Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Goodbye 2013!

End the year with positivity and a big smile! Photo | Oral-B

Sunday, December 22, 2013

New Study Reveals Full Emotional Impact of Tooth Loss

Imagine losing your front tooth because of an injury. Do you see yourself still going to work or school the following day? Or would you rather stay at home until you get an immediate replacement?
Losing a tooth is never seen as a disability, but experts at Newcastle University in the UK were astounded by the impact tooth loss had on people. Thirty nine men and women who had experienced tooth loss and replacement from the North East of England participated in the study.  The study published in the journal Sociology of Health and Illness found that participants were devastated by their tooth loss. Some compared it to losing an arm or leg, others reported that they avoided leaving their homes.
Larry (65)
“It’s devastating when you break a tooth off, when that front one went, it was like losing one of the children. Honestly. Because I’d always had – I thought there was never a problem with those ones at the front … But no, it is devastating when you lose teeth because it’s part of you.”
Sandra (60)
“I always used to look in the mirror when I cleaned my teeth and go round my teeth like this and when I get to the gap, I go ‘Oh’. I feel sorry for myself actually. Do you understand that? It’s like… I feel like an old lady, suddenly I feel like an old lady. It’s aged me psychologically. Having this tooth missing.”
Continue reading here.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Santa's in Town


Santa visits the kids at Dr. Michael’s. To view all the photos, click here.

Cut Sugar Intake to Keep Your Teeth for Life

Experts say that maintaining a limit of around five teaspoons of sugar a day - less than 5 per cent of the daily total calorie intake – will allow people to 'keep their teeth for life.'

Gone are the days when sweet treats like cake, pie and ice cream are saved for Christmas and birthdays. These have become everyday staples on our diet and experts are calling out to ‘reverse this trend.’

Researchers at Newcastle University are urging people to cut their sugar intake to just five teaspoons a day in order for their teeth to last a lifetime. The study commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises the advantage of this ‘sugar limit’ by showing that when less than 10% of total calories in the diet is made up of free sugars there are much lower levels of tooth decay.

Newcastle University Professor of Nutrition and Oral Health, Prof. Paula Moynihan said: "People now expect to keep their teeth into old age and given that the effects of sugars on our teeth are lifelong, then limiting sugars to less than 5% of the calories we eat would minimize the risk of dental caries throughout life.”

The researchers also found that fluoride does not shield our teeth against cavities caused by sugar. Prof. Moynihan said: “Fluoride undoubtedly protects the teeth against decay but it does not eliminate tooth decay and it does not get rid of the cause – dietary sugars. Moreover, not everyone has good exposure to fluoride through drinking water and or toothpastes containing fluoride.”

The study was published in the Journal of Dental Research.
More from Dr. Michael’s Blog here.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Science of Teeth Whitening

A useful phrase to remember is: “Any tea that will stain your cup will stain your teeth.” Read more about teeth whitening here.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Poor Oral Hygiene and Excess Sugar Linked to Heart Disease

The risk of heart diseases posed by saturated fats and salt in junk foods is a fact generally known and accepted by many. However, experts writing in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine have warned that excessive sugar – not just salt and fat – in junk foods can also trigger heart disease.
Junk food generally refers to food items that offer little nutritional value but are high in fat, sugar, salt and calories. Salted snacks, candies, fried fast food and sugary carbonated beverages are among the most commonly available junk foods even in hospitals and schools.
The paper says that gum disease, which can be triggered by excess sugar consumption, can also prompt an inflammatory response that leads to cardiovascular disease through a process called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Damage to the arteries occurs almost immediately after just one – that’s right, one – junk food meal.
Dr Ahmed Rashid, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge and co-author of the paper, said: “We know that junk food causes heart disease, we assume it’s through salt and fat but people don’t mention sugar, or if they do it is in terms of obesity.”
"As well as having high levels of fats and salt, junk foods often contain a great deal of sugar and the effect this has on oral health may be an important additional mechanism by which junk food elevates risk of CVD."
"Among different types of junk food, soft drinks have raised particular concerns and are the main source of free sugar for many individuals.”
According to a local survey, 40 per cent of parents in the UAE admitted that they often give in to their children’s demands for junk food. What about you?
See original article here.
5 Junk Food Quick Facts
  1. People who drank four or more cups of soda or sweetened fruit drinks a day—including diet versions—had a much higher risk for depression.
  2. Damage to the arteries occurs almost immediately after just one – that’s right, one – junk food meal.
  3. Once children have eaten fast food, they consume more calories and fewer nutrients for the rest of the day.
  4. Fast food typically lacks fiber. The less fiber children consume, the more likely they are to develop constipation.
  5. Junk food and foods with high sugar content deplete energy levels and the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Dubai Wins Bid to Host World Expo 2020


"To all people in the UAE: your support and enthusiasm fueled our victory at Dubai #Expo2020. Today, you are all champions.”

