Advanced Dental Blog

In the market for a new car? Visit Joe Connolly of Meriden Hyundai!

2011-10-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

From Dr. Mike Maroon: One of the great things that we like doing here at Advanced Dental is helping our clients succeed in their business too! I recently leased a Hyundai Sonata from Meriden Hyundai and have been extremely happy with it. If you, or someone you know, is interested in buying a new Hyundai (or used) please visit:

Joseph Connolly
Meriden Hyundai
318 S. Broad St.
Meriden, CT 06450
203-235-1669
joeconn810@aol.com
www.MeridenHyundai.com

Be sure to let Joe know that you heard about him through Advanced Dental! He'll take excellent care of you!

11 Alternative Uses For Dental Floss!

2011-05-28T09:05:00.000-04:00

There are so many more ways to use dental floss than just to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Because it’s made with nylon or Teflon fibers, floss is stronger than string or thread, easier to work with than wire and you can get it cheap at most dollar stores. Here are just a few of the many alternative uses for dental floss:

1. Hang time - Use dental floss to hang pictures, sun catchers or Christmas ornaments. In fact, you can use it to hang just about any smallish object in need of string or wire.

2. Sew neat - If you’ve ever had a coat button that keeps coming off, and who hasn’t, try dental floss instead of thread the next time you sew it on. Floss is also strong enough to repair tears in mess on things like playpens, beach bags and laundry bags.

3. A cut above – If you wrap a length of dental floss around one finger on each hand, you can cut perfect cake slices. It’s cleaner and neater than using a knife. You can cut fruit, soft cheese, bread and hard-boiled eggs this way, too.

4. Picture perfect – All it takes is a little moisture and pictures can become stuck together and ruined. But maybe not. You may need an extra pair of hands for this operation but you can try separating photos by slowly working some floss in between them.

5. Cookie saver – Crumbling cookies got you down? Slide some floss underneath your baked goods to easily lift them off the baking tray.

6. It’s a wrap – Use dental floss, instead of twine, to securely tie packages for mailing.

7. Gone fishing – If you happen to break your fishing line, dental floss makes a sturdy replacement.

8. With this floss – Somehow or other that ring on your finger has shrunk and now you can’t get it off. Try this nifty little trick using waxed dental floss: Wrap the floss around your finger from the tip down to the ring. The idea here is to reduce the size of your finger without cutting off the circulation. The ring will then slide over the floss so you can easily remove it.

9. Clothes call - Forgot the rope on a camping trip? Use a length of unwaxed dental floss as a clothesline. Many hotels already have pull-out clotheslines over the tub. However, if you find yourself in one that doesn’t, just whip out the dental floss. You could tie one end to the showerhead and the other to the far end of the curtain rod.

10. The silencer – Quiet a dripping faucet by tying a piece of floss around the opening and letting it hang down into the sink. The drips will slide noiselessly down the floss. It’s a great quick fix until you can repair the taps and save on your water bill.

11. Ivy league – Support climbing plants by using a piece of dental floss to tie them to a trellis.

Strictly Chimneys - Professional Chimney Sweeps

2011-05-13T17:04:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mike Panzarella of Strictly Chimneys for providing exceptional service for me at my home. If you have a wood burning fireplace in your home, it's important that your chimney is cleaned frequently. Please consider using Strictly Chimneys as your chimney sweep. They are thorough, neat & professional!

Smile Design Principles | Smile Makeovers by Advanced Dental of Berlin, CT

2011-04-02T12:13:00.001-04:00

Smile Design Principles | Smile Makeovers by Advanced Dental of Berlin, CT

Smile Design Principles

Many feel that a smile is more than just a feature of their faces. Smiles can greatly attribute it to self-esteem. It is usually the first thing people see when they meet you, so it can be an important part of a great first impression. If you are self-conscious or unhappy with your smile, it can seriously affect you others perceive you. Fortunately,The dentistry professional at Advanced Dental of Berlin, Connecticut understand the impact a smile can have on your life and Dr. Maroon is capable of transforming your dental characteristics to produce dramatic results with positive influences on your life.

Here are some of the characteristics Dr. Maroon will take into account to improve the overall esthetic impact of your smile. The principles can be divided into four parts:

Facial Esthetics- Dr. Maroon will study your facial and muscular characteristics through visual and photographic analysis. Because everyone is unique in appearance, he is careful to note things that will improve your esthetics such as how the lips frame your smile when you speak, smile or laugh.

Gingival (Gum) Esthetics- Healthy gums are essential to smile design and their appearance is a major facto Connecticut Cosmetic Dentsit Dr. Maroon will look into. If you feel you do not like certain characteristics of your gums you can discuss them with Dr. Maroon. He may review certain aspects that may be improved such as excessive gingival display (gummy smile), uneven gum contours, inflammation and exposed root surfaces.

Microesthetics- Microesthetics take into account the subtle characteristics that make your teeth look the way they do, such as how they reflect light and their unique marks or colorations. An ideal restoration is one that closely resembles that of natural teeth.

Macroesthetics- Macroesthetics cover the overall appearance of your teeth relative to your particular features and analyzes the relationships and proportions between front teeth, surrounding tissue landmarks and facial characteristics.

by: Dr. Mike Maroon of Advanced Dental, Berlin CT.

Manhattan dentist sent 31 pounds of pot, worth $50K, in the mail

2011-04-02T11:44:00.000-04:00

Manhattan dentist sent 31 pounds of pot, worth $50K, in the mail

BY BOB KAPPSTATTER
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

A Manhattan dentist got a mystery UPS package Friday from a real dope - it was filled with 31 pounds of very pungent pot.

Dr. Richard Lyons couldn't believe his nose when he opened the box that was delivered to his Chinatown office.

"From my 70's days, when I saw the green and smelled it, I knew it was marijuana," said Lyons, whose graying ponytail could qualify him for a bit role in a Cheech and Chong movie.

Lyons, 61, said he had no idea how the pot - worth up to $50,000 on the street - wound up at his place, but he immediately called the cops.

"I was shocked - shocked! And annoyed," he said. "Even if I got an ounce of marijuana, I would have notified the police.

"It's not legal. I didn't buy it!"

Lyons said the pot was wrapped in a black plastic bag "with a bunch of baby wipes on top" that had been placed inside a plastic bin and then the box.

It arrived at his office at 10:30 a.m. and was signed for by an assistant. When he got in about 3 p.m., he opened the box to discover the tightly packed fresh-plucked buds.

He said called police, but when they hadn't arrived after an hour, he got nervous that the intended recipient might show up to collect the weed - and called the press.

When cops arrived at the office on Worth and Mott Sts. - where a large red canopy advertises "Dr. Toothy's Dental World" - they had to borrow blue dental masks because the fumes gave them a headache.

The box had a return address for a Gwendaline Lyons in Katy, Texas. No listing could be found for the person.

A UPS spokeswoman said the express delivery service would open an investigation in the matter and contact the NYPD.

Anyone wishing to claim the package can contact the 5th Precinct detective squad at (212) 334-0742.

With Jefferson Siegel

In Praise of Olive Oil

2011-03-26T10:02:00.000-04:00

In Praise of Olive Oil - A Reason to Smile!

Olive oil, a key component of a Mediterranean-style diet, has provided health benefits for millennia. Mono-unsaturated fat give olive oil anti-oxidant properties, lowering the risk of colon cancer, incidence of heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.

Because ingesting olive oil enriches the skin and soft tissues, and is an anti-inflammatory, it also helps in treating gum disease which, due to the correlation between oral and whole-body health, improves your overall well-being.

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest in anti-oxidants because it's less processed. And, because of it flavor, processing method, and beneficial properties, it is the only variety of vegetable oil that nutritionists suggest be ingested as is (without being cooked). Simply taking two tablespoons per day will help you look after your whole health while taking care of your oral health! Give it a try!

Dental Hygiene | Practice & Prevention with Good Oral Health

2011-03-23T11:25:00.001-04:00

Dental Hygiene | Practice & Prevention with Good Oral Health

Practicing Good Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is the process of maintaining proper dental care to avoid oral health problems. It is recommended that you see your dentist and dental hygienist at least twice a year however the dental care that you provide on your own in-house is an integral part of maintaining good oral health. A good in-house regimen supplemented by regular dentist check-ups and cleanings is the best way to prevent dental emergencies.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is recommended at least twice a day to remove plaque and the remnants of food and drink from our teeth and gums. Flossing once a day is an essential practice to avoid gum disease and preventing tooth decay. An oral rinse also helps promote good oral hygiene as it will reduce oral discomfort, provide moisture to oral tissues and help with bad breath. More therapeutic oral rinses can be anti-plaque, anti-cavity, anti-tarter, and anti-bacterial and are all good at preventing oral health problems. Ask your dentist what he/she recommends for you.

Practicing the above oral hygiene habits are great ways to maintain proper oral health however good habits alone will not remove all the plaque that builds up over time. This is why it is necessary to see your dentist and dental hygienist regularly to remove the plaque to lower your risk of toothaches, cavities, periodontal disease or even the loss of all your teeth. By removing plaque you reduce your chances of needing root canals, tooth extractions,dental bridges, crowns and more. Your dentist and dental hygienist will ensure that you will receive the necessary treatment to maintain good oral health of your teeth, mouth and gums and keep you smiling.

Cerec does it again!

2011-03-21T21:28:00.000-04:00

Cerec does it again! Today we saw an emergency pt. who had a horrible gag reflex and wasn’t able to keep any impression material in her mouth. With our NEW CAD/CAM system, Dr. Maroon was able to make digital impression and create the new restorations right in our office. How cool is that? If you need a crown in the future ask us if Cerec same-day CAD/CAM crowns are for you!

Bleeding Gums and Heart Attacks

2011-02-21T21:03:00.002-05:00

Six large studies show that people with bleeding gums are at increased risk for heart attacks. The association holds for Harvard doctors, army veterans and Pima Indians. Antibiotics cured the Pima Indians' gum disease and protected them from heart attacks. People with gum disease have high blood levels of C-reactive protein, a chemical that is elevated when a person has an infection and are at high risk for heart attacks.

Read more...http://www.drmirkin.com/heart/8333.html

Nutrition & Oral Health

2011-02-19T05:44:00.001-05:00

Nutrition & Oral Health

Oral health is a huge part of our general health. In Part I of this important series, we will focus on diet as it relates to dental/oral health. Learn new important facts about sugars—the good and the bad; fluorides; tooth erosion by acids; and more... Read the full article here: http://www.deardoctor.com/library/maroon/?&issue=issue3&startid=46

Baby Teeth Talk

2011-02-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

As a rule, babies are pretty needy creatures. They can't walk, they can't talk, and they can't dress, clean, or fee themselves. So, as a parent, you take on the responsibility of insuring that your child's needs are met. You make sure they get the proper nutrition necessary to grow. You take them to the doctor's office for checkups. And just because they may not have a full set of teeth yet doesn't mean that your baby's oral health should be overlooked.

Generally, a baby's four front teeth begin to appear between the ages of 6 months to 1 year. The remainder of primary (baby) teeth will come in usually in pairs on each side of the jaw, until your child is approximately 3 years old. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by age 3 and will keep those teeth until age 5 or 6 when some will begin to loosen and fall out; and may keep some of these primary teeth until age 10 or 11 when the last of the baby teeth are shed.

While your baby's mouth may be toothless, you still need to make sure they get proper oral care. Begin oral health care as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital by cleaning their gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding. As soon as the first tooth appears, gently brush your baby's teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of water. Don't begin using toothpastes until around age 2, and then only a pea-sized amount is needed. Children should be taught to spit out toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing. Flossing should begin as soon as any two teeth touch. Parents should help their kids until they are old enough to brush & floss on their own - usually by age 6 or 7, and then it is important to monitor your children to make sure that they are brushing and flossing routinely.

As your child's baby teeth begin to come in, they will most likely experience painful gums, and oral discomfort (commonly referred to as "teething"). Signs that teething is causing your baby pain include crankiness, lack of appetite, drooling, pink or red cheeks, coughing or increased chewing or sucking of fingers and/or toys. When your child experiences discomfort from teething there are some things you can do to help alleviate the pain. Giving your baby a cold, wet cloth to suck on can soothe painful gums. Many stores have teething accessories or toys that are designed specifically to help relieve the pressure that comes from teething, such as water-filled plastic devices that can be frozen. All of these products help alleviate the discomfort associated with teething. Teething can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the type of tooth coming in and your child's body.

