Healthy Eating

If a sip of ice water, spoonful of ice cream, or piping hot latte is enough to send shivers up your spine from tooth sensitivity, be assured you are not alone. It’s estimated that as many as one in eight adults suffers from tooth sensitivity.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Some of the causes of tooth sensitivity include brushing too hard, a cracked tooth, receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth bleaching, or other conditions that expose the sensitive roots of your teeth. For example, brushing too aggressively can injure your gums, and lead to exposed roots and tooth sensitivity.

When the enamel on the outside of the tooth or tissue located between the teeth breaks down or wears away, nerves inside the tooth trigger sensitive teeth that are particularly noticeable when you drink or eat anything hot or cold.

How to alleviate tooth sensitivity

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do, both at home and at the dental office, to reduce the discomfort of sensitive teeth. Brushing with desensitizing toothpaste is one of the ways to reduce tooth sensitivity: it works well for many patients, and is typically the first course of action.

• Brush with toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
• Change the way you brush by using a soft toothbrush and not brushing too aggressively.
• Avoid brushing teeth after consuming acidic foods and beverages, like orange juice and pickles.
• Drink water or milk after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages.
• Sip through a straw when you drink acidic beverages.
• Wear a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding that wears down teeth.
• Ask Dr. Robert Wortzel about fluoride dental treatments or plastic resin.

For moderate-to-serious cases of tooth sensitivity, more invasive professional dental treatments are available. These include a bonding agent designed to seal/cover the exposed root, obtaining new gum tissue through graft (for receding gums), fillings, crowns, inlays, or bonding. When tooth sensitivity is persistent and results in hypersensitivity, endodontic treatment in the form of root canal may be recommended.

To learn more about tooth sensitivity, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Wortzel, please give us a call at our convenient Mountainside, NJ office!

Of all the dental hygiene techniques you can use at home to promote clean teeth and good oral health, flossing is likely to be the one that troubles most people. It can be viewed as confusing and time-consuming, but when you learn how to floss your teeth correctly, you’ll find it’s easy to do on a daily basis.

Proper flossing techniques are vital to the health of your teeth and gums. These tips will help you with the correct flossing procedures. Likewise, Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team can also help you learn how to floss effectively and efficiently.

Steps to Flossing Your Teeth Properly

1. Choosing Dental Floss. You can find dental floss in various flavors, as well as waxed or unwaxed. If the floss you use seems to get stuck between your teeth, switch to waxed to make it easier.
2. Flossing “Helpers.” Beginner flossers who have trouble coordinating the floss and the movements of their hands can use a floss holder to help them get in and around teeth.
3. Preparing the Floss. Cut an 18-inch piece of floss to use for flossing a few teeth. This allows you to make progress before you must stop and cut another piece of floss.
4. How to Hold It. Wind the ends around your middle fingers. Hold the floss taut, pinching each side with your thumbs and index fingers. Leave a couple inches free in the middle.
5. The Process of Flossing. Use your index fingers to guide the floss toward your gum line. Bring it down between the teeth with a zigzag motion. Hold the floss in a C-shape around the tooth, and move it up and down along the side.
6. Where to Floss. Use a clean portion of the floss to clean around and in between each tooth. Don’t forget about the molars in the back of your mouth, too!

Flossing: A Vital Part of Oral Care

Periodontal disease begins at the gum line; this is where flossing comes in. Regular flossing helps you remove plaque from the gum line and between your teeth to avoid gum disease. In conjunction with daily brushing and twice-a-year visits to Wortzel Integrative Dental Care, floss each day to maintain good oral hygiene and overall health. Gum disease can have an impact on your general health, but it doesn't have to. This easy-to-prevent condition can be avoided with regular visits to our Mountainside, NJ office and daily flossing. Allow our team to partner with you in maintaining a bright, shiny smile and good oral health.

Scientists have discovered tooth decay in specimens that are more than 15,000 years old. The ancients once thought that cavities were caused by something called “tooth worms” … Eew! They didn’t exist, of course, but how else could humans explain the holes that cavities make in teeth?

The appearance of cavities on a widespread basis is often traced to the rise of farming. The new diet filled with grains and carbs made our mouths a haven for cavity-causing bacteria. As we added more sugar to our diets, our teeth got worse.

The “tooth worm” idea didn’t completely disappear until the 1700s when scientists finally began to understand the process of dental caries. Once that part of the puzzle was solved, they began focusing on filling existing cavities and preventing new ones.

Dental Fillings Come of Age

Many different materials, including beeswax, cork, aluminum, tin, and even asbestos, have been used to fill the holes caused by dental decay. Sometime in the mid-1800s, however, dentists began to use metal fillings such as gold, platinum, silver and lead amalgams.

The amalgam we use today is mixed from liquid mercury, silver, tin, copper, zinc, and other metals, but some patients still like the look of a gold filling. Newer options include composite-resin fillings, which are made from a tooth-colored mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass-like or quartz particles that form a durable and discreet filling. Porcelain or ceramic fillings are natural in color, but more resistant to staining.