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic at the Festive Family Fair 2013

Come one, come all!

Join us for a fun-filled Festive Family Fair at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. This fantastic event from ExpatWoman.com is lined up with activities for the whole family!

Date: Nov. 23 | 10.30am - 4.30pm
Details: http://bit.ly/R3tTy2
Entrance is free.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Dental Cleaning, Why Bother?

Dental cleaning before and after photos by our
dental hygienist Beverley. 
Because good teeth and gums are a great indicator of overall health and well-being, that’s why.
The mouth is like a barometer to our health. If your lips are dry or flaky this usually means you are dehydrated. The easy solution – drink more water. If you suffer from Apthos ulcers regularly this may mean you are low in some vital vitamins or minerals or just run down. These are all early signs you can read from your mouth and act on them to improve your health.
Read more here.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Proper Toothbrush Motion

Dulene Swanepoel, Dental hygienist at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic in Dubai, shows us how to brush teeth properly and effectively.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health

There are 347 million people with diabetes worldwide. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may know that the disease comes with alarming complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. But did you know that diabetics are also at special risk for periodontal (gum) disease?
How are diabetes and gum disease related?
Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection and slows down healing process. This is why oral infections tend to be more severe in people with diabetes. Moreover, people with uncontrolled diabetes tend to have more oral health problems. This is because uncontrolled diabetes impairs leukocytes (white blood cells), the body’s primary defense against infections. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

How To Brush Teeth with an Electric Toothbrush

Our dental hygienist Dulene Swanepoel gives us a practical demonstration on how to properly use an electric #toothbrush.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

11 Things You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

The numbers are alarming. In the US alone, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, encompassing 16% of all female cancers. 

3D Printed Toothbrush Cleans Teeth In 6 Seconds

In order to thoroughly clean our teeth, we should brush our teeth for two minutes, two times a day. Though that takes only 240 seconds daily, a lot of people still spend anywhere from 30 seconds to less than a minute brushing their pearly whites.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

8 Ways To Protect Your Child’s Teeth

With proper oral care, tooth decay is largely preventable. Yet, more and more children around kindergarten age suffer from cavities and tooth decay. 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay remains to be the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. It is also four times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years.
What can you do to keep your children’s teeth and gums healthy and strong? Here are eight ways that can help.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Expectant Mothers' Periodontal Health Vital to Health of her Baby

New clinical recommendations urge women to maintain periodontal health during pregnancy

Chicago, IL – (August 27, 2013) – When a woman becomes pregnant, she knows it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure both the health of herself and the health of her baby. New clinical recommendations from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the Eurpean Federation of Periodontology (EFP) urge pregnant women to maintain periodontal health as well.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Cancer-causing Oral HPV Infection linked to poor oral health

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of 40% to 80% of oropharyngeal cancers. A new study reports that people with signs of poor oral health like gum disease and missing teeth are more likely to be infected with oral HPV.

Continue Reading »

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Permanent Smile Surgery - A Growing Trend In South Korea

A recent Reddit thread linked to a bizarre photo shows a girl who went under the knife for a "new plastic surgery in Asia that curls the corners of your lips." This brings to mind, what majority of those who has seen the photo, a very pronounced Joker-like smile.

Continue Reading »

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Milk After Eating Cereals May Save Your Teeth

Cereals are one of the most loved breakfast must-haves in every household, and why not when they’re extremely appetizing and preparing them is so quick and easy. 

But, have you ever asked yourself how your favourite cereals affect your teeth? 

Monday, August 19, 2013

Is root canal treatment painful?


Q: Is root canal treatment painful?

Dr. Michael's American Board Certified Endodontist Dr. Yasmin Al-Zoubaidy says: Root canal treatment doesn't cost pain, it relieves it. A toothache is caused by a damaged tissue within the tooth. Root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relievin the pain patient feels.

Read more at http://bit.ly/19sx0F2.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

AACD Offers Recipe for a Picture-Perfect Wedding Smile

MADISON, Wis. — When it comes pre-wedding pampering, more couples are saying ‘I do’ to teeth whitening treatments that brighten smiles for the big day.  American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry experts and professional lifestyle photographer Dale Stenbroten have teamed up to offer advice on how to get a picture-perfect wedding smile.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

A Fresh Mouth for Ramadan

During Ramadan the fasting process can take its toll on the whole body, and especially the mouth. Dry mouth, bad breath, cracked lips, bleeding gums, tongue coating, these are just some of the oral effects of fasting.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Keep Your Teeth Healthy With Cheese


If you’re one of the millions of people who love cheese, then this news is set to make you smile even wider.
Consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against plaque acid and cavities! 