Primary (baby) teeth are just as important as secondary (adult) teeth because they help kids with biting, chewing and speaking, and even help give the face its shape and form, says the American Dental Association (ADA). Early tooth loss from dental decay can have a serious impact on your child's self-esteem and self-confidence and may affect their social interactions with other children.

Teach your children from an early age the importance of eating a healthy diet, along with practicing routine oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime of smiles.

Bacon-Flavored Floss?

2011-02-17T08:41:00.001-05:00

For a few years now, toothpaste manufacturers have been expanding their product lines beyond the old standby mint toothpaste to include a variety of flavors - citrus, berry, grape, and bubblegum, to name a few - all in the interest of encouraging children and adults to brush their teeth more. So it may not be too much of a stretch to find flavored dental floss on the market. But several new gag gifts are being marketed as dental floss products that you may want to avoid. A line of floss can now be found online in flavors such as bacon and cupcake frosting. These new flavors may just get you to floss more and that's good for your teeth, gums and overall health. So, bring on the bacon...please!

Oral Hygiene: Your Way of Promoting Dental Health

2011-02-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

The best tools for maintaining your oral health and minimizing dental problems are a quality toothbrush, toothpaste, a roll of dental floss, approved mouthwash and good diet. Unfortunately, myths and folklore abound on how and what to use to best effect. This article cuts through the confusion with a winning game plan for oral health...Read Article here:http://www.deardoctor.com/library/maroon/?&issue=issue1&startid=44

FREE Teeth Whitening! Here's how!

2011-02-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

Advanced Dental is conducting a study on Sheer WhiteWhitening Film. We're looking for 10 patients to utilize this product for 5days & allow us to take before & after photos to see the effectivenessof the film. If you, or someone you know, is interested in being part of thisstudy, please contact us at 8608283933 or contact@AdvancedDental.com. Pleaseshare this with any of your friends who may be interested.

Toothbrush Tips to Keep Your Teeth in Shape

2011-02-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

Toothbrush Tips to Keep Your Teeth in Shape

Brushing your teeth seems easy enough. But some toothbrushes are better than others and there is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth.

By Clare Kittredge

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Brushing your teeth regularly is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing periodontal (gum) diseases, but it's also important to make sure you choose the right toothbrush for your teeth and use proper brushing techniques. Done correctly, brushing your teeth at least twice a day — in the morning and in the evening before going to bed, for at least three minutes — can help ensure long-term dental health.

“It takes time to brush effectively,” says Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA) and a former clinical instructor at Boston University Dental School. “Most people just rush through it." Dr. Price suggests setting a timer for three minutes and brushing and flossing until the time runs out.

How to Choose a Toothbrush

Although some ancient civilizations used frayed twigs to clean their teeth, these days toothbrushes come in a variety of manual and powered forms. And the first step to taking good care of your mouth is to choose a toothbrush that's right for you.

“Choose a brush that has the ADA seal on the box to be sure the bristles are not too hard,” says Price, who is retired from a 35-year dental practice in Newton, Mass. “Then find one that fits comfortably in your hand and mouth. If the brush is comfortable to use, you'll use it more often and more effectively."

Here are some other tips to keep in mind when choosing a toothbrush. You'll want to pick one that:

Has bristles that are softer rather than harder
Fits your mouth size. If you have a small mouth, choose a small toothbrush and if you have a large mouth, pick a large toothbrush, says Price.
Is easy to use, whether it's a powered or a manual toothbrush

Once you've found an appropriate toothbrush for you, you need to brush your teeth the correct way in order to maintain good oral health and keep periodontal disease at bay.

How to Brush Your Teeth Effectively

The following tips can help you to get the most out of your daily brushing routine:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some experts recommend brushing after every meal, if possible.
Take time — at least three minutes — to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth.
When you brush along your gumline, angle your toothbrush slightly toward your gums.
Don't brush too roughly — use a gentle motion so you don’t damage your gums.
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to fight off tooth decay.
Focus on cleaning every tooth surface with your toothbrush.
Brush your tongue to scrape off bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Brush your teeth with a clean toothbrush and rinse the brush thoroughly after each use. You can also use a small amount of hand soap on the bristles for more rigorous cleaning.
Replace your toothbrush — or toothbrush head if you use an electric brush — every three to four months.

If you need additional help figuring out how best to brush your teeth, says Price, “Have your dentist/hygienist show you the proper method." And if you are having dental problems or concerns about your oral health, see your dentist.

A toothbrush alone can’t do everything to maintain your oral health and your teeth, Price cautions. That’s because a toothbrush can’t get between your teeth. Only dental floss can do that, so remember to floss each day, too, and see your dentist for regular checkups.

More Dentists Taking Pains to Win Back Fearful Patients

2011-02-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703439504576116053190333540.html

More Dentists Taking Pains to Win Back Fearful Patients

By MELINDA BECK

Nearly one-quarter of all Americans avoid dentists because they're afraid, according to American Dental Association surveys. And the fear comes in many forms.

In an attempt to win back fearful patients, dentists like Dr. Eda Ellis in New York offer spa-like services. WSJ's health columnist Melinda Beck reports.

There's fear of pain, fear of needles, fear of drills, fear of blood, fear of gagging, fear of feeling helpless or having personal space violated, fear of being lectured for not brushing or flossing adequately and fear of being admonished for staying away so long.

"I even hate that sucky thing that vacuums up your saliva," says Carolyn Moody, a Bridgewater, N.J., mother of three who avoided dentists for 10 years. Now she makes sure to bring her iPod. "As soon as I hear that drill, even from another room, my fists clench, my body stiffens and my heart starts pounding," she adds.

Of course, delaying cleanings and checkups only compounds dental problems. Neglected plaque creates cavities; cavities can lead to root canals; root canals require crowns and eventually implants or dentures or worse, a mouthful of toothless gums. Some oral-health problems also send bacteria into the bloodstream, raising the risk of heart attack, diabetes and dementia.

Ways to Make the Chair Less Scary

View Full Image

Dan Picasso

Sedation. From nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to tranquillizer pills to intravenous drugs, patients now have many options to lessen their awareness of what's going on in the dentist's chair. Dentists must have special training and certification to give some forms of sedation, and patients must be accompanied to and from the dentist's office.

Pain killers. Numbing sprays, gels and patches can make cleanings less arduous and reduce the pain of injections. Local anesthesia can sometimes be delivered with electricity from outside the mouth, or with computer-controlled devices that regulate the flow of anesthetic.

Entertainment. Headphones, flat-screen TVs—even virtual reality goggles for watching movies—can help patients pretend they are somewhere else.

Atmospherics. Quieter drills and citrus-scented candles help mask the typical sounds and smells of dentistry; some practices have stopped using eugenol, the clove-scented antiseptic; others even bake cookies to introduce a soothing aroma.

Spa services. Foot massages, warm neck rolls and paraffin treatments for hands help patients relax and pass the time. Whitening, veneers and other cosmetic treatments can lure in patients who would otherwise dread dentistry.

Now, many dentists are taking pains to win frightened patients back. Some practices let patients virtually sleep through the procedure. Others focus on maximizing soothing distractions while minimizing pain as well as the typical sounds and smells of dentistry that can trigger unpleasant memories.

Dental schools are also paying more attention to communication skills. At New York University College of Dentistry, third-year students practice interviewing patients—played by actors—with a variety of dental problems and phobias.

"You can't just say, 'Open up—you have nothing to fear,' " says psychologist Hillary Broder, who teaches the course. "You have to establish a rapport and find out what makes them anxious and reassure them that that's not going to happen."

"There is usually something that triggers that phobia, like a bad experience when they were a child," says David Hershkowitz, associate chairman of the school's department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care. He tells students, "Once you know the trigger point, you can do away with the fear."

To be sure, not all dentists want to treat anxious patients. "There's a fair number of dentists who are more phobic of the phobic patients than the phobic patients are of dentistry. They're difficult to work on and you can't work at your normal pace says George Kivowitz who has dental practices in New York City and Newtown, Pa. But he finds that kindness and communication can go a long way toward calming patients. "I promise that if I see an area of decay, I don't have to prove it to you by peeling you off the ceiling."

Other dentists aren't eager to work with anxious patients, others have built their practices around treating them. "I have some who go into a full-blown panic attack, shaking uncontrollably, when I merely look in their mouths with a mirror. That's my flock," says Manhattan dentist Louis Siegelman.

Feeling Groggy

For some such patients, being asleep or close to it may be the only way to endure dental procedures—even routine cleanings. "You have to meet the patients where they are," says Dr. Siegelman.

The mildest and most common form of sedation, nitrous oxide—or "laughing gas"—has been used in dentistry since the frontier days and is still considered effective for reducing pain and relieving anxiety. About 35% of dentists offer it. But some patients can't tolerate wearing a mask over their nose during the dental work, and in rare cases, it can make people more jittery and anxious instead of less.

Oral conscious sedation, in which patients take a tranquillizer such as Halcion or Versed before the visit, puts them into a relaxed and sleepy state although they can still respond to the dentist's commands. Patients may have little memory of the dental work, but are so groggy they must be accompanied to and from the dentist's office.

Intravenous sedation gives patients an even greater feeling of being "out," and can be very useful for extensive gum or implant surgery. It also works quickly and can be increased or counteracted quickly, if necessary. But it does require a needle. The patient's heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen intake must be monitored in case of cardiac arrest or other problems. And the dentist needs additional training and certification as well as higher malpractice insurance to cover the added risk. General anesthesia, in which the patient is unconscious and unable to respond to commands, is mainly used for oral surgery. That requires even more specialized training.

Costs of sedation, which range from about $50 for nitrous oxide to $350 for IV drugs, are rarely covered by insurance. But some dentists throw it in for free if a patient is having extensive work. Anxious patients often need considerable dental repairs, particularly if they've been fugitives from dentistry for years, and many opt to have it all done at once while they are under sedation.

Minimizing Pain

New techniques and tools have made many aspects of dentistry less off-putting than they used to be.

Some dentists and hygienists offer lidocaine spray, gel or patches to numb patients' teeth and gums even for routine cleanings. Many also wear magnifying loupes that allow them to give patients more personal space. "We can stand about 18 inches away now, rather than six or 12 inches," says Dr. Hershkowitz.

Electric drills are quieter than older models that were driven by compressed air. In some cases, ultra-quiet lasers can be used instead of drills, but they have many limitations and don't eliminate the need for anesthesia.

Devices that emit low-dose electrical pulses to block pain pathways right through the skin can be used in place of anesthesia for some procedures.

Unfortunately for the needle phobic, much dental work still requires an injection of local anesthetic—but there, too, there are innovations. For one thing, dental needles used to be sterilized and re-used, getting blunter and more painful to inject each time. Now, needles are used only once.

Numbing gel can also minimize the pain of the stick, but what hurts most about dental injections is the pressure of 1.7 milliliters of fluid pushing into dense tissue. One computerized device called The Wand controls the flow, volume and pressure of the injection and looks more like a pen than a needle. Dr. Kivowitz says that manually delivering an injection very slowly can minimize pain just as well. "Do they ever love it? No," he says. "But if they understand what you're doing, it helps a lot."

He also notes that many anesthetics contain adrenaline, which makes them last longer but can send a patient's heart racing and trigger panic attacks. It pays to warn patients of the possibility in advance, he says: "Any unexpected thing that happens in the chair just adds to the phobia."

Maximizing Distractions

Taking a cue from pediatric practices, some dentists offer an array of entertainment options to keep patients' minds off the drilling and filling, from flat-screen TVs to headphones to virtual-reality goggles for watching 3-D movies.

Some also boast spa-like comforts, such as massaging chairs, warm neck rolls, paraffin wax treatments for hands and reflexology, the traditional Chinese foot massage.

"Mondays and Wednesdays are 'spa-days.' We're very busy then," says dentist Eda Ellis at Central Park Dental Spa in New York, which also has a waterfall and aromatherapy candles in the waiting room. "Patients love it. THey say, 'Wait, it's over so fast?' " she says.