Dr. Robert Wortzel can help decide which filling is best for you, based on cost as well as your dental and lifestyle needs. You may not have “tooth worms,” but if you have cavities, contact our Mountainside, NJ office so we can take the proper action to protect the health of your mouth.

Every hour of every day, someone in North America dies of oral cancer, the sixth most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

This grim statistic may make you think that oral cancer is a particularly deadly form, when in fact the high death rate has more to do with how late in its development oral cancer is detected. Routine screening is the key to early detection and survival, and in our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care, we proudly screen our patients for oral cancer.

So, who’s at risk for oral cancer?

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some people are at a higher risk. These high-risk groups include those over the age of 50 and men, who are twice as likely as women to develop the disease. Smoking or chewing smokeless tobacco products, consuming alcohol excessively, and constant exposure to the sun at a young age are also risk factors.

How is oral cancer detected?

Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care suggest our patients perform a monthly self-examination to check for unusual red or white patches, sores, lumps, or thickenings anywhere inside the mouth, on the lips, or in the throat and neck area.

We encourage you to give us a call at our convenient Mountainside, NJ office if you find any of these symptoms or if you have trouble swallowing or experience a chronic sore throat and hoarseness. During your visit, Dr. Robert Wortzel will inspect the oral tissues and neck to determine if abnormalities are present.

What happens if oral cancer is detected?

If we discover abnormal tissues during your visit, a biopsy will be required. The results from the biopsy will be sent to a laboratory to determine if the cells are cancerous or precancerous. If a diagnosis of cancer is made, surgery, as well as treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary. Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team will work closely with your oncologist and other members of your medical team to ensure that you achieve the best possible oral health care both during and after treatment.

Finding out you have oral cancer can be devastating news. If you are concerned that you might be at risk for developing oral cancer, talk to us about screenings and other things you can do to reduce your risk. Through a routine visual inspection, Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care can often detect premalignant abnormalities and cancer at an early stage when treatment is both less expensive and more successful, and can potentially save your life. Ask us about a screening during your next visit!

When most people think of complications of diabetes, they think of an increased risk of blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, and neuropathy. However, Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team want you to know that emerging research is revealing a possible connection between uncontrolled diabetes and dental problems. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or type 1, uncontrolled high blood glucose level increases the risk of certain oral health conditions, including:

• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Gingivitis (early gum disease)
• Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease)

Diabetes and proper dental care

If you have diabetes, it is more important than ever to take your dental care seriously and practice excellent oral hygiene. These recommendations will help:

1. Manage your diabetes. First and foremost, it is vital to control your high blood sugar in accordance with your physician’s instructions — not only for the sake of your oral health, but your overall health. With properly controlled blood sugar, you reduce your risk of developing gingivitis and other oral health issues.
2. Practice good at-home oral hygiene. This means brushing at least twice a day AND flossing. At a minimum, brush your teeth in the morning and at night, but after meals and snacks if you can. Use a soft toothbrush to avoid injuring your gums. Don’t neglect flossing, because it helps to remove plaque below the gumline and between teeth.
3. Visit the dentist regularly. While it is important to see the dentist every six months even if you don’t have diabetes, it is even more crucial to have a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam if you have the disease. As dental professionals, our team at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care is able to detect early dental conditions before they develop into something more serious and costly.
4. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes. If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to let us know as soon as possible, and remind us at every appointment.
5. Be conscientious about examining your own gums and teeth. By looking for early signs of gum disease, which can include bleeding gums, irritated gums, gums that are red (versus a healthy pink), or swelling, we can get started on treatment right away.

Managing diabetes takes effort, not only in watching your diet, exercising, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and taking your medication, but obtaining proper dental care.

To learn more about the link between diabetes and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Wortzel, please give us a call at our convenient Mountainside, NJ office!

Ingredients: Makes 12-24 cookies

3 cups rolled oats

1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour

¼ tsp sea salt

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped almonds

1tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla

½ cup chopped walnuts

3 TBSP corn oil

1 cup barley malt OR brown rice syrup

1 cup Water

Method:

Preheat oven at 375°F. Mix rolled oats, sea salt, flour, raisins and nuts together.  Add oil and mix again.  Add barley malt and mix thoroughly.  Add water to make a thick batter.

Place spoonfuls of batter about 1 ½ inches apart on oiled cookie sheet and press down to form cookies.  If cookies are too thick, they will not cook thoroughly.

Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Ingredients

2 C fine white, medium, or yellow plain corn meal
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
8 large eggs
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tbsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp salt

Glaze:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch tube pan.   In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Mix corn meal, baking powder and salt together. Alternating with corn meal, mix eggs into creamed mixture. Add cinnamon, vanilla and allspice; mix well. Add lemon zest and mix for one minute.

Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and invert cake onto plate.

Glaze: Put granulated sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, butter and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove from the heat and add vanilla. Pour over cooled cake. Let sit for about 10 minutes and serve.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup non-fat milk (or soy milk
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 egg whites (or 2 Tbl ground flax seeds mixed w/ 4 Tb water)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• nuts & raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. 1. Let oats and milk soak for 20 minutes before starting.
2. 2. Mix all wet ingredients together
3. 3. Mix all dry ingredients together
4. 4. Mix together wet & dry ingredients
5. 5. Grease muffin tins.  Fill 2/3 full.  Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.

