Welcome To Smiles From The Toothboss

How dry I am. Dry mouth adds to senior oral health woes

2015-04-27T04:58:00.002-07:00

There’s a perception that drooling becomes more common in your later years. From a dentist’s point of view, that’s actually a good thing as excessive saliva washes away food particles and bacteria and neutralizes acids that can lead to increased plaque accumulation, which causes cavities and gum disease. Truth be told, a much greater issue for seniors is dry mouth and how that relates to the oral health.

For most seniors, dry mouth is caused by medications for treatment of any number of issues. Those can include anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, diuretics, Parkinson’s Disease medications and urinary incontinence agents.

Another real issue with dry mouth is it makes the teeth less absorptive to minerals like calcium and fluoride that strengthen teeth. Consequently, you have weaker teeth that are more vulnerable to plaque and that leads to cavities and worse.

There are many things patients can do to alleviate dry mouth. That can include drinking more water (fluoridated tap water is the best), using over-the-counter saliva substitutes or moisturizer, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless mints. Seniors can also make some external adjustments to their living environment, like using a humidifier at night while they sleep.

When it comes to dry mouth, what you don’t do is probably more important. Specifically, you want to avoid tobacco products, sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol (that includes mouthwashes and rinses with alcohol) and spicy and salty foods.

Of course, it’s always a concern with more elderly patients that they will stop taking a medication if it makes them feel worse. If you feel like you have dry mouth, it’s critical to ask your primary care doctor about it so that perhaps they can alter the medication. Of course, the key ingredient to dental health is brushing and flossing and regular checkups with your dentist.

For more information, give us a call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

The Toothboss in the Weymouth News

2015-03-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Toothboss was recently featured in the Weymouth News for our Smiling Neighbor program. Of course, the recipient was The Toothboss himself, yours truly. Here's a link to the article.

The Toothboss caps military career with Smiling Neighbor Award

2015-03-11T04:39:00.002-07:00

The Toothboss and his combat buddy Scott Sallaway

As part of our Smiling Neighbor Award program, The Toothboss recognizes local residents doing good deeds in the community. For this quarter’s Smiling Neighbor, staff at The Toothboss decided yours truly, Dr. Wolfert, was a worthy recipient of the honors. This was based on my recent retirement after 30 years of military service in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard.

Now, when we first set up the Smiling Neighbor Award program, it was not to honor Toothboss staff. But the gesture is appreciated. And I suppose 30 years in the military does meet our criteria for the Smiling Neighbor.

To give you a little background on my military career, here’s a snippet from an article in the Weymouth Patch:

Dr. Wolfert joined the U.S. Navy while enrolled at Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1978. It was during his tenure in the Navy that he earned the nickname that would become the name of his practice.

“I served on the U.S. Midway and the commander on the carrier called his department heads ‘boss’. For example, the guy who ran the flight deck was the ‘air boss’. As the dentist, I was the tooth boss,” said Wolfert. “By the time I left the Navy, joined the Guard and started my private practice, I’d grown used to the name and kept it for my business.”

Wolfert’s military career included a tour of duty in Iraq in 2004. Stationed a few miles from the front at a makeshift hospital, he compared the experience to being like the television show M*A*S*H, only in real life.

“There was that kind of camaraderie in our outfit, but I don’t think any of us ever forgot why we were there and how close we were to some really nasty stuff,” said Wolfert.
After his tour of Iraq, Wolfert chose to remain in the National Guard, where he has served as a mentor to young dentists and supervised care for the 7,000 soldiers in the Army National Guard Reserve in Massachusetts. At the end of February, Dr. Wolfert retired with the rank of Colonel.

“Many people have asked me over the years why did I join and why did I stay. The best explanation I have is that I come from a military family. My two older brothers served in Vietnam. I guess I felt it was my duty to serve. Once I got in, I found it agreed with me. It’s really as simple as that,” said Wolfert.

For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Dr. Wolfert opted to give his $50 gift card to Stockholders to a fellow veteran, battle buddy and Toothboss patient, Scott Sallaway. Scott served three tours of Iraq, including one with Wolfert in 2004.

