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Our sincere thanks for your trust and loyalty!

Fall into Step with Preventive Care

You can try to ignore it, live for the weekend and stay in those shorts ‘till the last minute but you can’t help noticing that fall is in the air. Green leaves have started to turn red, the evening’s light has gotten shorter, school has started and for many kids football, hockey and soccer season. While you struggle with the busier workload and trundle the kids off to classes, don’t forget that the change of season means teeth need extra attention too.

If your kids are like most, a summer full of sun and games, gooey sweets and irregular eating can leave young teeth vulnerable and in need of attention. It’s a good time to schedule a thorough dental checkup to get those smiles in tiptop shape and a time to speak to us about mouthguards that can keep your children’s teeth out of harm’s way.

For adults, the summer is more of a time of procrastination. Now is the time to do that treatment that you have been putting off and schedule a check-up to take care of any problems you may have been ignoring. But don’t put it off too long. Autumn signals upcoming renewal time for many dental plans. Benefits are not usually carried forward from one year to the next, so now is the time to schedule your next appointment. Contact us today.

Yours in good dental health,

Dr. Alan Mazer

Produced to improve your dental health and awareness “We Care About Your Smile”

Dentally SpeakingDentally Speaking......... with Dr. Alan L. Mazer .........

Tips For Denture LongevityThere are so many types of denture cleansers on the market. Figuring out

which ones work best can be a daunting task. Denture cleansers vary from simple soap solutions to very fancy ultrasonic units that cost more than a hundred dollars. Although most of them can get the job done, using strong cleansers and bleaching agents can actually make your denture harder to clean over the long term.

Here is the easiest and most economical way to clean your dentures safely and effectively.

Purchase a good denture brush, not a toothbrush. Put a small amount of liquid dish detergent on the wet brush and scrub the denture thoroughly. Move the brush around the teeth to remove any stubborn debris from between the teeth.

If you want to soak the denture overnight, leave it in a mild solution of baking soda and water. Commercial denture cleansers and bleaching agents tend to be strong. They can burn or bleach the denture base. With constant use, they can wear out the shiny surface of the denture, creating an ideal environment for debris and bacteria to build up. Bleaching and cleaning chemicals can even get absorbed into the denture base material and that may cause burning sensations in your mouth. Over time, harsh cleaning agents will leave your dentures brittle and easily stained. If this happens, we may have to re-base the entire denture to keep it working and looking right.

The secret to making dentures last and keeping them clean and stain-free is regular cleaning. Sometimes the simple solutions are the best. And, be sure to make an appointment and have your dentures checked at least once every year for problems.

Make A StatementSmile starters that really connect!

From our earliest ancestors onward, facial expressions that started with the lips and mouth emerged naturally to form a part of our emotional vocabulary. Could that be why

your smile is still the focus of so much attention today? A great smile really does transmit the most positive

signals, so don’t settle for less than your best. We have many terrifi c options to help you

achieve your most eye-catching smile…

Veneers made of either porcelain or bonding materials can instantly whiten and straighten the appearance of teeth and re-proportion uneven gumlines.

Crowns look just like your natural teeth and are extremely versatile. They can cover

and strengthen a single damaged tooth, be fastened onto an artifi cial root implanted into the

jawbone, or be attached to a bridge.

Bridges fill the gap if you have one or more missing teeth and are secured to adjacent teeth.

Implants are permanent artificial teeth and roots that look, feel, and function

like the teeth they replace.

White porcelain or composite fillings are popular options to replace tell-

tale silver-colored ones.

Teeth whitening will dramatically brighten and improve your smile, especially when combined with other cosmetic procedures.

Focus on your new smile – and more memorable future!

Make The ConnectionHeartburn can jeopardize oral health

People who suffer from heartburn – or acid refl ux – usually suffer a double whammy: a threat to good oral health often accompanies uncomfortable symptoms such as throat irritation, gagging, and a bitter taste.

Stomach acids are meant to fl ow through the digestive system, but for people with refl ux, acid will actually fl ow up into the esophagus and sometimes even into the throat and mouth which may have an impact on your smile. Teeth have a neutral pH of 5.5, but stomach acid, as you would expect, is much more acidic at a pH level of 2.0. Because of this, refl ux will erode tooth enamel, inviting sensitivity, pain, and discoloration. Bad breath may also become chronic.

If you suffer from acid refl ux, please seek treatment from your doctor and see us to ensure your teeth are protected.

Mouthguard selectionYour adult teeth should last a

lifetime with daily flossing, twice-daily brushing, regular dental care, and a good diet. No problem ... almost. It takes more than maintenance to keep a cool smile – it takes protection.

It’s easy to forget to protect your teeth from injury when you’re pumped about hitting the ice, the bike trails, or making those spectacular slam-dunks. But your teeth are as vulnerable as other parts of your body and mouthguards are an essential aspect of your sports equipment. While there are many off-the-shelf styles from which to choose, please don’t compromise! We will custom-fit a comfortable mouthguard especially for you, and we will take into consideration your budget and requirements.

You play the sports. We’ll protect your teeth!