Ingredients

2 C fine white, medium, or yellow plain corn meal
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
8 large eggs
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tbsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp salt

Glaze:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch tube pan.   In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Mix corn meal, baking powder and salt together. Alternating with corn meal, mix eggs into creamed mixture. Add cinnamon, vanilla and allspice; mix well. Add lemon zest and mix for one minute.

Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and invert cake onto plate.

Glaze: Put granulated sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, butter and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove from the heat and add vanilla. Pour over cooled cake. Let sit for about 10 minutes and serve.

Here's a wonderful recipe from Linda McCartney's Vegetarian Home Cooking cookbook.

• 3/4 cup lentils (brown)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese – grated (vegan cheese is great substitute)
• 1 onion -- chopped
• salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried herb -- (rosemary, sage, or thyme)
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1 egg -- beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine

Preheat the oven to 350 ° F and lightly grease a one pound loaf tin. Wash the
lentils twice in cold water and drain them well. Cover them with twice their
volume of cold water in a large saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce
heat and simmer the lentils for 20 minutes, until they are quite soft.

Mix the cheese, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs in with the cooked lentils.
Add the breadcrumbs, egg, and butter or margarine to the lentil mixture and stir
well. Add more bread crumbs if the mixture is sloppy.

Press the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 40-45 minutes. Turn out on to
a platter and serve hot.

Want a delicious, vegan treat for your next family gathering? How about this recipe for vegan brownies from your friends at Integrative Dental Care.

Ingredients:
12 oz. silken tofu, pureed
1/2 cup flour
1 cup water
2 1/4 cups sucanat
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/8 cup cocoa
3/4 cup oil
2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

Method:

1. Cook tofu, 1/2 cup flour and water together over low heat for about 3 minutes until thickened. Allow to cool.
2. Add sucanat, salt and vanilla to the mixture.
3. Add cocoa and oil to the mixture.
4. Stir in remaining 2 1/4 cup flour and baking powder until blended.
5. Bake in 9x13 pan for around 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Set pan on wire rack to cool, then cut into bars.

Ingredients: Makes 16

1 1/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed natural brown sugar

1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs*

2/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Fuji apple, cored, peeled and diced
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dried flaked   unsweetened coconut, divided

* substitute 2 TBSP flax seed mixed 4 TBSP water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; break up any brown sugar lumps with your fingers or a wooden spoon.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil and vanilla, then add to flour mixture and stir just until combined. Add apples, raisins, carrots, walnuts and 1/4 cup of the coconut and stir gently until well combined.

Spoon batter into 16 paper-lined muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Top evenly with remaining 4 teaspoons coconut and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through

This week we are sharing our recipe for some delicious chickpea crabcakes! What are your favorite healthy eating recipes? Be sure to share them with us on Facebook!

Ingredients:
1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked for about 8 hours and drained
1 ½ cups yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ cup fresh cilantro and/or parsley (roughly chopped)
½ tsp baking powder
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/8 tsp cayenne
½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup vegetable oil
Whole grain buns

Method:

• In a food processor, pulverize the soaked & drained chickpeas using “pulse” function until beans form a paste that sticks together when you squeeze it in your hand.  Be careful not to over process:  it it’s too smooth, the batter will fall apart when cooking.
• Add the rest of the ingredients (except the oil) and combine using the “pulse” function approximately 12 times; batter will be somewhat grainy and speckled with herbs.
• Shape into patties using a 1/3 cup measure and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes)
• Preheat oven to 350.  In a shallow 12 inch skillet, heat ¼ cup of the oil over medium-high heat.  Gently place the patties into the hot oil in small batched and fry first side until golden brown, about 3 minutes.  Gently trun and fry 2^nd side the same way.
• place on paper towels for a few moments to absorb any excess oil, then place on baking dish for 10-15 minutes.
• Serve on a bun with cocktail sauce or your favorite condiment

Makes 8 entrée-size patties

Nutrition per patty:  343 calories, 39 gr carbohydrates, 9 g protein, 17 g fat (2 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 5 fiber, 542 sodium.

Source:  from The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook by Kim O’Donnel

At Integrative Dental Care you may already be familiar with our "whole person" approach to oral and overall healthcare. We believe this helps our patients live longer, healthier, and enhances the quality of your life.

As part of our efforts to encourage healthy eating habits, we wanted to share this delicious whole grain pinwheel recipe with you. Please feel free to share your recipes with us on Facebook!

Pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 1 Pk. Multi-Grains Wraps (6)
• 1 tub (8 oz.) cream cheese ( Vegan substitute- Tufutti imitation cream cheese)
• Cranberry fruit spread
• 1 Cup brown rice (cooked)
• 2 cups Ganola with dried berries and nuts
• 2 very ripe bananas (sliced thin)
• Wheat Germ

Method:

1. Spread cream cheese followed by fruit spread and remaining ingredients on wraps in thin layers
2. Roll wrap loosely
3. Using a sharp knife, slice into 1 inch wide pinwheels
4. Secure with fancy toothpicks