“It may sound cliché, but the men and women who did not make it back from their tours of duty are the real heroes,” said Wolfert. “Me, I’m proud to have served in the company of such brave men and women.”

Thanks again to my kind staff for nominating me for this quarter’s Smiling Neighbor. I hope Scott enjoys his dinner at Stockholders.

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA 02190.

Reader’s Choice 2015

2015-02-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

One of our proudest moments in 2014 was receiving the Gold Award as the #1 Dentist/Dental Office in Weymouth and the South Shore for WickedLocal’s Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s an honor The Toothboss does not take lightly, particularly with all the other outstanding dental practices in the area. Thank you for your support.

We strive to offer the very best dental care possible. If you are happy with the care you are receiving, we would appreciate your consideration for this year’s 2015 WickedLocal Reader’s Choice. Voting runs from runs from January 11 to February 7.

If you do vote for our practice, please refer to us as “The Toothboss” or “Dr. Richard Wolfert” (there is another Dr. Wolfert in Weymouth and we would like to avoid any confusion).

Thank you once again for choosing The Toothboss for your dental care. We look forward to serving you in 2015.

The Toothboss honors Steve Joyce as a Smiling Neighbor.

2014-12-08T13:32:00.001-08:00

(l-r) Steve Joyce and The Toothboss

For 18 years, Weymouth Resident Steve Joyce coached wrestling at Quincy High School. During that time, he taught his athletes never to smile during course of a match. So, it’s rather ironic that partially based on the merits of coaching wrestling, Joyce has been named the recipient of the Toothboss’ Smiling Neighbor award.

In addition to his efforts as a wrestling coach, Joyce also coached robotics at Quincy High School. He currently coaches robotics at Notre Dame Academy. Beyond his work with students, Joyce and his wife Wendy are active volunteers for the Old South Union Church in Weymouth since they began attending back in 1989.

Steve and Wendy have resided in Weymouth for 36 years. The couple has two grown children, Patrick and Erin, and one granddaughter, Riley.
For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Joyce had the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Stockholders or a Sonicare Easy Clean model (Steve chose Stockholders).

Said wife Wendy Joyce, “Whether it’s his wrestlers or robotic students or working with our church to rebuild homes for families going through some tough times, Steve just loves helping people. It’s nice of Dr. Wolfert to recognize Steve for his efforts.”

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA 02190.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

The Toothboss donates to Donated Dental Services; throws a dental lifeline to South Shore woman

2014-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Weymouth Dentist Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss,
with Dorothy VanLeesten of Plymouth.

Like any dentist, there’s nothing we like here at The Toothboss more than a big smile. In my 20-plus years in practice, the biggest smiles we have received have come from patients referred to the us by Donated Dental Services(DDS). That includes a one of our most recent patients, Dorothy VanLeesten of Plymouth.

Donated Dental Services is a national non-profit organization comprised of nearly 20,000 dental professionals who donate dental services for people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically at-risk. We have been part of the DDS network.

The patients referred by DDS not only can’t afford help, but have other conditions that make their lives even more difficult beyond needing dental work. Fixing their teeth may not solve those problems, but it does give them one thing to smile about.

Ms. VanLeesten came to us missing two front teeth. Working with Dr. Lawrence Juvet, a South Weymouth oral surgeon, and Bob Achorn of Achorn Dental Lab, also in Weymouth, we were able to place removable partial dentures to replace her missing teeth. In the process, the dental team found her smile.

“I can’t stop smiling,” said VanLeesten. “I can’t thank Dr. Wolfert, Dr. Juvet and Mr. Achorn enough.”

DDS is the flagship program for the Dental Lifeline Network, a national nonprofit founded in 1974, that provides access to dental care and education for people who cannot afford it and: have a permanent disability; are elderly (age 65 or older); or are medically fragile. In fact, since 1985, when DDS launched, more than 120,000 vulnerable people have received more than $250 million worth of dental services for seriously neglected dental diseases. The Toothboss is the sole provider of DDS services on the South Shore.

If you or somebody you know is a vulnerable person in need of dental care, please visit DDS's Dental Lifeline at http://www.dentallifeline.org or by calling 888.471.6334.

