal of the American Dental Association (2001), 132(5), 629-638.
 Stewart, R.; et. al. Oral Health and Cognitive Function in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), Psychosomatic Medicine 70:936-941 (2008).
 Meurman, J.H.; Sanz, M.;Janket, S. Oral infection and vascular disease. Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Finland. Vascular Disease Prevention (2007), 4(4), 260-267.
 Touger-Decker R, Sirois D A, Vernillo A T. Diabetes mellitus: Nutrition and oral health relationships. Department of Primary Care, School of Health-Related Professions, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA. Editor(s): Touger-Decker, Riva. Nutrition and Oral Medicine (2005), 185-204.
 Diaz-Romero, R.; Casanova-Roman, R.; Beltran-Zuniga, M; Belmont-Padilla, J.; Mendez, J.; Avila-Rosas, H.. Oral Infections and Glycemic Control in Pregnant Type 2 Diabetics. Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mex. Archives of Medical Research (2005), 36(1), 42-48.
 Twetman, S.; Johansson, I.; Birkhed, D.; Nederfors, T. Caries incidence in young type 1 diabetes mellitus patients in relation to metabolic control and caries-associated risk factors. Caries Research (2002), 36(1), 31-35.
 Bommer, S. Diseases of civilization and nutrition. Ernaehrungsforschung (1963), 7 598-612.
 Miler-Sosnkowska, M. Role of dietary carbohydrates in relation to their metabolism. Inst. Zywienia Czlowieka, Akad. Roln., Warsaw, Pol. Postepy Higieny i Medycyny Doswiadczalnej (1975), 29(4), 537-55.
 Cremer, H.D.; Eyer, H. Carbohydrates. Inst. Ernaehrungswiss. I, Univ. Giessen, Giessen, Fed. Rep. Ger. Ernaehrungs-Umschau (1975), 22(10), 291-3.
 Newberne, P.M.. Nutrition: summary of evidence. Sweeteners: Issues, uncertainties. Acad. Forum, 4th (1975), 76-85, 252-3.
 Heraud, G. Sucrose and nutritional pathology. Sucrerie Francaise (1979), 120(24), 21-6.
 Nuttall, F.Q.; Gannon, M.C.. Sucrose and disease. Diabetes Care (1981), 4(2), 305-10.
 Pauling, L. "How to Live Longer and Feel Better." W.H. Freeman and Company, 1986. Revised 2006, Oregon State University Press.
 Tisdall, F.F. The effect of nutrition on the primary teeth. Child Development (1937) 8(1), 102-4.
 McBeath, E.C. Nutrition and diet in relation to preventive dentistry. NY J. Dentistry (1938) 8; 17-21.
 McBeath, E.C.; Zucker, T.F. Role of vitamin D in the control of dental caries in children. Journal of Nutrition (1938) 15; 547-64.
 East, B. R. Nutrition and dental caries. American Journal of Public Health 1938. 28; 72-6.
 Mellanby, M. The role of nutrition as a factor in resistance to dental caries. British Dental Journal (1937), 62; 241-52.
 His Majesty's Stationery Office, London. The influence of diet on caries in children's teeth. Report of the Committee for the Investigation of Dental Disease (1936).
 McBeath, F.C. Vitamin D studies, 1933-1934. American Journal of Public Health (1934), 24 1028-30.
 Anderson, P. G.; Williams, C. H. M.; Halderson, H.; Summerfeldt, C.; Agnew, R. Influence of vitamin D in the prevention of dental caries. Journal of the American Dental Association (1934) 21; 1349-66.
 Day, C. D.; Sedwick, H. J. Fat-soluble vitamins and dental caries in children. Journal of Nutrition (1934) 8; 309-28.
 Agnew, M. C.; Agnew, R. G.; Tisdall, F. F. The production and prevention of dental caries. Journal of the American Dental Association, JADA (1933) 20; 193-212.
 Bennett, N. G.; et al. The influence of diet on caries in children's teeth. Special Report Series – Medical Research Council, UK (1931) No. 159, 19.