What can patients do themselves to alleviate their anxiety? Bring your own distractions—a riveting book, a music player full of transporting tunes or favorite movies if your dentist is equipped to play them.

"Some of my patients have done yoga and they are somewhere else in their minds while I'm working," says Dr. Hershkowitz who has a private practice in Stony Brook, N.Y.

Behavioral psychotherapists can teach ways to overcome anxiety. Some people find that hypnosis helps them relax, and some hypnotherapists can provide sessions by phone before dental visits.

Don't try to self-medicate. Drinking alcohol before a dental visit is an especially bad idea. An over-the-counter pain reliever may take the edge off pain, but some forms increase bleeding. Be sure to tell the dentist about any medications you are taking.

Tell the dentist and the staff about your fears. And shop around until you find a practice that is empathetic.

In the meantime, take very good care of your teeth and gums. The healthier they are, the more pleasant every dental visit will be.

Healthy Gums May Lead to Healthy Lungs

2011-02-13T10:58:00.000-05:00

Healthy Gums May Lead to Healthy Lungs
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums may reduce risk for pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CHICAGO – January 18, 2011 – Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract, can be severely debilitating and are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

The study included 200 participants between the ages of 20 and 60 with at least 20 natural teeth. Half of the participants were hospitalized patients with a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis, and the other half were healthy control subjects with no history of respiratory disease. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation to measure periodontal health status.

The study found that patients with respiratory diseases had worse periodontal health than the control group, suggesting a relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient’s risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease. However, the study authors note that additional studies are needed to more conclusively understand this link.

“Pulmonary diseases can be severely disabling and debilitating,” says Donald S. Clem, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “By working with your dentist or periodontist, you may actually be able to prevent or diminish the progression of harmful diseases such as pneumonia or COPD. This study provides yet another example of how periodontal health plays a role in keeping other systems of the body healthy.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. “Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

To assess your risk for periodontal disease or to learn more, visit perio.org.

To speak with an AAP spokesperson or for more information, please contact the AAP’s Public Relations Office at 312-573-3242 ormeg@perio.org.

Study information:
Sharma, N. & Shamsuddin, H. (in press). Association between respiratory disease in hospitalized patients and periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study. Retrieved from http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2011.100582

About the American Academy of Periodontology:
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members world-wide.

Advanced Dental - we're known for our smiles!

2011-02-12T08:23:00.002-05:00

Learn more at http://www.AdvancedDental.com

Enjoy this video of some of the great smiles that we create daily at Advanced Dental! Thank you to all of our existing clients for allowing us the privilege of providing you with exceptional dental care. We truly appreciate the trust that you place in us. If you are moved by what you see, please feel free to share this with your Facebook friends. You never know who could use a smile! :)

De-Escalate! Reclaim your world!

2010-05-13T11:31:00.002-04:00

It's a wonderful world we live in, yet the excitement and challenges of even the best things in life can create tension. Teeth clenching and grinding are common symptoms of stress which, over time, can escalate into Temperomandibular Disorder (TMD), a painful problem of the jaw joints. Of course, we can provide relief with oral appliance therapy, and it's good to have a strategy for self-care to help keep you at ease long-term.

Martial arts for relaxation? Absolutely! Aikido, Tai Chi and Qi Gong combine meditation and movement to improve posture, balance, coordination, endurance and flexibility.

Yoga is popular, very do-able and doesn't require special equipment.

Proper breathing, exercise, relaxation, diet, positive thinking and meditation are tried and true. TMD is all about taking the pressure off!

If you or a loved one are experiencing pain from TMD, we can help. Contact our office today at (860) 828-3933 or contact@AdvancedDental.com and we'll arrange an appointment to help ease the pain.

We offer a complete line of Oxyfresh products for a healthier smile!

2010-05-05T08:58:00.006-04:00

Our five mouthrinses are formulated with the exclusive ingredient Oxygene®, designed to safely destroy bad breath odors at their source.
Buy Today! Call 860.828.3933
or Go Online at Oxyfresh.com

Our -low abrasion toothpastes will help provide protection against unecessary wear to tooth and root surfaces.

Buy Today! Call 860.828.3933 or Go Online at Oxyfresh.com

This attractive, lightweight kit is just the ticket for fast and easy travel.

Buy Today! Call 860.828.3933 or Go Online at Oxyfresh.com

At Oxyfresh, we stand behind the superior quality of our health and wellness products with a
30-day guarantee.

WHITER TEETH FROM A TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE? DON’T COUNT ON IT

2010-05-05T08:53:00.001-04:00

WHITER TEETH FROM A TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE? DON’T COUNT ON IT

Many whitening toothpastes are hyped as being an effective and a tempting alternative to professional whitening systems. But do they actually work? Contrary to what advertisers lead us to believe, it is simply not possible for commercial whitening toothpastes to actually whiten teeth. They are not formulated with the same active ingredients or concentrations used in professional whitening systems. Often, they are found to be extremely abrasive in an attempt to remove superficial stains and create a “whiter-looking” smile. The abrasion rate of these toothpastes can result in unnecessary wear and cause more harm to root and tooth surfaces — and even increase sensitivity. Don’t be fooled by the advertisers!

Top 5 myths about tooth-whitening systems

1. It’s harmful to the teeth and gums
Not so fast. When advised and supervised by your dentist or dental health care professional, the whitening process is completely safe, painless and can be extremely rewarding. In fact, reports have shown that in many cases whitening may actually help patients become more conscientious about their oral health. Keep in mind compliance with post-whitening instructions plays a significant role in the success of the whitening process.

2. Custom trays aren’t important
The tools are there for a reason. When deciding to use an at-home system, a custom whitening tray is essential to the success of the whitening process. A custom tray is made by your dental health care professional and fits precisely to your teeth. It will ensure the custom fit required to lessen the chance of gum irritation from the tray and from seepage of the whitening gel onto the tissues. Having a custom tray also allows the whitening gel to remain in direct contact with the surface of the teeth for an extended period of time, allowing for more uniform and faster whitening.

3. They’re essentially all the same
Not by a long shot. Whitening products vary tremendously, including ways in which the product can be applied to the teeth. There are many different systems: at-home, in-office as well as strictly over-the-counter. Over-the-counter systems are much cheaper and are not nearly as effective or long lasting as professional tooth whitening. Overall, whitening products vary in active ingredients, strength, effectiveness, pH, composition and consistency. Shop around and consult with a dental professional to determine the best option for you.

4. The results will look fake
With most whitening systems, and particularly when supervised by a dental professional, you can trust the process and your ability to have complete control over the results. When having a professional in-office whitening procedure, they will develop a treatment plan and follow your instructions on the degree of whiteness you desire. With at-home systems, you can stop the process at any time during the course of treatment once you’ve reached the desired whiteness. Your dental professional can advise you of the various factors to consider, making certain you do not over-whiten.

5. It’s permanent
That would be nice, but … NOT. Color stability has a lot to do with your oral health care habits. These include your daily dental care and the frequency of your professional cleanings, as well as your consumption of foods and beverages that can stain teeth. Additionally, dental health care products that contain dyes and colorings, as well as smoking and chewing tobacco, can stain your teeth, cosmetic work and tooth-colored filling materials. Avoid commercial toothpastes and mouthrinses that are colored.

Closing Thoughts
The safest and most effective way to whiten your smile and keep it lasting as long as possible is to use a professional whitening system that has been selected by you and your dental professional. The system should be supported with home care dental products that are low in abrasion and are color and dye-free.

Visit www.AdvancedDental.com for more information!

The Magic of Spring...

2010-04-29T15:33:00.002-04:00

...Celebrate your smile!

Mother Nature in all her glory casts the greatest magic of all...spring! The blossoming of the trees and flowers...the return of bird songs, sweet to our ears. It's also a time of personal renewal, and celebrations - weddings, graduations, anniversaries, sports, and social events - wonderful memory-making times. You will want to make sure you look great, feel great, and get your smile in photo-op shape!

After all, during the winter holidays, it's hard to say no to sweet foods and drinks - a natural part of socializing. Grandma's chocolate-covered ginger bread and candied yams, and Aunt Lily's peanut brittle carrot cake. You can almost feel a cavit coming on just thinking about it! Now is a great time to make sure those off-diet times weren't also teeth-damaging times. Come in and see us so we can stop tooth decay - whiten and brighten your teeth, mask stains, fill gaps, and cover cracks quickly and painlessly.

Yes, it's time to clear out the old, and bring in the new. And, while you're at it - give your teeth a spring cleaning to invigorate your smile. And, if needed, we'll even give you a refresher on how best to care for your teeth at home so you can avoid repairs.

Get ready for outdoor activities you want to share and social gatherings you're sure to remember. Spring is a magical time. Make sure your smile is magical too!

Call our office today at (860) 828-3933 for your "Spring Cleaning!"

Happy Halloween from the Maroon Family! BOO!

2009-10-28T08:10:00.000-04:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

The Facts About TMD...

2009-10-07T11:44:00.007-04:00

Do you experience pain in your face, ears, below or in front of your ears, or headaches for which your medical doctor has not found a cause? Do your jaw joints, located in front of your ears, hurt when you chew or do they make clicking, popping or crackling noises? If so, you may be suffering from TemperoMandibular Disorder - often called TMD.

The temperomandibular joints - or TMJs - are located on both sides of the face in front of the ears, connecting the lower jawbone to the skull. They're the most complicated joints in the human body, and they allow us to open our mouths wide and move them from side to side.

Symptoms of TMD affect millions of North Americans and can appear with no apparent cause. They can also appear after trauma, such as a traffic or bicycle accident, or a blow to the face. Teeth clenching, excessive gum chewing, a bad bite, nail biting or cradling the phone between your shoulder and head can cause or exacerbate TMD.

Stress and tension may awaken or aggravate an existing TMD condition. However, stress alone does not cause this disorder if a patient has good oral health and a balanced bite.

To diagnose TMD, a thorough exam is essential. Let us help you determine if the cause of your discomfort is your jaw joint, and from there, if necessary, determine a treatment plan that will give you relief.

Call us at 860-828-3933 or email Contact@AdvancedDental.com for your appointment today and you'll soon be on your way to better dental health.

Prime Attraction

2009-10-07T08:35:00.003-04:00

Get what you need

Is 50 really the new 40? It seems so. men and women today feel and act ten years younger than their biological age. Midlife is a strong, powerful time of life in every way and you can see the influence you command in the number of products tailored just for you. A prime example is the number of esthetic innovations created to enhance your smile, like beautiful natural-looking crown and implant restorations.

You'll like them because...

You're an experienced and savvy consumer

Long-lasting natural-looking materials resist chipping, staining and cracks.
Improvements in options and technology have made procedures more time-efficient and patient-friendly.

You're health conscious

Your damaged or discolored tooth can be covered, protected and strengthened with a single crown.
Bone loss can be prevented by anchoring a permanent new tooth into the jawbone by combining a single crown with a dental implant.
Missing teeth can be replaced with several replacement teeth attached to a secure crown or implant bridge restoration to prevent your other teeth from drifting and altering your ability to eat, speak and socialize.

You love to look great!

Crowns made of natural-looking porcelain are beautiful and designed to blend in so well with neighboring teeth that no one can tell that you have them.

Don't let your smile give away your age. Let us give you a midlife smile with style! Call us at 860-828-3933 or email Contact@AdvancedDental.com today for a complimentary consultation where we'll help keep you smiling for many years to come!

Dear Doctor: Comedians that make us smile!

2009-10-07T08:30:00.003-04:00

For years, comedians and dentists have shared one common trait... the ability to make us smile!

As far back as the ancient Greeks, comedians have taken the common routine of life and turned it into comedy and farce. Dentistry especially has provided one of the richest veins of material for stand-up, skits, situation comedies and even books. It ...seems everyone remembers a favorite comedy routine about visiting a dentist: toothaches, drills, shots ñ practically anything dental - whose memories still bring a smile or chuckle.

Maybe it's old-fashioned nervousness or anxiety people may have about seeing the dentist, or the somewhat unbelievable notion that something as small as a tooth can cause such a big ache. Or, maybe it's just because one of the best-known anesthesics is commonly known as "laughing gas."

