Completely You

Are the latex gloves my dentist uses safe?

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Yes, latex gloves are the preferred method to stop the spread of disease -- as long as you’re not allergic to latex, says Dr. Phillip Allison, a dentist in Dallas. Since the mid-1980s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires that all oral-health professionals wear medical gloves (either latex or vinyl) to protect themselves and their patients from blood-borne diseases like HIV, AIDS and hepatitis.

Some people, however, are allergic to the proteins in the rubber used to make latex, the same way others can’t tolerate allergens like pollen. Allergic reactions to latex may include a runny nose, hives or shortness of breath. If you are allergic, tell the office staff when you make your appointment, and remind your dentist and hygienist the day of as well. Most dentists stock non-latex gloves made of nitrile, a synthetic rubber.

If you need a root canal or other major procedure, make sure to ask your dentist or endodontist if he plans to use rubber dams, which are often made of latex. Given advance notice, he can use a dam made with an alternate material that won’t trigger your allergies.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/LeggNet

My gums seem to be receding, and I’m only 35! Is there anything I can do?

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

“Receding gums” refers to a loss of gum tissue, which leaves you with uneven gum lines, exposed tooth roots and sensitive teeth. According to Dr. Ramin Tabib, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, although your genetic code may play a role -- especially if thin, fragile gum tissue runs in your family -- the most common causes of receding gums are overly aggressive brushing, periodontal disease (aka gum disease), extremely crowded teeth, or tooth-grinding. Bulimia, the eating disorder that involves self-induced vomiting, can also cause gums to recede.

To manage your gum problem, practice good oral care. Use a very soft toothbrush and brush very gently, advises Tabib. If an overcrowded mouth is to blame, you may want to talk to an orthodontist about whether some type of braces might help. If the recession stems from gum disease, controlling progression of the gum disease can slow or stop the problem.

The only way to truly repair an area that has receded is with a gum graft. This involves a dentist or periodontist taking tissue from the palate of the mouth (or another source) and surgically transferring it to the receded gum area. “It is a difficult procedure. You can never predict what the final outcome will look like,” says Tabib. The healing process may take as long as six months, he adds.

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Sometimes my upper lip swells after eating. Should I be worried?

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Swollen lips can be one of many signs of an allergic reaction to a food you ate, such as milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. “When you eat a food you are allergic to, your body sees the food as an invader,” says Michael Pistiner, a pediatric allergist and clinical instructor at the Children’s Hospital in Boston. Your body responds to the invader by activating your immune system, which releases chemicals such as histamine into the blood. Inflammation occurs, and reactions such as swollen lips develop.

Lip swelling can also occur in people who have allergies to certain pollens in the environment or who eat some kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, including cherries, apples, plums, peaches and apricots.

In some cases, lip swelling is a major health emergency and can occur during a serious anaphylactic reaction that may require emergency medical care. Other food allergy symptoms include hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth and throat, vomiting, cramping, and a loss of consciousness. Symptoms typically occur within several minutes to two hours after eating. For more information on food allergies, visit The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network’s website, FoodAllergy.org

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/stevesim

Do energy drinks really give you more energy? And are they healthy?

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Consider this: Energy is a sneaky way of saying “kilojoule,” and we all know how well a “kilojoule drink” would sell! Most so-called healthy energy and sports drinks are full of sugar and carbohydrates. In addition, many of these drinks contain caffeine, which may provide a fleeting boost but can cause jitters and an unpleasant energy crash later.

What’s more, sports drinks have proven to be more damaging to your teeth than soft drinks due to a combination of acids and sugar. As if that isn’t enough, these drinks can pack on extra kilos: Research has shown that when people wash down their food with a kilojoule-laden beverage, they don’t decrease the amount of food they eat, so they end up consuming extra kilojoules with their meal.

Instead of gulping a sugary energy drink when you’re flagging, try a healthy cup of green tea (rich in metabolism-boosting antioxidants) or low-fat milk (a wholesome blend of electrolytes, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D -- plus a nice balance of carbohydrates and protein for real, lasting energy). Also consider munching on nutrition-filled, fibre-rich foods such as nuts and dried fruit, which can provide a steady source of stamina.

The bottom line: The brief boost from an energy drink just isn’t worth the extra sugar and empty kilojoules.

What drink can help you stay healthy, fight signs of aging and stoke your metabolism?

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade … literally. Drinking water with fresh-squeezed lemons helps you to stay healthy, fight signs of aging and stoke your metabolism.

Here’s the skinny: The beauty of lemon water is that it’s tasty, refreshing and best of all, alkalizing. Many of the foods we crave -- coffee, carbohydrates, meats and sugar -- are acidic. And that can have an adverse effect on our body, giving us wrinkles, illness and fatigue. Powerful properties in lemons can relieve the symptoms of poor digestion, including bloating. Vitamin C combats the effects of free radical damage, like fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture. Lemons are also high in potassium, which can combat headaches and bloating.

