If you are stressed at work, please raise your hand…. ok, well since I can’t see you, just quietly answer. I often come across this problem too often in my office. I know that everyone goes through many situations daily, but I urge you all to try your best to live a happy and responsible lifestyle. This can go a long way to keeping your teeth happy as well.

The point that I am getting to is that if you lead a stressful lifestyle, you may be prone to “bruxing” while you are sleeping. First time hearing of this? Well, all it means is that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep, and this can lead to bigger problems for your teeth. You won’t even know that you are grinding while you are sleeping, nevertheless in REM sleep. So, your stress is passed on to your teeth. Grinding can leave it’s mark in many forms such as:

1. Your teeth can become extremely sensitive

2. Tooth wear, think of it as layers peeling off from friction

2. Pain in the muscles responsible for chewing

If you are experiencing stress in life, and have unusual pain in your teeth, please call up to schedule an appointment.

OK, so I figured I’d go back to basics with this blog post. I will probably post a class 101 blog every month or so. Flossing should be done by EVERYONE, not just adults and not just children. I cannot stress the importance of this very basic technique to prolong the life of healthy teeth and gums. I have heard all the excuses in the book for someone not flossing; from “I don’t do it corerctly”, to “My hands are too big”, to  ”My gums are healthy”. No matter what the excuse is, I want you to floss!

The top 3 benefits of flossing include, but are not limited to :

1. less risk of gum disease

2. better breath

3. removes plaque from your teeth and gums that you cannot remove by brushing

“The American Dental Association advises to floss once or more per day before brushing your teeth; flossing prior to brushing allows for toothpaste to reach between the teeth. It should be noted that overly vigorous or incorrect flossing can result in gum tissue damage. For proper flossing, the Association advises to curve the floss against the side of the tooth in a ‘C’ shape, and then to wipe the tooth from under the gumline (very gently) to the tip two or three times, repeated on adjacent and subsequent teeth.”     (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_floss)

Finally, I ask everyone to understand the importance on the longevity of your healthy teeth and gums that flossing brings. Any type of floss is good, just make it a habit. Plus, some great dental floss would make a great Valentine’s Day gift, with some chocolates and flowers of course!

Go to www.BrianRaskin.com and click on Barcelona.  I have uploaded a few new photographs of my last trip there.

On Saturday March 21, 2009 I had the pleasure to do dental exams on Army Reserve Soldiers getting ready to be deployed to Afghanistan. I saw 84 men and women, from all backgrounds, preparing to protect our country. I was honored to be involved, even in a small way in their service. I wish them all thanks for their commitment and honor they give us all.

Saturday January 10th I spent the day on a army reserve base in Shoreham NY.  No I was not preparing to go to combat. I did not join the army but I was helping the reserve soldiers with dental exams to prepare them for combat.  I meet many young and older soldiers that were all committed to protecting our country.  They are from all areas, Connecticut , New Jersey and New York.  It was a great experience for me. Being able to contribute to our country by helping our soldiers was the least I could do in these uneasy times. I would like to thank all of the men and woman who are protecting our country while we try to go on with our lives in a secure and safe environment.

If you have any questions about implants or other areas of dentistry, you can e-mail them to me at drraskin@advanceddds.com

Dr. Brian Raskin

I recently went diving in Cancun Mexico. Follow the link to photos taken on this trip.  I was diving with my two sons, Geoffrey and Steven.

http://www.f-stopimaging.com/Gallerys/Diving/index.htm