Whatever the reason, our favorite comedians often draw from dentistry with hilarious takes, that drown us in tears of laughter. Don't get us wrong, dentists don't take their profession or their mission lightly. But it's always good for the soul to take a lighthearted look at ourselves and what we do once in awhile, to help us empathize in seeing things from a patient's point of view.

So, in the spirit of good humor and of course smiling, here's a sampling from some of our favorite comedians and their take on dentistry. We can't guarantee that generous doses of these comedians will necessarily improve your dental health, but they will certainly improve your mental health.

Read More...

PET DENTAL DISEASE: THE SILENT KILLER OF PETS!

2009-10-01T08:01:00.005-04:00

Did you know that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over age 3 have some kind of dental disease? Left untreated, it can lead to heart, liver and kidney disease. That's why pet dental disease is called the "Silent Killer of Pets."

October is National Pet Wellness Month - the perfect time to educate pet owners about the importance of preventive pet health care.

START WITH YOUR PET'S SMILE

Oxyfresh combines the best ingredients nature has to offer with safe science to create the highest quality formulas you'll find anywhere to promote optimum dental health for your pet. You'll love the results!

Add some TLC to their water bowl!

Pets need water anyway, why not nourish it? Pet Oral Hygiene Solution contains the active ingredient Oxygene to freshen pet breath and help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar that can lead to dental disease, and its 100% safe. Just one teaspoon of this tasteless, odorless solution added daily to your pet's drinking water does the trick - it's that easy!

Protect their smile - and their health!

It's more than a breath-freshening toothpaste. Pet Gel with Oxygen cleans and deodorizes gums to help protect agains the buildup of germs that can threaten your pet's health. This formula also contains aloe to soothe tissues and speed the healing or oral wounds. Use Pet Gel whenever you brush, and also when your pet needs immediate relief from oral discomfort.

Pets have teeth too...brush them!

Brushing your pet's teeth regularly is the best way to fight dental disease. The Triple-Pet Toothbrush is uniquely designed with a triple-sided head to make brushing quicker, easier and more effective. For superb toothpaste, Oxyfresh Pet Gel has got you covered.

For more information or to try these products today visit http://www.oxyfresh.com/AdvancedDental/default.asp

Celtics' trainer Ed Lacerte awarded

2009-09-27T17:26:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to my high school buddy, Ed Lacerte, on receiving and having the following award named for him. Ed hasn't changed since high school...he was always someone who cared more about others than himself. Cheers Ed!

From The Boston Globe - September 25, 2009

The NBA Athletic Trainers Association has established the Ed Lacerte Service Award, named for the Celtics’ trainer. Lacerte, who has been with the Celtics for 22 years, received the inaugural award.

Lacerte, a Lowell native, is the longest-service trainer in Celtics’ history, and has also been the team’s physical therapist and condidtioning coach for eight seasons.

The official NBATA release follows:

The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) has recognized Boston Celtics Athletic Trainer Ed Lacerte by creating and awarding him the Ed Lacerte Service Award. Lacerte was honored at an awards ceremony held in Chicago in May for his contributions and exceptional service and assistance to the NBATA.

This honor is given out to a member of the NBATA every two years by the outgoing chairman. Lacerte has been extremely involved with the NBATA having served as the treasurer and executive committee member for the past 21 years.

Lacerte enters his 23rd season with the Celtics in 2009-10, making him the longest-serving athletic trainer in the club’s history. In addition to his responsibilities as Athletic Trainer, Lacerte has acted as the team’s Physical Therapist and Strength and Conditioning coach for eight of those 23 seasons.

“Ed Lacerte embodies the definition of Service, his selfless and tireless dedication to the Boston Celtics, as well as the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association is unmatched by any of his peers. He is the model example of what our organization has strived to portray since its inception over 35 years ago,” NBATA Chairman Wally Blase remarked. “It is only fitting that an award for exemplary service be named in his honor, as well as bestowed to him in its inaugural year. To give an idea on how much dedication and service Ed has shown to the NBATA, the longest tenure that one can have to the executive committee is 6 continuous years, while serving as chairman elect, chairman, and past chairmen, upon the completion of the 6th year that member is relieved of his service to the executive committee. Ed has now served 21 continuous years and is still serving! This is type of service will never be duplicated again by another member. On behalf of the NBATA we say thank you Ed.”

Lacerte is the only athletic trainer in the league who is a licensed physical therapist, a certified and licensed athletic trainer, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a board certified sports clinical specialist. In 1993, Lacerte was recognized as NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year, one of countless other awards he has received throughout his career. He also served as the trainer for the 1992 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Basketball “Dream Team.”

A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, Lacerte has stayed close to home throughout his career. He graduated in 1982 from Boston University with a degree in Physical Therapy and earned a Master’s in Education in 1987 from the same institution. Lacerte worked as Head Athletic Trainer for the Boston University hockey and football teams from 1982 to1985.

7 Tips For A Tiptop Smile!

2009-09-23T07:56:00.004-04:00

Which would you choose?

Improving the color, shape, or position of your teeth can improve the way you feel about yourself. Here at a glance are seven tips for a tiptop smile that looks completely natural and feels great!

Teeth Whitening - Instantly brighten your smile.
Tooth-Colored Fillings of Composite Resin or Porcelain - Make tell-tale dark fillings a thing of the past.
Tooth-Colored Bonding - Cover deep-rooted stains, repair small cracks or chips, fill in gaps and recontour teeth.
Natural-Looking Porcelain Veneers - Conceal spaces, crooked, chipped or discolored teeth.
Natural-Looking Crowns - Restore severely damaged or broken teeth
Natural-Looking Bridgework & Dental Implants - Replace missing teeth and restore appearance and function to your smile.
Natural-Looking Partial & Full Dentures - Replace missing teeth and prevent further damage to your smile.

Whatever you decide, Advanced Dental has the ability to give you the smile of your dreams. Give us a call at 860-828-3933 or email Contact@AdvancedDental.com to discuss your "perfect smile" today!

Just In Time

2009-09-23T06:43:00.003-04:00

You get to decide!

Do you adhere to the Before Flossophy or the After Flossophy? People can be surprisingly passionate about when to floss...before or after they brush.

Even dentists can't always agree! In a poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology, 40% of dentists recommended flossing before you brush, 36% after you brush and 24% thought it didn't matter whether you flossed before or after brushing.

Truthfully, as long as you remember your home care routines and maintain your hygiene recare schedule, you & your teeth will be happy!

So, in no particular order...

Floss once - to clean between your teeth and below the gumline.

Brush gently at least twice a day (preferably after eating) - to remove food & bacteria from your teeth, gums and tongue.

Rinse often throughout the day - we prefer that you use Oxyfresh mouthrinse, however even plain water can keep bacteria at bay when there's no time to brush.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental care, please contact us at Contact@AdvancedDental.com or give us a call at 860-828-3933. We LOVE answering questions about teeth!

You Can Do It - Discover Your Inner Balance

2009-09-19T06:12:00.003-04:00

It's all about the balance. Really. A lifestyle that balances work with stress-relieving play and that pays attention to nutrition and diet is a healthy one. That's the macro level. At the micro level, small imbalances in the pH of your blood, for example, can create changes in the pH of your saliva, altering your mouth's environment. In other words, your oral health can impact and be impacted by your overall health and here's how...

Plaque, the thin film on your teeth, is a biofilm and a bacterial ecosystem within the larger bionetwork of your mouth and body. When the scale tips so that good bacteria are overtaken by those that are harmful, red swollen gums that bleed easily, gum and bone recession, and tooth loss can occur.

Tartar is the conspicuous, cement-like substance that plaque hardens into when you allow it to build up. Tartar can break the natural protective seal that your gums provide, allowing oral bacteria into your bloodstream. Experts believe that toxic bacteria from your gum infection can trigger your immune system into a constant state of alert.

Gum disease has been linked to systemic and inflammatory diseases including heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, diabetes, cancer and lung disease.

These complex interactions mean that a one size fits all approach to life, health and your oral health care is no longer sufficient. That's why, at Advanced Dental, we customize your professional oral health care regimen to suit your needs. At each visit we examine your mouth for any changes and make appropriate recommendations to keep your mouth, and you, healthy!

Weighing In - Fight Diabetes!

2009-09-17T12:12:00.003-04:00

Did you know that diabetics are more likely to have gum disease than others and that those with gum disease find it more difficult to control blood sugar levels? Or that 90% of people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight? In addition to visiting our office every 3 months for preventive oral hygiene visits, weight loss and exercise could go a long way to preventing or managing diabetes - and your oral health!

A regular routine of physical activity is ideal, but still, you can find inventive ways to burn calories!

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Try hiding the remote. Research shows that thin people get up and move around more, tend to fidget more, and sit less.
Do some eco-exercise - instead of driving, ride your bicycle when you can.

It's important for everyone to maintain healthy routines for oral and overall health.

Tooth helps restore desperate woman's sight

2009-09-17T06:02:00.000-04:00

It really is an "EYE" tooth! Who would have known?

Check out this story on CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/16/tooth.eye.vision/index.html

Sobering Statistics - Why annual oral cancer exams matter

2009-09-15T13:22:00.002-04:00

By now you've heard us emphasize many times that the evidence linking gum disease to systemic diseases like diabetes and heart and stroke continues to grow. That's why we're so thorough at your checkups and focus on prevention and home care routines to maintain your oral health. Another important priority we'd like to stress is the need for regular oral cancer exams.

Recently, more than 25% of oral cancer victims have been under age forty and have none of the known lifestyle risks like tobacco, alcohol use, diabetes or HIV. It has now been established that people can develop oral cancer through the human papilloma virus (HPV). Most types of HPV are harmless - skin warts for example, are very common. But some types that can be sexually transmitted have been linked to oral cancers.

If oral cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. If not, the rate drops significantly. You can help us by pointing out any abnormal condition you might have seen or felt in your mouth, even ones that seem trivial like a small canker or cold sore that just won't go away.

And because in its earliest most-treatable stages oral cancer usually causes no pain or discomfort, we will perform an oral cancer examination for all of our adult dental patients, from age 20, every year.

Healthy Gums and a Healthy Heart: The Perio-Cardio Connection

2009-06-11T15:48:00.001-04:00

Healthy Gums and a Healthy Heart: The Perio-Cardio Connection
Newly released clinical recommendations encourage cardiologists to examine the mouth and periodontists to ask questions about heart health

CHICAGO – (June 1, 2009) – Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss. And while the prevalence rates of these disease states seems grim, research suggests that managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other.

A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was recently published concurrently in the online versions of two leading publications, the American Journal of Cardiology (AJC), a publication circulated to 30,000 cardiologists, and the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Developed in concert by cardiologists, the physicians specialized in treating diseases of the heart, and periodontists, the dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease, the paper contains clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals to use in managing patients living with, or who are at risk for, either disease. As a result of the paper, cardiologists may now examine a patient's mouth, and periodontists may begin asking questions about heart health and family history of heart disease.

The clinical recommendations were developed at a meeting held earlier this year of top opinion-leaders in both cardiology and periodontology. In addition to the clinical recommendations, the consensus paper summarizes the scientific evidence that links periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease and explains the underlying biologic and inflammatory mechanisms that may be the basis for the connection.

According to Kenneth Kornman, DDS, PhD, Editor of the Journal of Periodontology and a co-author of the consensus report, the cooperation between the cardiology and periodontal communities is an important first step in helping patients reduce their risk of these associated diseases. "Inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease, and periodontal disease may increase the inflammation level throughout the body. Since several studies have shown that patients with periodontal disease have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, we felt it was important to develop clinical recommendations for our respective specialties. Therefore, you will now see cardiologists and periodontists joining forces to help our patients."

For patients, this may mean receiving some unconventional advice from their periodontist or cardiologist. The clinical recommendations outlined in the consensus paper advise that periodontists not only inform their patients of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with periodontal disease, but also assess their risk for future cardiovascular disease and guide them to be evaluated for the major risk factors. The paper also recommends that physicians managing patients with cardiovascular disease evaluate the mouth for the basic signs of periodontal disease such as significant tooth loss, visual signs of oral inflammation, and receding gums.