A ‘Choice’ Sign

2014-09-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

In June, The Tooth was recognized by WickedLocal as Weymouth and the South Shore’s #1 Dentist/Dental Office. This recognition is just as much a tribute to our patients as it is to me and the staff here at the Toothboss. So, we decided to put a sign up and let the world know.

Thank you again for voting us #1 in Weymouth and the South Shore. And if this sign helps you see us a little sooner on Route 18, even better.

Say cheese when it comes to your dental health

2014-08-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

If you are said to have a cheesy smile, it’s not thought to be a compliment. Yet according to recent dental studies, cheese may just be the key ingredient to healthy teeth and a healthy smile as it can offer protection from acid erosion—the breakdown of enamel brought on by coffee, tea, wine, soda, and other similar drinks.

According to Academy of General Dentistry study, our mouths naturally have a slightly acidic pH. When we ingest things like coffee, soda, tea, etc. the pH level sinks even lower, potentially damaging the tooth enamel. Cheese dairy products, consumed shortly after or with these acidic food products create saliva. The saliva then acts as a neutralizing agent, restoring and even elevating the pH levels in our mouths.

Of course, the easiest way to protect your teeth from excess amounts of acids is to not drink soda, coffee, tea or any other thing that causes acid build-up. For most of us, that’s not terribly realistic. Fortunately, we’re learning more and more ways to minimize the impact of these acids. It certainly gives new meaning to cheesy smile and just saying cheese.

Cheese is not the only dairy product that has this impact. While cheese can restore and elevate pH levels for 30 minutes after consumption, milk and yogurt can have the same impact but for just 10 minutes.

Beyond creating saliva, cheese also contains teeth-strengthening casein phosphate. So cheese has the dual benefit of strengthening teeth and sustaining the color of your teeth.

The beauty of eating cheese for oral health is that you don’t have to eat a whole block of cheese to get this benefit. About a third of a slice of cheese creates enough saliva to minimize the acidity from a glass of wine you might have with dinner, especially if you nibble occasionally on the cheese during the course of your meal.

So when it comes to taking care of your teeth, just say cheese.

Referral program goes south and north

2014-08-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

"My wife and I just enjoyed a delicious meal at 42° North in Plymouth with the gift card you sent. While I was happy to refer my colleague to the Toothboss, the gift card was truly the icing on the cake. And the fact that I could use it at a restaurant just a few miles from my home was the cherry on top!”

J.D. Plymouth, MA

As you hopefully know, The Toothboss gives a $50 gift card to Stockholders for new patient referrals. You probably didn’t know that gift card can be used at Stockholders other two restaurants: 42° North in the Manomet section of Plymouth and the Inn at Bay Pointe in Quincy. So not only will referring a new patient to the Toothboss get you a fine meal at the South Shore’s finest steakhouse, but you can feast on some of the region’s finest seafood at other 42° North and Inn at Bay Pointe.

To be eligible, first say a lot of nice things about The Toothboss to family and friends (just kidding, but not really). You might be surprised how people respond to this and they will probably want to hear more. This may shock you, but not everybody loves their dentist. Then, direct them to our website or have them give us a call at 781-335-0604.

We ask every new patient how they heard about The Toothboss. If they mention your name and they become a regular patient, you will receive a $50 gift card that you can use at all three restaurants: Stockholders in Weymouth, 42° North in Plymouth and the Inn at Bay Pointe in Quincy.

Word-of-mouth is always the best advertising. So if you are happy with how we have treated your mouth, please spread the word.

Are you sponsoring a Pan Mass Challenge rider?

2014-07-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

Add caption

The Toothboss, AKA Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD (center),shakes hands with former Weymouth resident Tim Colligan (left) and Joe D’Eramo of Plymouth. Dr. Wolfert sponsored both Colligan and D’Eramo in the upcoming Pan Mass Challenge to raise money for the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber.

Thank you for making the Toothboss the #1 Choice in Weymouth

2014-07-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Toothboss is the proud recipient of the Gold Award for WickedLocal's Reader's Choice as the #1 Dentist/Dental Office in Weymouth and the South Shore. Thanks to you, our loyal patients, for your continued patronage and support.