How to make this magic drink: Squeeze the juice of two lemons -- the heavier the better -- into a glass of room-temperature water. Sip every morning and afternoon. Skip the sugar -- it'll only cancel out all those amazing health benefits.

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I floss before I brush, but my husband flosses afterward. Who’s right?

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Surprisingly, it really doesn’t make much of a difference whether you floss before or after brushing. The bottom line is that brushing removes the bacteria on the surface of the teeth, while flossing removes the plaque and bacteria between teeth -- and both are really important. I happen to floss first. I feel that brushing afterward helps remove any particles that might get dislodged while I’m flossing. But as I said, it’s up to you.

It also doesn’t matter which type of floss you use. Unwaxed floss may get teeth cleaner than the waxed kind because it tends to fray, which results in multiple tufts of twine polishing the teeth. But the very fact that it does shred -- and sometimes breaks -- can become an obstacle to flossing entirely, which clearly defeats the purpose. So just use the type of floss that you will use regularly.

In addition, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and always give your mouth a final rinse with clean water after brushing or flossing -- whichever you do last -- to remove any last bits of debris.

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I’m pregnant and my mouth is tender and sore. Should I be worried?

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Don’t worry, you likely have pregnancy gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that affects 50 to 70 percent of pregnant women. The cause is thought to be extra circulating hormones, which lead to fluid retention and therefore puffy gums. Plus, pregnant women have weaker immune systems, so they’re more prone to illness, including gum disease.

But do get to the dentist soon: Researchers have discovered that unchecked gum disease puts women at an increased risk for preterm labor. “It’s a myth that you can’t have dental treatment during pregnancy,” says Dr. Rob Berg, chair of applied dentistry at the University of Colorado in Denver. “In fact, it may be even more important when you’re pregnant to have a healthy mouth.”

Many dental plans -- including Cigna, Delta, United Concordia and Health Net -- cover an extra checkup and cleaning during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. Your dentist will do a thorough cleaning and determine whether you need additional treatment.

My boyfriend says the Valentine’s Day chocolate he got me is actually good for my teeth. Could this be true?

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

You’re going to love my answer: Yes!

Chocolate, especially the dark kind, is the only type of candy that romances you with antioxidants called tannins. These antioxidants not only protect your heart, but also safeguard your smile by helping to prevent tooth decay. So if your sweetie bought you a treat for Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s the solid dark kind or even chocolate-dipped fruit. Since these still contain sugar and extra calories, limit yourself to a piece or two and brush afterward.

Try to break it off with other seasonal options: Red Hots, for instance, are sticky and adhere to teeth, and the acid in sour conversation hearts may erode tooth enamel. Brushing right after eating these treats actually makes matters worse because you’re scrubbing the acid onto your teeth. Neutralize it first by drinking water or plain milk, and then brush your teeth a half hour later.

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Photo: @iStockphoto.com/clubfoto

If I don’t have time to brush, is it OK to use mouthwash instead?

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

No! Despite ditzy Jessica Simpson’s confession that she rarely brushes her teeth -- relying instead on a swish of mouthwash to clean her famous choppers -- this is definitely not a move you should mimic. Your mouth constantly produces bacteria, known as plaque, even while you sleep. The longer plaque stays on your teeth, the greater chance it has to erode enamel and increase your risk of gum disease. (Think of it this way: If you knew you had disease-causing germs on your body, would you wait a few hours to shower?) Mouthwash can remove some plaque, but not the sticky, tenacious kind.

While mouthwash can be a fine addition to your dental arsenal, you also need a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. Look for a toothpaste formula that contains fluoride -- a mineral that helps strengthen teeth -- and boasts the American Dental Association seal. Your best bet: A paste with peroxide or baking soda, which creates a gentle foaming action that helps lift bacteria from beneath the gumline. And remember, when it comes to brushing, we’re talking two minutes of your time here; just grin and bear it.

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My teen just confessed she hardly ever brushes her teeth. How long does it take for that kind of neglect to translate into a cavity?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

It takes less than a month for cavities to form! Brushing and flossing are particularly important for teens because hormonal changes can increase gum inflammation and trap plaque on teeth, making them more prone to cavities. If your teen has braces, the food that gets caught can also trigger cavities.

For these reasons, it’s crucial to motivate your teen to brush her teeth regularly. One way that might stick with her is if you suggest that her breath will smell bad if she doesn’t brush. You can also help her by getting products that make brushing painless, like an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer or a mouthwash that turns plaque buildup blue, making it easier to brush off.

But perhaps the most convincing case for brushing well: Teens already have their adult teeth, and those teeth are meant to last them a lifetime.