BEFORE

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How to improve your health & your smileTwins in the same household tend to eat the same things and

share routines, making them excellent research subjects. In one twin study for example, when researchers added fl ossing to only one of each set of twins’ homecare routines, the fl ossing twin’s cavity-causing bacteria, gum disease, and gum bleeding were signifi cantly reduced. This confi rms the importance of fl ossing in addition to daily brushing of the teeth and tongue, but it’s the more serious complications that can arise from gum disease that make prevention and treatment so important.Your mouth can affect your body… When gum disease progresses, it can destroy the ligaments and the bones which support your teeth. This could lead to painful and misaligned jaw joints, limited ability to chew and get adequate nutrition, digestive problems, oral sores, and bad breath. Gum disease is an infl ammatory disease, and while it does not cause other infl ammatory illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis, research strongly suggests that it does have a negative impact on them. Studies have linked gum disease to low birth weight, toxemia, and premature delivery, and though rare, to stillbirth. Nearly half of women with gestational diabetes also have periodontal disease.

Gum disease is present in about 90% of the population. So like the study says, twin up your daily fl ossing with brushing twice a day. And please – never miss your regular professional cleaning.

DOUBLE The

DAZZLEYou’re a busy person with a full

life and a ton of responsibilities. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. People react to stress by fi ghting it, fl eeing from it, freezing, or just shutting down. The World Health Organization cites depression, anxiety, and related mood disorders as the most prevalent causes of chronic illness in young to middle-aged adults.

This is very worrisome to us because stress also directly affects oral health. Teeth-grinding, jaw-clenching, and even the lack of attention to preventive homecare routines all stem from stress.

There are great ways to ditch stress-triggers in your life… Simplify. Learn to say no. Meditate. Schedule alone-time. Unplug and go for a long walk. And ensure your recall appointment with us so you can chill in our chair while we care for your dental needs, helping to ensure your prime oral health.

It Shouldn’t Hurt To Smile

De-stress for health

Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specific information be sure to consult our office. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact us directly.

Contents may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. © PATIENT NEWS (800) 667-0268

Printed with vegetable-based ink.27933-71253 ML11-2

office informationAlan L. Mazer, DMD, FACD, FICD140 Terryville RoadPort Jefferson Station, NY 11776-1330Office HoursMonday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pmThursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Alternate Fridays 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Alternate Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pmContact InformationOffice (631) 473-0666Fax (631) 473-0679Email dralanmazer@gmail.comWeb site www.dralanmazer.comOffice StaffDebbie, Indu .......................... Dental HygienistsRhonda ......................... Scheduling CoordinatorPat, Tej ..................................Dental AssistantsLois ................................Practice Administrator

Ode To The Teeth ThiefBy George J.

Don Corleone sent me, you’re the dentist they use,Here’s Lucca Brazzi with an offer you can’t refuse.

Godfather said do the right thing, it is my wish,

You screw up, you sleep with the fish.You help George, that is what we expect,

Treat him nice with RESPECT.You fixed my teeth; you did your part,Except for the bill, you broke my heart. Now I can smile; I’m filled with joy,Dr. Mazer made me one happy goy.

We won’t have to go to the “mattress.”It’s all been fun.

Dr. Mazer, you’re a mensch,Second to none!

(Special thanks to George for submitting this poetic testimonial)

Happy Retirement Esta: We will miss you!!To all my Patients,

The time has come for me to lay down my instruments, take off my mask, glasses and gloves, and say goodbye to all of you. It has been a pleasure to have been your dental hygienist for the past eleven and one half years. I feel we have not only enjoyed a professional relationship, but a personal one as well. I will truly miss all of you and wish you good health and much happiness. Remember… Brush, Floss, Rinse … and always – “Keep Smiling.”

With affection,Esta

Ask the Doctor: What’s the difference between a “Regular” Teeth Cleaning vs. a Root Planing and Deep Scaling?

If your gums are relatively healthy, a “regular” cleaning should be performed every six months. The cleaning is usually performed by one of our hygienists and involves the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the tooth structures above and below the gum line, as well as polishing your teeth.

Root planing and deep scaling is recommended when your gum pockets are deeper than 3 mm, gum disease has advanced, and calculus has formed on your root surfaces. To prevent further damage of gum tissue, ligaments and bone, the full length of the root surface of your teeth must be scaled deeply below the gum line. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure.

Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque can be left behind especially below the gum line. Once the plaque hardens into calculus, it can only be removed professionally. Failing to do so can result in periodontal disease (gum disease). So, please be diligent and schedule your six-month check-up.

Congratulations to Dr. Mazer and Lois on the birth of their fourth grandchild Alexis Rae.

Gingival pockets are the small spaces between your teeth and gums where debris collects. If plaque and tartar aren’t removed from these pockets, gums become inflamed and the pockets of bacteria extend deeply between the root and gum. Bone and gum tissues deteriorate and, if left untreated, the tooth becomes loose and falls out or has to be removed.

Tartar

Healthy tooth

Periodontal disease

The crown is the visible part of each tooth.

The gums are the soft pink tissues that cover your tooth and bone.

The root of each tooth is lodged in your supporting jawbone.

Periodontal Disease vs Healthy Tooth & Gums

Safeguarding Your HealthInfection control procedures are

precautions taken in healthcare to prevent the spread of disease. We use protective coverings on many surfaces in the examining rooms, provide masks, gloves and eye protection for all staff members and use the highest sterilization standards for our non disposable equipment. Disposable items such as needles and saliva ejectors are discarded in special containers. Prior to entering the examining room, all surfaces such as the dental chair, dental light and countertops have been cleaned and protective covers have been changed. Before seeing the next patient, the treatment team washes their hands and puts on a new pair of gloves.

We want you to know that your health is important to us and we will continue meeting the highest standards of cleanliness in our office.