And one thing is for certain. You don't have to worry about the gold going to our head. The Toothboss will continue to provide the same comprehensives, contemporary and compassionate care we have for the past 20-plus years.

Thank you, once again, for your continued support. We know there are many places you can go to receive your dental care. We thank you for choosing The Toothboss.

10 decades of smiles. The Toothboss honors Ruth Anderson.

2014-06-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

Over the course of her 92 years, Weymouth resident Ruth Anderson has been an active volunteer for a number of organizations. That started with her being a nurse’s aide for the Red Cross during World War II and recently concluded two years ago when a broken arm forced her to give up her driver’s license and stop delivering meals for the ‘elderly’. For her lifetime of service and bringing smiles to all the people she has helped, The Toothboss has honored her with our Smiling Neighbor award.

In between her time with the Red Cross and delivering meals, Ruth volunteered at Pond Home, a home for the elderly in Wrentham, Mass. She volunteered at the home from the age of 16 until age 80 (she was a trustee during her final 12 years). She was a member of the Weymouth Circle of King's Daughters and Sons, a Christian service organization, and delivered meals for Father Bill’s. Ruth worked as a librarian at the Fogg Library in Weymouth until her “retirement” in 1981.

For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Ruth had the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Stockholders or a Sonicare Easy Clean model (she chose Stockholders).

Said her daughter Nancy Burke, “My mother is an amazing woman who never did any of these things for her own glory but to help others. It’s nice of Dr. Wolfert to recognize her for these efforts, but I’d like to add one of her more noteworthy accomplishment. She was the most amazing mother to me and my four brothers.”

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA 02190.

Thank you from DOVE

2014-06-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

At the Toothboss, we like to put smiles on our patients' faces. Yet sometimes, it's nice when somebody returns the favor. DOVE, a non-profit that provides shelter to victims of domestic violence, recently did that with a very kind thank you note (below). The Toothboss had donated 150 toothbrush kits to the drive put on by Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, LLC.

So, thank you, DOVE, for your kind note. We are happy to help!

Dental hygienist Michaella Rosher joins the Toothboss

2014-05-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Michaella Rosher, the newest hygienist at
The Toothboss

The Toothboss, the South Weymouth dental practice of Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, recently added Bridgewater resident Michaella Rosher to its staff as a dental hygienist.

Michaella graduated from Bristol Community College in 2013 with an associate’s degree in Science in Dental Hygiene. She has previously worked as a hygienist at a pediatric dental practice.

“We’re thrilled to have Michaella as the newest member of our team of hygienists,” said Dr. Wolfert. “Michaella has a natural rapport with our patients and has already become a favorite of several of our regulars.”

“I love working for Dr. Wolfert because I see how much he truly cares for his patients, which is rare,” said Rosher. “I also love that he is willing to teach me things I may not be familiar with and allows me to ask as many questions as I need to as I am still fairly new in the dental world.”.

A lifelong resident of Bridgewater, Ms. Rosher recently became engaged to Derek Slicis. A 2015 wedding is planned.

Toothboss shares a smile, donates toothbrushes to DOVE drive

2014-05-01T06:26:00.002-07:00

Dr. Richard Wolfert “The Toothboss” donates 144 toothbrush kits to Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.’s drive to benefit DOVE, a non-profit that supports victims of domestic violence. (l-r) Dr. Wolfert, Jonathan Braverman, Lisa Kenepp and Theresa Barbadoro

Many women stay in bad situations for fear of not having anywhere else to go. DOVE,a domestic violence assistance organization based in Quincy, Massachusetts, provides options for those women. The law firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. in Quincy is trying to help.

The Firm is conducting a personal and household drive to help out the families that utilize DOVE's services. The Toothboss recently donated 144 toothbrush/toothpaste kits to this drive. I encourage everybody to help out this very worthy cause by contributing simple household items.