While additional research will help identify the precise relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, recent emphasis has been placed on the role of inflammation - the body's reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. While inflammation initially intends to have a protective effect, untreated chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the affected tissues, and therefore to more severe health complications.

"Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them," says Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the AAP and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. "The clinical recommendations included in the consensus paper will help periodontists and cardiologists control the inflammatory burden in the body as a result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further disease progression, and ultimately to improve our patients' overall health. That is our common goal."

Velscope is one of the TOP 100 Products of 2009!

2009-06-11T08:53:00.001-04:00

I thought you might be interested in reading this press release from Oral Health Journal. Advanced Dental has two Velscope units that we've been using for oral cancer screening for the last two years. Your health is our number one concern. Every patient should have a Velscope screening at least once a year. This is done at one of your hygiene visits. If you have any questions regarding the Velscope or oral cancer, please contact our office and we'll be happy to assist you.

Source: www.oralhealthjournal.com
Author: press release

LED Dental Inc. announced today that its VELscope system was named one of Top 100 Products of 2009 by Dentistry Today.
Ralph Green, D.D.S., M.B.A., president and CEO of LED Dental's parent, LED Medical Diagnostics, said, "When you consider that there are over 50,000 products in the dental industry, to be named one of the top 100 products for three consecutive years is quite an honor."

Since its introduction, over 4,500 systems have been sold worldwide, and over 4.5 million VELscope examinations have been conducted. LED Dental estimates that over 3 million examinations will be conducted in 2009 alone.

The tissue fluorescence visualization technology platform on which the VELscope system is based is the culmination of over $50 million in research funded by the National Institutes of Health and other respected institutions and conducted by such leading organizations as the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the University of Texas's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The VELscope system also helps clinicians discover precancerous lesions and many other types of oral mucosal abnormalities.
Independent surveys of dental practices using the VELscope system indicate extremely high satisfaction among clinicians and patients alike. Clinicians report satisfaction levels of 90% and higher for the VELscope system's ability to detect lesions that otherwise would have been missed, for ease of incorporation into the practice, and for patient comfort and convenience. Surveys also indicate that VELscope exams take only 2-to-3 minutes, and that patients appreciate the fact that no distasteful rinses or messy dyes are involved. Moreover, the exams are considered affordable by the vast majority of patients and can be financially beneficial to the practice. Said Dr. Green, "This impressive feedback is a clear indication that every dental practice should have a VELscope system." In fact, he points out, several customers have added a second system to their practice.

"Our mission is to help reduce the mortality rate of oral cancer by 70%, which is approximately the impact on cervical cancer mortality that is attributed to the Pap smear," said Dr. Green. "We have a long way to go, but with the cooperation of dental practices who are willing to step up and act as the first line of defense against this disease, I am confident that we can get there."

Thought for Apr 23...

2009-04-23T06:37:00.001-04:00

The basic division among humans is between those who hope and those who accept the unjust status quo.

John Carmody

Thought for Apr 22...

2009-04-22T06:48:00.001-04:00

Friends always answer when you call, reach out and help you when you fall; they strengthen you in times of stress and add much to your happiness.

William Arthur Ward

Thought for Apr 20...

2009-04-20T10:54:00.001-04:00

You are your own greatest asset—there is nothing you cannot do.
No one can keep you from dreaming your dreams,
      and only you can prevent them from coming true.
Your achievements are not determined by your ability alone,
      but by the desire you possess to reach them.
There are no worlds outside of those you create for yourself,
      and the only boundaries are those
      you establish and choose to live within.
Never be afraid to defend your decisions, regardless.
No one can possibly know what is best for you other than yourself.

Terry Everton

HoeDown ThrowDown Video

2009-04-17T05:48:00.003-04:00

The FAMOUS HoeDown ThrowDown spoof video that my daughter's made at their sleepover the other night. Many of you have already heard the story about how I woke up at 2am to find every light in my house on and no one around. Here's the reason why!

I have to admit...I love the video!

Headaches - The Dental Connection

2009-04-14T14:09:00.004-04:00

Headache is one of the leading causes of physician visits by patients and accounts for an enormous annual expenditure for pain relief medications. Yet few people think of going to a dentist for headache treatment. You probably know that what we dentists call occlusion is what most people refer to as their "bite" – the way their teeth come together. What many people do not know is how far-reaching the impact of a poor bite can be.

For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.

To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.

I give you this as just one example of problems that may be caused or affected by your bite – a cause that most people aren't aware of. There are many others and they are listed as symptoms on the enclosed checklist. We now routinely use this checklist with our patients to determine and record any of those symptoms that you may have. We also record what we refer to as "signs" that your occlusion may have problems. We invite you to look over this list of symptoms and see if any pertain to you – give yourself a "self-test."

If you have any of these symptoms or, if you have some of these "signs," it would be in your best interest to have your occlusion evaluated. With cosmetic dentistry so popular today, it is especially important to make sure your bite is healthy prior to proceeding. A bad bite is often the cause of poor aesthetics, and if the bite is not corrected as part of the treatment process, the cosmetic procedure may be doomed to premature failure.

I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions after reading this our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.

Yours for better dentistry,

Dr. Mike Maroon

Food allergies may mimic seasonal allergies

2009-04-13T11:39:00.001-04:00

(CNN) -- Have you ever experienced itchiness or hives in your mouth
area after eating raw fruit or vegetables? Do you also have seasonal
allergies?

People with allergies to birch pollen may have associated allergies to
raw apples.

If so, you may have oral allergy syndrome, whose symptoms occur because
the proteins in some fruits and vegetables are similar to proteins in
some pollens.

"They're not identical proteins, but they're similar enough to confuse
the immune system to have these reactions," said Dr. Robert Wood,
chief of pediatric allergy and immunology at Johns Hopkins Children's
Center.

That's not to say that everyone with pollen allergies has oral allergy
syndrome. A person may sneeze all spring long and not have any obvious
food sensitivities.

But oral allergy syndrome may help explain why some people have
seemingly mysterious reactions to certain foods -- for example, raw
apples but not cooked apples. That's because there are proteins in raw
apples that are very similar to the proteins in birch pollen, experts
say. Read about pollen predictions for this season

Cooking the offending fruits and vegetables will "denature" or change
the shapes of these proteins, so people with oral allergy syndrome will
usually be able to eat them without a problem, said Dr. Stanley Fineman,
allergist with the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

Some people find that the peel of a fruit has more allergens than the
meat, so peeling first helps, Wood said.

Because the reaction is usually localized to the mouth area, including
lips, tongue, and throat, some people will choose to ignore the symptoms
and continue to eat offending foods, Wood said. For people with
reactions confined to the mouth, this is a "reasonable" choice they
could make. Learn more about managing food allergies »

"Patients will typically decide on their own, without any discussion
with a doctor, whether they enjoy the apple enough to put up with an
itchy mouth, or whether they hate the itchy mouth enough to avoid the
apple," he said.
-------
POLLENS AND ASSOCIATED FOODS

Ragweed: Bananas, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew), tomatoes

Birch: Apples, carrots, celery, peaches, pears, potatoes, hazelnuts

Grass: Kiwis, tomatoes

Mugwort: Apples, carrots, celery, kiwi fruit, peanuts, some spices
(caraway seeds, parsley, coriander, anise seeds, fennel seeds)

Source: The Mayo Clinic
-----
But in rare cases people with oral allergy syndrome experience
anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that may include blocked
airways, hypertension, anxiety, vomiting and diarrhea. The most severe
reactions require the use of an injection of epinephrine to subside,
which is why many people with food allergies carry auto-injectors for
emergencies.

Over-the-counter antihistamines alleviate symptoms of reactions for some
people, experts say.

Studies have shown that some people who undergo allergy shots for pollen
allergies will experience relief in oral allergy syndrome, Wood said,
but at this point no one should get shots just for that reason, since
they don't work on most people's food allergies.

"If you are a good candidate for allergy shots otherwise, this may be a
side benefit," he said.

While other kinds of food allergies present in the first two or three
years of life, pollen allergies that contribute to oral allergy syndrome
develop more slowly, Wood said, peaking in the teenage and young adult
years. Some people may develop allergies even later in life, he said.

A person who moves to a new part of the country, having never been
exposed to the native pollens there, may become allergic to those
pollens and have some spill-over into food allergies, Wood said.

Typically, once people start to react to some foods, they will also
react to other foods in the same group. People may find that their
allergies to raw fruits and vegetables subside during the season when
the associated pollen levels are low. For example, a person may react to
raw apples from March to October, but feel fine when eating them from
November to February, when birch pollen is low, Wood said.
advertisement

About half of people with pollen allergies have improvement from puberty
through adulthood, which correlates with associated food allergies, Wood
said.

"The better the pollen allergy gets, in most people, the less the food
allergy will occur," he said.

Denture Creams, Like Fixodent & Poligrip, Linked to Neuropathy, Zinc Poisoning & Other Side Effects

2009-04-13T07:09:00.001-04:00

Denture Creams, Like Fixodent & Poligrip, Linked to Neuropathy, Zinc Poisoning & Other Side Effects

A recent study suggests that excessive use of denture creams, such as Super-Poligrip and Fixodent, may cause copper deficiency, nerve damage and a serious nerve disorder called neuropathy. The study, which was published in the medical journal Neurology, was conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and reported on four denture-wearing patients who developed nerve damage.

All four patients displaying symptoms of nerve damage had abnormally high levels of zinc in their blood, accompanied by abnormally low levels of copper. Denture cream contains high levels of the mineral zinc, which, along with copper, regulates much of the neurological activity in the body. According to the denture cream study, denture wearers may absorb the zinc contained in denture cream through their gums, which may lead to zinc poisoning and copper depletion. Zinc poisoning and copper depletion can cause serious and even life-threatening nerve damage, including the permanent nerve disorder neuropathy.

One of the patients involved in the study suffered from nerve damage that caused weakness in the hands and poor balance. A second patient suffered from nerve damage that caused her to experience cognitive problems, urinary incontinence, and weakness in the arms and legs so severe that she was rendered wheelchair dependant. For these two patients, discontinuing denture cream use and taking copper supplements alleviated some of their neurological symptoms. Another patient, who took copper supplements but didn't stop using denture cream, experienced improved copper levels, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in neurological symptoms. The fourth patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream, showed improvement in copper and zinc levels but showed no improvement in neurological symptoms.

Although researchers say one tube of denture cream should last roughly three to ten weeks, the four patients in the study all used about two tubes of denture cream each week. Three of the four patients involved had been using "extremely large amounts of denture adhesive daily for years." Based on the patients' denture cream use, the researchers estimate that they each were exposed to at least 330 mg of zinc daily, far more than the recommended daily allowance of 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. Unfortunately, many of the more than 35 million Americans who wear dentures are unaware of the link between denture adhesive creams and serious side effects, as the Fixodent and Super-Poligrip labels don't contain warnings about zinc poisoning, copper depletion, or neuropathy. Indeed, in the case of Fixodent, it does not even identify zinc as a substance contained in the adhesive. Currently, most denture adhesive creams are Class I medical devices and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require denture cream manufacturers to warn the public about these potential side effects.

www.ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com is a consumer advocacy website that provides free information about denture cream zinc poisoning.

If you or a loved one uses Fixodent, Super-Poligrip, or another brand of denture cream and suffers from symptoms of zinc poisoning or neuropathy, you could be entitled to compensation. Find out more about denture cream zinc poisoning lawsuits.

Excess Use Of Denture Cream Tied To Nerve Damage

Denture Creams Such As Super Poligrip, Fixodent and Others, May Be Associated With Side Effects Such As Paralysis, Numbness, Tingling, Muscle Weakness And Other Neurological Issues.

There have been numerous reports of people experiencing paralysis, developing numbness, tingling in hands, loss of sensation or unexplained pain and muscle weakness in legs and arms, as well as numerous other neurological problems as a possible result of the zinc in Super Poligrip, Fixodent and other denture creams.