 Mellanby, M.; Pattison, C. L. The influence of a cereal-free diet rich in vitamin D and calcium on dental caries in children. British Medical Journal (1932) I 507-10.
 Brodsky, R. H.; Schick, B.; Vollmer, H.. Prevention of dental caries by massive doses of vitamin D. American Journal of Diseases of Children (1941) 62; 1183-7.
 Hoffer A, Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, California, Basic Health Pub, 2008
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.
This state-of-the-art CEREC CAD CAM technology is used in Dr. Fallah's Carlsbad dental office and allows Dr. Fallah to provide his patients top of the line, natural-looking, and fast ceramic restorations.
The in-house CEREC computer assisted restoration procedures can be completed in only one visit in most cases, and are often referred to as One Visit Crowns or One Day Crowns.
Exactly how does the CEREC process work?
1. Dr. Fallah prepares your tooth for the restoration simply by putting a coating of white powder over it.
This tooth preparation is done in a matter of seconds rather than minutes, and you do not have to endure the old messy impression material
dripping in your mouth.
2. Dr. Fallah then captures 3-D digital impressions with CEREC AC Blue Cam which uploads the information to a computer.
Once the image of the damaged area is loaded, CEREC software automatically designs the shape of the restoration.
The model created is refined and refinished by Dr. Fallah, using 3-D software and this information is sent electronically to a milling machine in the office.
3. This machine creates your repair or restoration out of a block of ceramic or composite.
The cutting and shaping of crowns is completed by computer-controlled diamond head cutters.
Once completed, it is simply fitted and then placed in your mouth all within one convenient visit - one office, one appointment, one day.
More information about CEREC and Dr. Fallah >>>
Invisalign (invisible orthodontics) is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of transparent, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.
Dr. Fallah uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear "aligners" are produced. Each "aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
Advantages of Invisalign:
Invisalign is plastic, clear, nearly invisible.
You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Invisalign is removable.
Unlike braces at the orthodontist, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign is comfortable.
There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start
so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.
Aligners look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth."
The new Invisalign Teen system is now available from Dr. Fallah - your San Diego Invisalign cosmetic dentist.
A whole lot of reasons to say cheese! Invisalign is a FDA-cleared orthodontic treatment - chosen by nearly one million patients worldwide.
Humnankind has been struggling with the replacement of decaying or lost teeth for literally thousands of years. Ivory or bone replacements for lost teeth date back to 700 B.C.
While improved dental care has caused a decline in tooth loss in recent years, it is predicted that the number of patients requiring dentures will actually increase with the advancing age of the large "baby boomer" generation.
Modern dentistry and availability of vastly improved materials have made great headway in providing dentures that are more functional and better appearing.
Still, there are denture patients whose teeth are obviously dentures - unnaturally even teeth or sometimes the "Popeye" look - and who struggle with functional problems such as difficulty in chewing tough foods and speech interference.
People with dentures commonly report discomfort or even associated pain as well as dissatisfaction with their appearances.
Neuromuscular Dentistry and Dentures TodayDr. Fallah, a Neuromuscular Dentist, precisely measures muscle and joint involvement in a bite. He then develops functional, precise customized, natural-looking and comfortable dentures (something George Washington could have used for a better-looking profile and a lot less pain in his life).
Dr. Fallah utilizes detailed computer-generated information concerning the status and function of a myriad of elements involved in your bite (occlusion) in addition to all of the traditional means of dental diagnosis.
Read more about the use of neuromuscular dentistry and dentures by your Encinitas Dentist, Dr. Fallah.
All dental restorations (such as porcelain veneers, crowns, implants or fillings) are designed by Dr. Fallah to achieve an aesthetic, natural-looking result, but equally important, each restoration is designed to withstand the forces of biting and prolonged use.
Dental work, custom designed and crafted for each patient provides the patient with not only a refined natural look, but also more comfortable feel and function to the mouth.