Items being accepted by Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. at their offices on the fifth floor at 300 Crown Colony Drive and in the building’s lobby include:

Personal hygiene - toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, nail clippers
Bed and bath - shampoo, conditioner, bath towels, washcloths, pillows
Kitchen - paper towels, Kleenex, disposable utensils/plates, silverware, pots/pans
Cleaning Supplies - floor cleaner, disinfecting wipes, mops, brooms, Windex
Feminine hygiene products - sanitary napkins, shaving cream

The general public and fellow tenants of 300 Crown Colony Drive are encouraged to contribute. The drive began on April 14 and will continue through May 30.

“We would like to thank Dr. Wolfert for his generous donation of the toothbrushes and kits,” said Paul N. Barbadoro, a partner at The Firm. “This is the second drive we have conducted for DOVE. The response was to our drive for coats and canned goods last November was tremendous. We hope that with the good weather now here, more people, like Dr. Wolfert just did, will come out and help this very worthy cause.”

The Toothboss’ New New Patient Special

2014-02-21T11:25:00.002-08:00

New patients are special at the Toothboss. That’s why we provide a thorough, comprehensive exam during your first visit. That includes:

X-Rays
Blood Pressure Screening
Oral Cancer Screen
A complete evaluations and written report of findings and options for treatment

A follow up cleaning appointment will be made on completion of the exam. New patients will receive a complimentary Sonicare toothbrush, a $25 value, at the conclusion of your follow-up appointment.

Now isn’t that special?

And if you were referred by a current Toothboss patient, just mention them when you check in and they will receive a $50 gift card to Stockholders in Weymouth.

To schedule your initial visit, call 781-335-0604.

Have a heart, keep brushing your teeth!

2013-12-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

Parents have been telling their children to brush their teeth since the beginning of time (perhaps a slight exaggeration). Based on recent evidence linking excellent gum tissue health to a reduction in atherosclerosis—a major contributor to coronary disease--a new trend may be children reminding their parents to brush better and more frequently.

Artherosclerosis is the thickening of arteries through the accretion of calcium, cholesterol and other substances found in the bloodstream. This condition has been linked to fatal cardiovascular complications like coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. According to the findings from researchers from the Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, flossing, brushing and regular trips to the dentist can slow the rate of atherosclerosis.

When people are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, the first things they talk about are eating right and exercise. This report makes a strong case that improving your oral hygiene should be part of the healthier living package. Considering what’s a stake, you can’t argue.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 600,000 people each year. That accounts for one-fourth of all recorded fatalities. On average, deaths and illnesses associated with coronary heart disease cost the U.S $109 billion annually.

Part of what makes the results of this study so important is that it shows people a way to improve their heart health that’s really affordable. For merely the cost of brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist at his recommended interval (which can vary depending on each patient needs) can protect you from the devastating results of heart disease.

For complete results of the survey, you can see the entire report on the American Heart Association’s website at http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/2/6/e000254.abstract

To take your first step to better oral hygiene and a healthier heart, call 781-335-0604 to schedule an appointment.

December is oral cancer screening month

2013-12-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 42,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013. To raise awareness among current patients and new patients, we have has declared December "Oral Cancer Awareness Month".

Sure, the national Oral Cancer Foundation has an awareness month that takes place in April but heading into the holidays where people partake in many of the habits that can lead to oral cancers-smoking and drinking-we thought it important to create some additional awareness.

As part of Oral Cancer Awareness month, we will be speaking to patients about the behaviors that can lead to oral cancers, which includes, tongue, tonsillar, and throat cancer. Oral cancers can be genetic, but primarily people who smoke or use other tobacco products, drink alcohol or are exposed to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), are at increased risk for developing the disease.

Just as we have done for the past 25 years, we will continue to provide an oral cancer screening exams as part of each comprehensive exam that includes examination of the inside part of the cheeks, roof of the mouth the back side and underneath the tongue. As part of their exam, our hygienists, as a result of current research findings, will palpate the lymph nodes located in your neck and underneath your jaw to make sure the usually soft nodes are not hard which can be sign of a problem.

As it is with any cancer, the earlier you detect it the faster you can treat it. And as the numbers indicate, oral cancers are treatable if detected soon enough and that's why we are taking these extra steps to make our patients aware of this risk and be proactive by checking our patients annually.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation website, "When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Unfortunately, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 43% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors."