Symptoms of Zinc Poisoning
Exposure to excess zinc can cause paralysis, unexplained pain and muscle weakness, numbness, loss of sensation or other neurological symptoms. Denture cream users who experience such symptoms should consult their doctor. Typical symptoms of zinc poisoning include:

Numbness and Tingling:
Zinc poisoning can lead to conditions called paresthesias and dysesthesias. Paresthesias leads to feelings of numbness, tingling, pinching, sharp, deep stabs, electric shocks, or buzzing in the arms and legs. Dysesthesias refers to unpleasant abnormal sensations that occur when a patient touches something.

Impaired Sense of Position:
Because of the numbness in their feet, victims of zinc poisoning may lack coordination when walking.

"Glove and Stocking Sensation":
Patients may have a feeling of wearing stockings or gloves or slippers even though their hands and feet are completely bare.

Weakness in the Arms or Legs:
The copper deficiency that accompanies zinc poisoning can damage the nerves leading to the legs and arms. This can cause difficulty walking or running, and a feeling of "heaviness" in the legs. These symptoms can make walking and other daily functions quite difficult.

SCOOTERS IN THE STIMULUS PACKAGE!

2009-04-05T23:03:00.002-04:00

Scooters in the Stimulus Package!

(pictured here is the Vespa 300 Super)

The U.S. Government's recently approved stimulus package includes tax breaks for consumers who purchase new on-road two or three wheeled motorcycles or scooters in 2009.

The law, officially designated as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, allows buyers of "qualified motor vehicles" to take a tax deduction for state or local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase, up to $49,500 of the purchase price. The deduction applies to NEW purchases made between February 17 and December 31, 2009, and taxpayers do not need to itemize to claim it.

Key Tax Break Points
· Vehicles eligible for the tax deduction are all on-road two and three wheeled vehicles weighing less than 8,500 pounds and is limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the purchase price

· The deduction applies to vehicles purchased between February 17, 1009 - Dec. 31, 2009

· Only new on-road two- or three-wheeled motorcycles or scooters are eligible

· The tax deduction is for state or local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase

· Single taxpayers with an adjusted gross income over $125,000 and married tax payers with an adjusted gross income over $250,000 are not eligible

· The law also includes a new 10 percent tax credit, up to $2,500 for motorcycles (two or three-wheeled vehicles) with electric motors manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways purchased by December, 2011

The best local spot to purchase new or used scooters is Vespa Hartford. Check out their website at www.VespaHartford.com.

Four Essentials for Happiness

2009-03-13T07:19:00.001-04:00

Four Essentials for Happiness
By: Brian Tracy

You may have a thousand different goals over the course of your lifetime, but they all will fall into one of four basic categories. Everything you do is an attempt to enhance the quality of your life in one or more of these areas.

The Key to Happiness
The first category is your desire for happy relationships. You want to love and be loved by others. You want to have a happy, harmonious home life. You want to get along well with the people around you, and you want to earn the respect of the people you respect. Your involvement in social and community affairs results from your desire to have happy interactions with others and to make a contribution to the society you live in.

Enjoy Your Work
The second category is your desire for interesting and challenging work. You want to make a good living, of course, but more than that, you want to really enjoy your occupation or profession. The very best times of your life are when you are completely absorbed in your work.

Become Financially Independent
The third category is your desire for financial independence. You want to be free from worries about money. You want to have enough money in the bank so that you can make decisions without counting your pennies. You want to achieve a certain financial state so that you can retire in comfort and never have to be concerned about whether or not you have enough money to support your lifestyle. Financial independence frees you from poverty and a need to depend upon others for your livelihood. If you save and invest regularly throughout your working life, you will eventually reach the point where you will never have to work again.

Enjoy Excellent Health
The fourth and final category is your desire for good health, to be free of pain and illness and to have a continuous flow of energy and feelings of well-being. In fact, your health is so central to your life that you take it for granted until something happens to disrupt it.

Peace of Mind is the Key
Peace of mind is essential for every one of these. The greater your peace of mind, the more relaxed and positive you are, the less stress you suffer, the better is your overall health.

The more peace of mind you have, the better are your relationships, the more optimistic, friendly and confident you are with everyone in your life. When you feel good about yourself on the inside, you do your work better and take more pride in it. You are a better boss and coworker. And the greater your overall peace of mind, the more likely you are to earn a good living, save regularly for the future and ultimately achieve financial independence.

Control Your Attention
Life is very much a study of attention. Whatever you dwell upon and think about grows and expands in your life. The more you pay attention to your relationships, the quality and quantity of your work, your finances and your health, the better they will become and the happier you will be.

Action Exercises
Here are three things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, take time on a regular basis to think about what would make you really happy in each of the four areas.

Second, set specific, measurable goals for improvement in your relationships, your health, your work and your finances and write them down.

Third, resolve to do something every day to increase the quality of some area of your life - and then keep your resolution.

Stress leads to teeth clenching

2009-03-02T09:28:00.002-05:00

Dentists: Stress leads to teeth clenching
The daily grind-ing

By Jessica Fargen Monday, March 2, 2009 http://www.bostonherald.com Hard Times

The sinking economy, joblessness and 401(k) crashes have created so much stress that some Bay State dentists say teeth grinding and clenching is at an all-time high, keeping people up at night and taking a bite out of their wallets.

“This is by far the worst I have ever seen,” said Dr. David Harte, a 30-year Milton dentist who has seen a threefold increase in teeth grinding and clenching. “People are under so much stress with job situations and finances and retirement funds tanking that they are just clenching and grinding. People are literally snapping off corners of the teeth.”

Dentists at Varinos Dental Associates in Peabody are fitting more patients with mouthguards to stop the painful practice, and many blame household finance stress, said office manager Nancy MacDonald.

“They are waking up with headaches and jaw pain,” she said.

Stress is one cause of teeth grinding and clenching, and can result in worn-down teeth or chipped teeth, tender gums, headaches, severe jaw pain, neck aches and muscle spasms.

Fixing the problem can be costly. A new crown on a fractured tooth can cost hundreds of dollars, and a dentist-designed mouth guard run as much as $600.

Holistic Technologies in Arlington, which sells a $395 biofeedback headband that reduces grinding, has seen sales double in recent months.

“When people get more stressed, they tend to clench more,” said CEO Lee Weinstein.

Wendy, a Quincy mom of two teens in college, said worries about her boyfriend’s job security exacerbated her teeth grinding. Now she wears a nightguard.

“It just got progressively bad because of all the stress going on,” said Wendy, who didn’t want her last name used to protect her privacy. “I’d wake up in the middle of the night with the grinding. I’d wake up totally unrested.”

One Dartmouth dentist says he worries more that cash-strapped families will skip dentist visits and procedures to save money - a decision that will cost more in the long-run.

“In dentistry, when you don’t have things fixed, they don’t get better, they get worse,” said Milton A. Glicksman, president of the Massachusetts Dental Society. “You’ll find people who feel they cannot afford to go to the dentist, and that’s where you’ll find the biggest impact.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/hard_times/view.bg?articleid=1155597

Watch Seal teeth

2009-02-04T18:05:00.001-05:00

MMaroon@AdvancedDental.com wants to share this video with you:

Personal Message
Even seals need fresh breath!

Seal teeth

Video:
(Boston Globe) Video by David L. Ryan; produced by Chona Camomot, Globe Staff
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1119284117/bctid10122749001

Dental Sealants Pose No Risk From Leaking Estrogen

2008-11-21T05:02:00.001-05:00

Dental Sealants Pose No Risk From Leaking Estrogen
By Suzanne Rostler

NEW YORK, Jan 28 (Reuters Health) -- Dental sealants do not appear to leech
dangerous amounts of an estrogen-like compound, results of a recent study
suggest.

Dental sealants are plastic coatings brushed onto teeth to prevent decay.
Once applied, they harden to form a protective coat. Sealants contain
bisphenol A (BPA) -- a chemical that mimics the effects of estrogen in the
body. BPA may leak into the mouth before the sealants have hardened.

Animal studies showed that pregnant mice who received low doses of BPA were
more likely to give birth to male offspring with larger prostates. However,
the effect of BPA in humans remains unclear.

``Our study showed that the chemical released was not absorbed, so any
possible health effects were not found,'' lead author Dr. Eric Y.K. Fung,
with the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, said in
an interview.

Fung and colleagues collected saliva and blood samples from 40 people, aged
20 to 55 years, who had not previously used dental sealants. Samples were
taken before the sealants (at a concentration of 8 or 32 milligrams) were
applied, and again 1 hour, 3 hours, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after
application.

Results in the January issue of the Journal of the American Dental
Association show that BPA was detected in some saliva samples 1 and 3 hours
after sealants had been applied. However, saliva samples did not contain BPA
after 3 hours and none of the blood samples contained BPA.

``This finding implies that when BPA is released orally from sealant, it may
not be absorbed systemically, the quantity absorbed is minute and below our
detection limit, or BPA absorbed... is being metabolized,'' the authors
explain.

Further, ``there is no solid evidence that (BPA) is absorbed or causes
adverse health effects.'' And since the chemical is contained in dozens of
commercial products, including the inside of food cans, exposure from other
sources may be greater than from dental sealants, the researchers note.

``Thus, the recent concern regarding the potential estrogenicity of sealants
may be unfounded,'' Fung and colleagues conclude. SOURCE: Journal of the
American Dental Association 2000;131:51-58.

Piaggio MP3 250 - Jay Leno's Garage

2008-11-15T07:32:00.001-05:00

Nice video review of the Piaggio MP3 250 from Jay Leno as part of his Jay Leno's Garage.

Marrow Transplant May Have Cured AIDS

2008-11-13T06:38:00.002-05:00

Marrow Transplant May Have Cured AIDS

By PATRICK McGROARTY, AP

BERLIN (Nov. 12) - An American man who suffered from AIDS appears to have been cured of the disease 20 months after receiving a targeted bone marrow transplant normally used to fight leukemia, his doctors said Wednesday.

While researchers — and the doctors themselves — caution that the case might be no more than a fluke, others say it may inspire a greater interest in gene therapy to fight the disease that claims 2 million lives each year. The virus has infected 33 million people worldwide.

Dr. Gero Huetter of Berlin's Charite Medical University announced that an American man living in Germany apparently has been cured of AIDS 20 months after receiving a targeted bone marrow transplant.

Dr. Gero Huetter said his 42-year-old patient, an American living in Berlin who was not identified, had been infected with the AIDS virus for more than a decade. But 20 months after undergoing a transplant of genetically selected bone marrow, he no longer shows signs of carrying the virus.

"We waited every day for a bad reading," Huetter said.

It has not come. Researchers at Berlin's Charite hospital and medical school say tests on his bone marrow, blood and other organ tissues have all been clean.

However, Dr. Andrew Badley, director of the HIV and immunology research lab at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said those tests have probably not been extensive enough.

"A lot more scrutiny from a lot of different biological samples would be required to say it's not present," Badley said.

This isn't the first time marrow transplants have been attempted for treating AIDS or HIV infection. In 1999, an article in the journal Medical Hypotheses reviewed the results of 32 attempts reported between 1982 and 1996. In two cases, HIV was apparently eradicated, the review reported.

Huetter's patient was under treatment at Charite for both AIDS and leukemia, which developed unrelated to HIV.

As Huetter — who is a hematologist, not an HIV specialist — prepared to treat the patient's leukemia with a bone marrow transplant, he recalled that some people carry a genetic mutation that seems to make them resistant to HIV infection. If the mutation, called Delta 32, is inherited from both parents, it prevents HIV from attaching itself to cells by blocking CCR5, a receptor that acts as a kind of gateway.

"I read it in 1996, coincidentally," Huetter told reporters at the medical school. "I remembered it and thought it might work."

Roughly one in 1,000 Europeans and Americans have inherited the mutation from both parents, and Huetter set out to find one such person among donors that matched the patient's marrow type. Out of a pool of 80 suitable donors, the 61st person tested carried the proper mutation.

Before the transplant, the patient endured powerful drugs and radiation to kill off his own infected bone marrow cells and disable his immune system — a treatment fatal to between 20 and 30 percent of recipients.

He was also taken off the potent drugs used to treat his AIDS. Huetter's team feared that the drugs might interfere with the new marrow cells' survival. They risked lowering his defenses in the hopes that the new, mutated cells would reject the virus on their own.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases in the U.S., said the procedure was too costly and too dangerous to employ as a firstline cure. But he said it could inspire researchers to pursue gene therapy as a means to block or suppress HIV.