You are a unique individual, and in true artistic dentistry, there is no room for" one size or color fits all.” Dr. Fallah meticulously discusses your needs and desires with you. He pays careful attention to your speech patterns, the specific shapes of your existing teeth and uses the latest technology to measure how your upper and lower teeth interaction and jaw movement.
Dental translucency and reflectivity are also analyzed. Your smile
Is your own personal work of art and a trained and experienced eye and perfected
skills are critical to very fine dentistry. There are a myriad of personal and technical insights required to develop an artistic plan for smile renewal. That’s why Dr. Fallah spends a great deal of time getting to know you. He knows that the best possible outcome for your dental treatment starts with taking the time to understand your unique desires for your ideal smile.
Your treatment is completely individualized and custom-designed to complement your facial structure, skin, eyes, and functional demands.
In the end, you’ll have your the custom-designed, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing functional smile of your dreams -- which may provide some added bonuses ---
Read about Stacey's experience -- and watch her video:
"I initially came to see Dr. Fallah because my teeth were aging... yellowing... chipped. I absolutely love my new smile. What I didn't expect was to get a mini-face lift out of it. Like a total rejuvenation of my face...
Everybody that sees me thinks I've had a face lift."
However, thousands of people suffering from TMJ dysfunction live with daily painful head and neck movement as well as headaches, jaw pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), shoulder pain and clicking and popping in the jaw.
Consider the extent to which the head, neck and jaw are typically used.
Aside from basic tasks like talking and chewing, the average person simply swallows from 2,000 - 3,000 times in a day.
Each swallow causes the upper and lower teeth to meet for a fraction of a second. For the person with TMJ dysfunction, such a simple, necessary act can cause nearly continuous discomfort.
Dr. Fallah, with advanced training in Neuromuscular Dentistry, is able to utilize cutting edge technology and computer diagnostics to pinpoint the source of the pain and correct TMJ dysfunction.
Dr. Fallah uses a variety of techniques to relieve patient discomfort including:
- interruption of muscle spasm
- bite optimization
- full mouth reconstruction
- neuromuscular orthodontics
Dr. Fallah can precisely measure the patient jaw and bite registration. The registration of the ‘normal’ position of the jaw is calculated – the position of the jaw in a relaxed, non-contracted position. With the jaw in the corrected, comfortable state, spasms, neck and jaw pain are relieved. This ideal, relaxed position can be obtained and retained with a fix as simple as restructuring a broken tooth with a veneer to a total re-alignment of the bite.
Please visit Dr. Fallah's site to find out more about his specialized training and the state-of-the-art equipment and techniques he uses to help patients with San Diego TMJ dysfunction >>>
“While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” says AACD President Dr. Marty Zase. “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.”
Natural White Smile Foods and Tips include:
* Strawberries - naturally whiten your teeth.
* Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.
* Drink from a straw whenever possible…allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.
* Baking soda helps remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.
* Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove surface stains.
* The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ.
Dr. Fallah provides Teeth Whitening and for yellowed, chipped, cracked and discolored teeth, Porcelain Veneers -- all in his comfortable, friendly San Diego Dental offices.
The results indicated that an attractive smile does have broad ranging benefits:
|Characteristic Average||“Before” rating||“After” rating||Increase|
|Successful in their career||5.8||6.7||.9|
|Popular with the opposite sex||5.0||6.2||1.2|
|Sensitive to other people||5.6||6.1||.5|
“Based on a lot of interaction with happy patients, we were expecting this type of difference in attractiveness and popularity with the opposite sex,” said Dr. Marty Zase, President of AACD, “but to have large gains in how successful, intelligent, interesting and wealthy patients appeared after cosmetic dentistry caught even us by surprise. We’ve been telling people that a beautiful smile was a great investment in their futures. Now we have independent evidence.”
While the change was most dramatic for Attractive, Popular with the opposite sex, Wealthy and Successful in their career, the change was statically significant in all areas.
Contact Dr. Fallah, your San Diego Cosmetic Dentist, for a Beautiful New Year!