For more information, you can visit the Oral Cancer Foundation's website at http://oralcancerfoundation.org/. you due for your next check-up? Please call 781-335-0604 to schedule an appointment.

The Toothboss: A Veteran’s Story

2013-11-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Colonel Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss

Like a lot of veterans, I don’t often talk about my experience in the military. Yet for those who ask where did you come up with a name like “The Toothboss”, you have heard the story about some of my military service. Specifically, the Commander who gave everybody a title and if you were in charge of something, you were the boss. If you ran the mess or cafeteria, you were the mess boss. I took care of teeth, so I was the Toothboss.

What can I say, the name stuck.

For this Veteran’s Day, I thought I would share my story of military service.

I joined the military since 1981 and have served 32 years total. I took a one-year sabbatical in 1988 when I made the transition from the Active Navy and Reserves to the Army National Guard Reserve.

I guess the main reason I joined was I come from a military family. My Dad was involved with making munitions at National Fireworks in Hanover. My two older brothers are Vietnam vets (Marines and Army). Coming from a patriotic family, I felt I should serve.

I think my most significant achievement (other than coming home from Iraq in one piece, physically and mentally) was achieving the rank of a full-bird Colonel about 15 years ago.

I suspected that was going to be my pinnacle and that I'd get out when I got my "20 year letter". When I got to the 20-year point, I realized that duty was somewhat easier at this rank and time in life. With the kids being older (no more missed soccer games, etc. with weekend duty and summer camp) and me enjoying the break it gave me from a solo private practice, remaining in the service enabled me to continue the camaraderie, the testosterone, and the general feeling that I was providing a service to our soldiers with my special training. It gives me a good feeling.

I can't say the military has made me a better dentist, but it certainly made me realize how important a pain-free mouth was for soldiers to be better decision makers. You don't want the guy with his fingers on an M-16 or a nuclear weapon having a toothache!

The military certainly gave me confidence in myself and in my craft--enough to begin and maintain a private practice for 25 years. It's a good training ground for learning to be a leader and a manager of people. Although I have to admit, managing soldiers (mostly men) is a lot easier than managing a bunch of woman in private practice!

When I go to Veterans Day services, I mostly think about my brothers and those whom served in the Vietnam War. I came home to a United States that was positive about what we were doing in Iraq. I can't imagine what it must have been like for those poor guys getting off the plane from their tour in Vietnam and being lambasted for missions that were not so popular and a military that was not held in the highest esteem. When I came off the plane we were met with people holding flags and handing out paid phone cards so we could immediately call our loved ones. And when I got home the Veteran Service Agent handed me a check for a thousand bucks for duty served.

I’m proud to be a veteran and proud of my family’s history of service. I guess what I think about most on Veteran’s Day is how lucky we are to live in a country where so many of its citizens have been willing and are still willing to serve.

The Toothboss adds blood pressure screening to comprehensive exam services

2013-10-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

For more than a few people, a trip to the dentist can raise their blood pressure. If that fear/anxiety raises your blood pressure to pre-hypertension levels—120-139 Systolic and greater than 80 Diastolic—then it might be risky treating that patient. That’s why we have added blood pressure screening as part of the comprehensive annual exam for patients.

Besides normal anxiety, some of the procedures we do utilize pharmacologies that can impact blood pressure. So having an accurate read prior to the start of treatment is extremely important, particularly if the patient has high blood pressure or is on medication for it.

Another reason is that many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure, largely because they don’t get an annual check-up with their physician. A visit to the dentist should not replace that, but checking BP as part of the exam can alert patients to a potential problem.

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects more than one in three adults in the United States. It’s also estimated that another 30 percent of the population has pre-hypertension. That’s blood pressure higher than what’s considered acceptable for an adult, 120 systolic/80 diastolic.

Prior to 2007, 135/85 had been considered an acceptable pressure. That now is considered pre-hypertension. So there’s a real need to stay on top of your blood pressure.

That’s something we do not take lightly at The Toothboss. As a dental student, one of my professors assigned us the task of practicing taking blood pressure readings on friends and family. I practiced on my father. The first reading was shocking so I took it again and again. Each came back with the same conclusion. My father had high blood pressure.