"It helps prove the concept that if somehow you can block the expression of CCR5, maybe by gene therapy, you might be able to inhibit the ability of the virus to replicate," Fauci said.

David Roth, a professor of epidemiology and international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said gene therapy as cheap and effective as current drug treatments is in very early stages of development.

"That's a long way down the line because there may be other negative things that go with that mutation that we don't know about."

Even for the patient in Berlin, the lack of a clear understanding of exactly why his AIDS has disappeared means his future is far from certain.

"The virus is wily," Huetter said. "There could always be a resurgence."

Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes?

2008-11-12T07:56:00.001-05:00

Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes has long been a risk factor for periodontal disease; new research may point to reverse causation.

Diabetes has long been believed to be a risk factor for periodontal disease. Results of a new study show that the reverse might also be true, according to researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH, associate research scientist in the department of epidemiology, said that these findings add a “new twist” to the association, suggesting that periodontal disease may lead to diabetes.

“It has been generally accepted that periodontal disease is a consequence of diabetes despite the fact that this association has not been studied with the same methodological rigor applied to coronary and stroke outcomes,” he told Endocrine Today. “We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.”

The researchers studied over 9,000 participants without diabetes from a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population, with more than 800 eventually developing diabetes. They then compared the risk of developing diabetes over the next 20 years between people with varying degrees of periodontal disease and found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic in that 20-year timeframe. Demmer said to keep an open mind about the results, however.

“They certainly are thought-provoking, biologically plausible and supported by longstanding research regarding periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While there are no immediate clinical implications that stem from these findings, they do suggest a need for additional research,” he said.

Endocrine Today spoke with leading endocrinologists and dentists to discuss how the results of this study may impact the field.

Periodontal disease

“Endocrinologists will be a critical component to moving this area of scientific research forward,” Demmer said. He added that the impetus for the current study, which was published inDiabetes Care, was the existing research regarding periodontal infection and CVD.

“The first studies suggesting a link between periodontal disease and both heart attack and stroke were published nearly 20 years ago,” said Moise Desvarieux, MD, PhD,associate professor in the department of epidemiology at Columbia University and senior author of the study. “Since those initial publications, the association has been well established, although it remains unknown whether the association is causal or coincidental.”

Desvarieux and Demmer both noted that the question of whether nondiabetic adults with periodontal disease develop diabetes at a higher rate than those without periodontal disease is one that had not been scientifically tested.

To find answers, they looked at a total of 9,296 men and women without diabetes aged 25 to 74 years who were participating in NHANES I and had completed a baseline dental examination (1971-1976) and at least one follow-up evaluation (1982-1992). They defined six categories of baseline periodontal disease using the periodontal index. Of the 7,168 dentate participants, 47% had periodontal index of zero, which meant they were periodontally healthy. Incident diabetes was defined by death certificate, self-report of diabetes requiring pharmacologic treatment or health care facility stay with diabetes discharge code.

Incident diabetes odds were increased by 40% among participants with gingivitis (P<0.05)>

Demmer said one hypothesis linking clinical periodontal disease and incident type 2 diabetes involves chronic inflammation resulting from the bacterial infections that often contribute to clinical periodontal diseases.

“It is possible that these bacterial infections could also contribute to chronic elevations in systemic inflammatory mediators (ie, tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Studies have shown that inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha can induce insulin resistance, possibly via disruption of signal transduction pathways,” he said. David R. Jacobs, PhD, professor in the division of epidemiology and community health at the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, and a coauthor of the study, agrees that “inflammation associated with or caused by periodontal disease could lead to diabetes.”

In Desvarieux and Demmer’s study, participants missing 25 to 31 teeth at baseline had an incident diabetes OR of 1.70 relative to participants missing zero to eight teeth (P<0.05).>

“This could be suggestive that the people who lost all of their teeth had a history of infection at some point, but subsequently lost their teeth and removed the source of infection,” Desvarieux said.

Chronic inflammation

“These are very interesting data, now adding another risk factor to the long list of risk factors for type 2 diabetes,” said Serge Jabbour, MD, FACP, FACE, associate professor of clinical medicine in the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic diseases at the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia.

“The results, however, are not completely unexpected, since there was a link between both diseases already discussed in previous studies,” Jabbour said.

Jabbour and Demmer, like most of the experts interviewed by Endocrine Today, said they think the most likely alternative explanation for the observed association is the underlying chronic inflammation behind both diabetes and periodontal disease.

“There is compelling evidence that inflammation and chronic infection play an essential role in the development of type 2 diabetes, and studies in humans suggest that circulating inflammatory marker levels may predict type 2 diabetes years in advance of the onset of these diseases,” said Thomas Beikler, Dr Med, Dr Med Dent Habil, associate professor in the department of periodontics at the University of Washington.

Beikler, who received periodontal specialty training at the University of Muenster, Germany, said the area affected by periodontitis is greater than most professionals would think it is and spans over an area of about 75 cm2, which is equivalent to the palm surface area.

“For that reason it is not astonishing that an increase in local and systemic expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, has been reported in individuals with periodontitis,” he said. “Both TNF-alpha and IL-6 have been shown to impair intracellular insulin signaling, which may lead to insulin resistance,” said Beilker, who added that these factors may contribute to an increased risk of systemic diseases such as diabetes in patients with periodontal disease.

Karen Earle, MD, medical director of the center for diabetes services at California Pacific Medical Center, said that several possible explanations exist aside from chronic inflammation.
Earle noted the genetic tendency towards both periodontal disease and diabetes. “Another possibility is that patients with poor eating behaviors are more likely to have periodontal disease as well as diabetes. There was some information about diet included in the study criteria — but only through diet recall of the patients.”

Study limitations

Michelle Magee, MD, director of the MedStar Diabetes Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, and associate professor of medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, said that the study is limited by the lack of confirmatory blood glucose measurements for a diagnosis of diabetes at either baseline or at time of follow-up data collection.

“We know that pre-diabetes and indeed type 2 diabetes itself can be present for many years prior to the time of diagnosis,” she said.

“While the investigators have minimized the potential for unrecognized diabetes to have been present by defining a 10-year interval between data samples, it is still possible that fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance were present and unrecognized. They may have progressed to type 2 over the course of this time period, particularly during the baseline collection period during the 1970s when there was certainly less awareness of the implications of minimal elevations in blood glucose,” Magee said.

Magee added that if this is the case, the increased incidence of periodontal disease could be attributed to the long-term impact of hyperglycemia on the microvasculature and blood flow to the gums, with resultant impairment of nutrient flow to the gums.

“This would be compounded by an increased propensity to infection, white cell functional impairment and chronic inflammation in the presence of chronic mild hyperglycemia,” she said.

Kashif Munir, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, also does not think the study has set anything in stone.

“I don’t think we can say for sure that periodontal disease is causative in this case,” said Munir, “but rather that shared factors such as chronic inflammation or genetics may partially underpin both diabetes and periodontal disease. It would be interesting if these findings could be confirmed, and further if we could test the hypothesis that treating periodontal disease aggressively could decrease the risk of diabetes.”

Reverse causation

Periodontal disease and diabetes are both associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory and a decrease in antiinflammatory cytokines, according to Stuart Weiss, MD, assistant clinical professor of endocrinology at the NYU School of Medicine.

“This is likely how diabetes and periodontal disease are related and how they are seen in association with other conditions, including CVD,” Weiss said.

Endocrinologists need to make patients understand that good dental care is very important and encourage good and aggressive oral hygiene.

“The stress of periodontal disease can lead to a release of chemical mediators that increase inflammation, and the stress of poorly maintained diabetes can make the body more vulnerable to infections and worsening of periodontal disease,” Weiss said. He noted that in his practice he’s seen many cases of diabetes worsened by poor oral health, but with either dental work or more aggressive glucose control — both conditions improve.

Beikler shared a story about interning at a diabetic specialty clinic 16 years ago, before he entered dental school. Beikler said he saw a lot of patients who had difficulty achieving sufficient metabolic control. At the time, he said, no physician would have spent a second thinking about dental problems as a cause for the difficulties in achieving good metabolic control.

"I’m wondering now if some of those patients may have benefitted from routine periodontal examination and treatment,” he said. “I hope that the awareness among all medical and dental professions has increased and that both groups understand that there exists a strong interrelationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus that needs a common treatment approach.”

“This reverse causation would imply that endocrinologists, diabetologists and internists would need to refer their patients more often to their periodontist before finalizing their therapeutic approaches, given that treating periodontal disease may favorably affect the control of diabetes,” said Salomon Amar, PhD, DMD, associate dean for research, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

“Diabetic patients are more open to the idea of necessitating a comprehensive periodontal treatment as part of their control of diabetes, but we need more public awareness of the need to consult and refer patients to their dentists to achieve optimal treatment and hopefully early detection,” said Amar, noting that insurance companies have already developed plans for patients with diabetes for coverage of appropriate periodontal therapies.

Next steps

While he is excited about the results, Demmer is the first to admit that researchers should react cautiously to these findings as they require confirmation in other research settings.

“One concern we discussed is the potential for diagnostic bias in which individuals with periodontal disease were possibly more likely to be tested for and diagnosed with diabetes,” Demmer said. “We feel this is unlikely, but it does remain as a possibility.”

Regardless of cause and effect, it is well known that individuals with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have periodontal diseases. Therefore, it seems reasonable for endocrinologists to consider supplying patients with information on the signs/symptoms of periodontal diseases and making referrals to dental colleagues as appropriate.

Demmer and Desvarieux have recently received a grant award from NIH to begin planning a study that will better test this hypothesis. They expect to begin collecting preliminary data soon. They specifically want to test whether colonization with known oral pathogens puts individuals at risk for progression of known diabetes risk factors.

“By collecting information regarding oral bacterial colonization, as opposed to using clinical surrogates of infection, we can focus the hypothesis and get clearer answers,” Demmer said.
Ultimately, if the data continue to demonstrate an association between periodontal infection and diabetes risk, Demmer said, treatment studies will be necessary to demonstrate that periodontal treatment can in fact reduce diabetes risk. – by Angelo Milone

Do the results of this study have a major impact on the field of endocrinology?

Impact of trial design: Perspective from Endocrine Today’s Chief Medical Editor
The periodontal issue is interesting but clearly illustrates the difference from findings resulting from well-designed randomized clinical trials and the findings of epidemiologic, population-based surveys. The former are a higher level of evidence and are accepted proof of causation, whereas the latter show association, not causality. The bases for that association are unclear and may be multiple. – Alan J. Garber, MD, PhD Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Cellular & Molecular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and Chief Medical Editor of Endocrine Today

For more information:
• Demmer RT, Jacobs DR, Desvarieux M. Periodontal disease and incident type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2008;31:1373-1379.
• Demmer RT, Desvarieux M. Periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease: The heart of the matter. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006;137:14S-20S.

Whoopi Goldberg Talks About Her Personal Experience With Gum Disease

2008-11-11T18:00:00.009-05:00

A few weeks ago, Whoopi Goldberg returned to her TV show, "The View," after being absent for emergency gum surgery. In this episode, she spent a few minutes discussing her personal experience with gum disease and how she will be losing her teeth. But, more importantly, Whoopi did a tremendous public service by bringing up the serious health consequences of gum disease (periodontal disease) that go well beyond losing teeth. Gum disease can kill you! Yes, you read that correctly! New discoveries are revealing possible connections between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, for example.

Dentists have known about this for several years. But, it's amazing how the power of Whoopi's celebrity will do more for public awareness of gum disease than the dental profession could dream of doing. Whoopi set aside her pride and laid it all on the line to spread a very important message. Thanks, Whoopi!

The good news is that gum disease can be treated and prevented at our office. Make an appointment today at http://www.advanceddental.com/ or call 860-828-3933.

Dentists and Dental Hygienists have known about this for several years and have been educating patients, however having a celebrity like Whoopi Goldberg sharing her personal story will do more for public awareness than the dental profession could dream of doing. Thanks, Whoopi!

Check out this short video!