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Beverley Watson, dental hygienist at Dr. Michael's


Beverley Watson graduated from Guy's, King's and Thomas' School of Dental Hygiene with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2005. She has years of practice at the Eastman Dental Institute and at Lund Osler, 10 Years Younger TV Series (Knightsbridge). She is a member of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

Dental implants: frequently asked questions

With effective oral hygiene, your teeth are designed to last a lifetime. When they don’t, replacing your missing teeth is essential to preserving your chewing and speaking ability. Whether the loss of a tooth is the result of an injury or gum diseases, dental implants are by far the best option to replace missing teeth.
Here are the answers to some of the questions our patients often ask regarding dental implants.

Gum Disease-Causing Bacterium Triggers Bone-Destroying Cells

Oral health experts have known for years that bacteria are responsible for gum disease, but it wasn’t until now that scientists are able to identify the culprit. Identifying the mechanism that is responsible for periodontitis is a major discovery, said lead author University of Michigan postdoctoral fellow Yizu Jiao.

Protect Your Teeth with a Daily Glass of Milk

Moms really know best and to add to their profound predilection for milk is a recent proof that drinking milk significantly reduces the build-up of plaque.

Continue Reading »

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Do You Forget To Brush Your Teeth?

How many days can you go without brushing your teeth? A lot of people would think that brushing one’s teeth falls under the category ‘basics’, yet a new report says otherwise.
In a recent study by the British Dental Health Foundation, seven million Britons admitted to not cleaning their teeth regularly, while one in every seven confessed that they would not pick up their toothbrushes for two whole days.

Diet Soda Damages Teeth as Bad as Methamphetamine

“Rotting, blackened, crumbling or falling apart.” This is how methamphetamine users describe the condition of their teeth. Oftentimes, their teeth cannot be saved and must be extracted.
A new study shows that heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine. What does this mean?

Toothbrush May Soon Dispense Caffeine and Appetite Suppressant

Toothbrush evolution has dawned upon humanity as the inventors at Colgate-Palmolive files a patent for avant-garde technology that could slowly release chemicals into your mouth as you brushed your teeth.
While a number of medicines like appetite suppressants could possibly be delivered, the idea appears to have spun off in the direction of a toothbrush with caffeine.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Squeezable Fruit Snacks Could Decay Kids’ Teeth

Busy parents have found a lifesaver in the form of squeezable pureed food pouches. And why not, when they don’t require refrigeration and outplay traditional children snacks that require utensils.
But there's a down side to it.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Brewed Tea and Oral Health


The moment we step into that bewitching aisle of drinks and refreshments, choosing wisely can be an exceptionally challenging task. 
With the many assortments, flavours and not to mention, inviting colourful bottles and boxes, how do we know which one actually adds benefits to our health?

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Fluoride: Mystery No More

The fluoride mystery is now as close as ever to being solved as new research by a team of Scientists from Saarland University found that the mineral not only strengthens the teeth, it also prevents bacteria from sticking to the tooth surface.

Continue Reading »

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Flossing: Make it Your Habit


We’re told to floss our teeth at least once a day, and when we don’t, we miss cleaning at least 35% of our tooth surfaces. Be honest, are you flossing as much as you should be?

We develop many new habits over time. Some make a habit of wiping toilet seats before using them, while others, routinely reach out for their mobile phones the moment they opened their eyes in the morning. But why has flossing always been a challenge to many?

Brushing has been introduced to us since (or even before) our first tooth waved hello to the world. Flossing came some time later, when we had the motor skills to handle the floss. True, it’s another thing for us to everyday. But think of it as something that will save you time, money and anxiety at the dentist’s office.

Here are some ways to trick your brain into making flossing an effortless habit that you perform on autopilot.

Meet Dr. Mahshid Mirheli, Paediatric Dentist


Paediatric Dentist – Germany

Having lived in Germany for three decades, Dr. Mahshid Mirheli moved to the UAE to be closer to her family and her cultural roots. “I never liked winter,” she said, and understandably so, since in that part of the world, extreme winter temperature can dip down to -10°C.
When asked what influenced her to specialize in pediatric dentistry, she said “During my student days I enjoyed motivating and working with young patients. Recognizing their feelings and needs, I empathize with them and developed compassion to help them with their dental health pro
Read more here.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic Opens New Pediatric Dental Center


We are proud to announce the opening of our new pediatric dental clinic, Dr. Michael's Children’s Dental Center – a fully comprehensive service, state-of-the-art, pediatric dental practice in Dubai. Our CEO & Clinical Director Dr. Michael Formenius and our entire team are excited to bring individualized child-friendly dental care to the children in our community.