My practicing on him probably saved his life because I’m not sure he would have gone to the doctor on his own. It’s for people like my father that we are taking this extra step. First, I will do the BP screenings as part of the comprehensive exams. Once we upgrade our machinery, everybody who visits the Toothboss will have their blood pressure checked, by me and our hygienists.

Watch your mouth! The Toothboss adds valuable procedures to hygiene services

2013-09-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest challenges dentists and hygienists face with patients is not only getting them to brush but addressing the problem areas that normal brushing might not take care of. As part of our hygiene services, we are now using a disclosing solution and a camera so patients can see those trouble spots so they can adjust brushing accordingly.

How it works is simple. The disclosing solution, when applied to the patient’s mouth, adheres to areas of plaque build-up. When we examine your teeth, those notable areas are identified with a pink marker. We can then show you the trouble areas so you know where to focus more attention.

In addition to use of disclosing solution to determine trouble spots, we have added a more complete charting of the gum pockets that surround the teeth, a review of the patient’s health history, a blood pressure screening, and other procedures to complement the normal services his hygienists provide.

The health history is particularly important, particularly if you are on a medication that gives you dry mouth. You see, saliva washes away plaque. If you are on a medication that gives you dry mouth, that means that plaque is not being washed away and potentially doing damage to your teeth and or gums. By making a health history review part of our re-care services, we can address the side effects of medication so it doesn’t harm your teeth.

Are you due for your next check-up? Please call 781-335-0604 to schedule an appointment.

The Toothboss adds full mouth periodontal probing once a year to hygiene services

2013-08-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Years ago, periodontitis was the number one cause of adults losing their teeth. While detection and treatment of periodontitis have dramatically improved over the years, those treatments can be quite expensive. That’s why we recently included periodontal probing as an annual part of our hygiene services.

Periodontitis is essentially plaque and tartar buildup under your gums. When the tartar buildup occurs under the gums, the bacteria within the tartar have a byproduct of acid that causes degeneration of the supporting structures of the tooth. Unfortunately, many dentists don’t include full mouth periodontal probing as part of their hygiene services. So, many cases go undetected until the condition becomes serious.

One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease, according to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A study titled “Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010” estimates that 47.2 percent, or 64.7 million American adults, have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent.

As a preventative step, we recommend periodontal probing once a year. Periodontal probing involves the dentist or dental hygienist examining six sites on each tooth. This enables the dentist to detect a problem in its earliest stages when it’s treatable with better brushing and flossing and other non-intrusive procedures.

If it’s been a while since your last exam or if you are unsure if you’ve ever had a check for periodontitis, please give us a call at 781-335-0604 to set up an appointment.

Sugar-free doesn’t exactly mean cavity-free

2013-07-15T13:53:00.001-07:00

For those who drink diet soda and other diet drinks, one of your primary arguments for doing so is reducing your sugar intake. While there’s been some documentation that some of the chemicals in diet sodas can play a role in weight gain, there’s mounting evidence that diet drinks with artificial sweeteners can play a role in tooth decay.

The common perception is that if there’s no sugar in a drink then it’s better for your teeth. In theory, that’s true. A regular soda with sugar is worse for your teeth than a diet soda, but that doesn’t tell the entire story.

The bacteria in your mouth will not use artificial sweetener to form acid the way it does with regular sugars. But that doesn't mean a diet soda can't harm your teeth. The diet drinks are acidic on their own without the aid of the bacteria to help form the acid. Both regular and diet soda can demineralize a tooth, causing erosion and cavities. So, although a soda with sugar may be slightly worse at causing cavities and erosion, diet drinks are not without consequences.

So what should diet-conscious consumers drink if sugar and sugar sweeteners are both bad? Good old fashioned water from the tap doesn’t cause any erosion of your teeth over any amount of exposure. It also has no calories. And, depending on your community, even offers fluoride.

Of course, it’s probably not realistic to think that people can drink only water and never have a soft drink. Moderation, as it is with everything, is the key. And if you want to have a diet soda, be sure to brush or at least rinse your mouth out with water shortly after to lessen the exposure to those acids found in diet drinks.”

Beyond drinking water and careful brushing, select drinks that utilize sweeteners made from natural ingredients, like Stevia.

The news on artificial sweeteners, however, is not all bad. In fact, there are sweeteners out there that utilize sugar alcohols that can actually protect against dental cavities, for example, Xylitol.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener sourced from strawberries and other fruits. It’s not in drinks yet, but you can find Xylitol in chewing gums, syrups, candies and tooth pastes. Bacteria in your mouth are not able to breakdown Xylitol when you chew gum or eat candy containing the ingredients. Therefore, no bacterial acids are produced. In the absence of bacterial acids, the process of cavity formation is nullified before it even begins. This makes Xylitol that rare thing – a sweetener that’s actually good for your teeth.

A donation with some teeth to it. Rasin Foundation helps The Toothboss go paperless.

2013-07-01T12:34:00.001-07:00

When my dental practice went to paperless files, our primary thought was making the office run more efficiently and being greener. We didn’t realize how this conversion could benefit fellow dentists thousands of miles away in Haiti. Yet that’s exactly what happened when we discovered the Rasin Foundation.

I first heard about the Rasin Foundation, a Milton, MA-based non-profit from a fellow National Guardsmen, Dr. Fidel Gabriel. Fidel is a native of Haiti and he told me of the Foundation’s efforts to get supplies to start a dental practice in Leogane, Haiti. When I asked what types of items the Foundation would accept and mentioned my filing system, it was a no-brainer on this end as to what to do.

The filing system itself costs approximately $2500 but I was prepared to eat the cost of that because I believe going paperless far outweighed the cost. To find an organization like the Rasin Foundation that could benefit from the donation of the filing system was icing on the cake. The fact it was going to help a dental practice was the cherry on top.

As you can imagine, the equipment and technology that we enjoy and perhaps take for granted here in the U.S. aren’t available in remote places like Leogane, Haiti. I encourage dentists, doctors and other health care professionals to visit The Raisin Foundation’s website to see if they need other items. One man’s upgrade is another’s treasure.

For more information, visit www.RasinFoundation.org.

Is a sports drink worse than a soda? Ask the Toothboss.

2013-06-13T12:08:00.001-07:00

There’s the perception that sports drinks are good, soda is bad. Sports drinks hydrate, soda dehydrates you and, worse, is loaded with sugar. While you probably won’t find any dental health professional recommending a soda any time soon, it might surprise you to know what dentists view as the lesser of two evils—at least when it comes to the well-being of your teeth.

Most sports and energy drinks are loaded with sugar. In the short-term, they can re-energize you and rehydrate you somewhat. But if you drink several a day you are putting your teeth at serious risk. How? The sugar in the sports drink can combine with the bacteria in placque that has adhered to your tooth’s surface. These acids erode the enamel surface leading to cavities.

So is soda better for you than a sports or energy drink? According to a study contracted by the Academy of General Dentistry it is.

The AGD study considered what continuous exposure to a variety of “soft” drinks would do to your teeth, specifically the enamel portion of the tooth, over a 14-day period. Continuous exposure was considered several servings over the course of a 12-hour period.

The results revealed the erosion of a tooth’s enamel in milligrams:

· Snapple Classic Lemonade – 30mg

· Red Bull – 22mg

· Gatorade (lemon-lime) – 20mg

· Propel Fitness Water – 14mg

· Arizona Iced Tea – 9 mg

· Coca Cola – 3mg

So, technically, soda is better for your teeth than the sports drinks that promise to restore your electrolytes and other health benefits. But does that mean dentists endorse soda over sports drinks? Hardly.

The lesser of two evils is still an evil. What that study doesn’t reveal is that good old fashioned water from the tap doesn’t cause any erosion of your teeth over any amount of exposure. It also has no calories. And, depending on your community, even offers fluoride.

Of course, it’s probably not realistic to think that people can drink only water and never have a soft drink. Moderation, as it is with everything, is the key. And if you want to have a sports drink or soda, be sure to brush or at least rinse your mouth out with water shortly after to lessen the exposure to those sugars can do.