Advertising Passed Off As Research Confuses The Public Again

2008-11-11T11:24:00.004-05:00

Study Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Expands the Indications for Statins—and the Public Suffers

Today’s (November 10, 2008) front page headlines worldwide announced a simple test called “highly sensitive C-reactive protein” (HS-CRP) and the most powerful cholesterol-lowering statin currently on the market, Crestor (rosuvastatin), used together, could cut the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease in half.¹ For the casual reader, Crestor appears to be a miracle treatment with few risks and reasonable costs. Today’s publication adds to the belief of a growing number of experts that “statins are so wonderful that they should be added to our drinking water” (like fluoride).

For this study nearly 90,000 people were examined, and most of them were identified as being at increased risk for a heart attack, stroke, and/or premature death. Rather than choosing professionalism and treating the underlying causes of their health problems: their diet and lifestyle; these researchers chose commercialism; creating the most effective pharmaceutical advertising campaign ever devised. And they have succeeded.

The study was funded by the maker of the drug, AstraZeneca, and the lead author, Paul M Ridker MD, is listed as a co-inventor on patents held by Brigham and Women's Hospital related to the use of HS-CRP for the evaluation of a patient’s risk of heart disease.

Profits Are Determining Medical Care

The cost of Crestor (rosuvastatin) is about $3.45 per day—much higher than that of generic statins. That amounts to $1259 a year just for this drug. Doing the math, this means to prevent one event in one “apparently healthy patient” would cost about $300,000 just for the Crestor. These figures do not include the cost of doctors’ visits, the lab tests and the treatment of side effects from the medications, including the serious adverse events caused by Crestor.(Calculations: Absolute benefit of 1 event for 120 treated patients for 1.9 years at $1259 = 120 x 1.9 x $1259 = $287,052.)

Heart attacks, strokes, and the need for surgery and drugs are caused primarily by eating the Western diet, and secondarily by “bad habits,” including cigarette smoking and lack of exercise. The underlying disease, atherosclerosis, is reversible. There are no side effects or added costs with diet-therapy—therein lies the problem (no profit).

How Did They Get Those Results?

1) They stacked the deck with sick people, but passed them off as “healthy” to the press and public.

Previous studies of statins have found that people at high risk for a heart attack or stroke will benefit, but healthy people will not.² The deception in this study began by choosing high-risk test subjects and identifying them as “apparently healthy men and women.”

The nearly 18,000 people selected for the study out of the original 89,890 screened had very high HS-CRP levels of over 4.2 mg/L. Simply based on the HS-CRP these were not “apparently healthy,” but rather, people at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The cutoff value for high “bad” LDL-cholesterol level was 130 mg/dL. This allowed the inclusion of many high-risk people—“good health” is associated with a LDL below 100 mg/dL. In addition, the average blood pressure (134/80 mmHg) and total cholesterol (186 mg/dL) numbers were too high for these people to be considered “apparently healthy.”

The baseline median body mass index (BMI) was 28.3 (normal 18.5-24.9), indicating most of these people were overweight or obese. At the beginning of the study 41% were reported to have “metabolic syndrome.” (Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders, such as abdominal obesity, elevated blood sugar, triglycerides, and blood pressure, which considered together indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.)

2) They Emphasized Relative, Not Absolute Benefits

Reporting the “relative benefit” of a drug is the most common method used by drug companies to deceive patients and their doctors. In this case relative risk reduction was determined by dividing the number of designated events (heart attacks, stroke, and deaths from cardiovascular disease) for the treated (Crestor) group by the events for the placebo group: 83 vs. 157. This mean the treated group had half (53%) the chance of an event compared to placebo. This figure is impressive.

However, the “absolute benefit”—the real life benefit a person can expect from treatment—is a very different story. Consider the numbers: nearly 18,000 people were treated for almost 2 years. In absolute numbers this means 83/8901 or 0.9% of those people taking Crestor had a serious event, as opposed to 157/8901 or 1.8% of those in the placebo group. This is an absolute event reduction of less than 1%. In other words, 120 patients had to be treated with Crestor for 1.9 years to prevent one designated event: heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease.

3) Early Termination of the Study Is Impressive but Suggests Dishonesty.

The study was supposed to go on for 4 years, but was stopped at 1.9 years for “ethical reasons.” It was considered unethical to continue the study because continuation would mean depriving the people in the placebo group of the advantage of the treatment—Crestor in this case. “Early termination” of research is a powerful technique used by pharmaceutical companies to enhance the perceived value of the treatment in the minds of the medical profession, the press, and the public. But it has been shown that studies that are stopped early are biased and prone to exaggeration.³ According to a recent review in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “RCTs (Randomized Controlled Trials) stopped early for benefit are becomingmore common, often fail to adequately report relevant informationabout the decision to stop early, and show implausibly largetreatment effects, particularly when the number of events issmall. These findings suggest clinicians should view the resultsof such trials with skepticism.”⁴ No mention was made in this report about two other recent studies (CORONA and GISSI-HF) where Crestor did not result in any improvement in survival.^5,6

4) Researchers Underemphasized Serious Adverse Events from Crestor

One of the most important findings from this study (found in table 4) is the similar number of serious adverse events in both the Crestor-treated and placebo groups—1352 (15.2%) vs. 1377 (15.5%). How can that be? Wasn’t the number of events about half (83 vs. 157) for those taking Crestor? The study focused on events (heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular disease) that are expected to respond favorably to treatment. The study, and the media that followed, did not give appropriate attention to all adverse events that occurred. Clearly, there was an increase in non-cardiac serious adverse events in the Crestor group. Obviously, it is not in the best interest of the sponsor of the study to give attention to this finding.

The article did mention an increase in risk of diabetes in those treated with Crestor (270 reports of diabetes, vs. 216 in the placebo group). But there must be more. Amazingly, this study reported only one case of serious muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis). The expected rate is 3.16 fatal cases per million prescriptions written for Crestor.⁷ This is 16 to 80 times higher than that reported for other statins. Almost four years ago Dr. David Graham, FDA's associate director for science and medicine, named Crestor as one of five drugs that pose serious safety concerns and the FDA told AstraZeneca to pull its ads for Crestor because they do not mention its risks of causing acute kidney failure or rhabdomyolysis.

There is no long-term information on the safety of using these high doses of Crestor to lower “bad” LDL-cholesterol to 55 mg/dL (as they did in this study). This study was stopped after less than 2 years, but patients prescribed statins can expect to take them for 20 years and longer.

One More Deregulated System That Must Be Fixed

Neither the patient nor our over-burdened health care system can thrive with this kind of deception from the pharmaceutical companies and the medical journals.

Fortunately, health care professionals are beginning to recognize that what is happening in medical care is just like the tragedies we have recently witnessed in the stock market and the housing industries. Unregulated business practices lead to a few very rich people becoming even richer, and severe suffering for the rest of us. The time has come for change. Researchers and publishers must be held accountable like stockbrokers and bankers. Regulation enacted to protect the public is long overdue.

What is HS-CRP?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a molecule produced in response to inflammation. It is non-specific, in other words, it does not identify the source of the inflammation, which could be
due to an infection of a toe, arthritis, or a bad cold. The connection to cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes) is that the sores (like pustules) on the artery walls cause the CRP to rise. This festering artery disease (atherosclerosis) is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes. The elevated CRP is simply one sign of the trouble—other signs are elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Highly sensitive (HS) refers to laboratory methodology used to increase accuracy. A level of less than 1mg/L indicates low risk, a level between 1 and 3mg/L indicates moderate risk, and a level greater than 3mg/L indicates high risk of active artery disease.

The people in this study were on average in the high-risk group, in need of immediate and intensive dietary intervention.

Statins, like Crestor, are believed to be anti-inflammatory, reducing HS-CRP levels. Even without the postulated benefit of reduced inflammation, the cholesterol lowering effects of
statins have been shown to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in people at high risk.²A low-fat diet also cuts CRP in half in 4 weeks.⁸ This reflects less inflammation, which means healing the arteries as a result of following a healthier diet.

References:

1) Ridker,P Danielson, E Fonseca F, Genest J, Gotto A, Kastelein J, Koenig W, Libby P, Lorenzatti A, MacFadyen J, Nordestgaard B, Shepherd J, Willerson J, Glynn R, the JUPITER Study Group.
Rosuvastatin to Prevent Vascular Events in Men and Women with Elevated C-Reactive Protein. N Engl J Med. 2008; 359:2195-2207

2) Abramson J, Wright JM. Are lipid-lowering guidelines evidence-based? Lancet. 2007 Jan 20;369(9557):168-9.

3) Hopewell S, Clarke M, Moher D, Wager E, Middleton P, et al. PLoS Medicine Vol. 5, No. 1, e20 doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050020

4) Montori VM, Devereaux PJ, Adhikari NK, Burns KE, Eggert CH, Briel M, Lacchetti C, Leung TW, Darling E, Bryant DM, Bucher HC, Schünemann HJ, Meade MO, Cook DJ, Erwin PJ, Sood A, Sood R, Lo B, Thompson CA, Zhou Q, Mills E, Guyatt GH. Randomized trials stopped early for benefit: a systematic review. JAMA. 2005 Nov 2;294(17):2203-9.

5) Kjekshus J, Apetrei E, Barrios V, Böhm M, Cleland JG, Cornel JH, Dunselman P, Fonseca C, Goudev A, Grande P, Gullestad L, Hjalmarson A, Hradec J, Jánosi A, Kamensk? G, Komajda M, Korewicki J,
Kuusi T, Mach F, Mareev V, McMurray JJ, Ranjith N, Schaufelberger M, Vanhaecke J, van Veldhuisen DJ, Waagstein F, Wedel H, Wikstrand J; CORONA Group. Rosuvastatin in older patients with systolic heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2007 Nov 29;357(22):2248-61.

6) Gissi-Hf Investigators. Effect of rosuvastatin in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2008 Aug 29.

7) Bruce J, Rabkin E., Martin V. Rhabdomyolysis associated with current us of simvastatin and Nefazodone: Case report and current review of the literature. Advanced Studies in Medicine
2003; 3: 168-172.

8)Rankin JW, Turpyn AD. Low carbohydrate, high fat diet increases C-reactive protein during weight loss. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Apr;26(2):163-9.

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Advanced Dental - official dentist of the New Britain Rock Cats!

2008-10-24T08:52:00.007-04:00

Dr. Mike Maroon & Dr. Darryl Simms star in this ad for Advanced Dental featuring Rocky & Blooper, mascots of the New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Club.

Advanced Dental is the official dental office of the New Britain Rock Cats and this ad was played on the jumbotron during all Rock Cat home games during the 2008 season.

Poor Oral Health Can Cause Localized Hair Loss

2008-10-08T07:15:00.001-04:00

Cosmetic dentistry has taken flight in recent years. Publicity from Extreme Makeover (ABC) and new technology, like CEREC for one-visit porcelain restorations, Zoom! Whitening, and Lumineers, has boosted the popularity of cosmetic dentistry. In addition, recent research has revealed a link between overall health and oral health, such as the fact that gum disease can contribute to increased risk for a number of problems, from low-weight births to heart attacks, strokes, and Alzheimer's. We now know that oral health can contribute to a person's appearance, outside of their smile. Image conscious patients will be interested to learn that alopecia areata, a condition of hair loss, may be connected to poor oral health.

According to an article on www.plasmetic.com, bald patches sometimes occur "in a line projected from the dental infection." The scalp, as well as facial hair (eyebrows, beard, etc.) may be affected; men and women are susceptible. Hair does regenerate, but patients can have relapses. The article suggests that patients who notice localized bald patches should visit their dentist. Findings are attributed to Professors Joe Antonio Gil Montoya and Cutando Soriano.

SOURCE: http://www.plasmetic.com/latest-trends/cosmetic-dentistry/bad-teeth-can-lead-to-bald-patches.html

David Letterman Reacts to John McCain Suspending Campaign

2008-09-26T07:12:00.001-04:00

Too funny! David Letterman goes off on John McCain after McCain lied about his whereabouts in cancelling an appearance on The Late Show.

Tina Fey plays Sarah Palin on SNL

2008-09-14T13:16:00.001-04:00

Funny skit with Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin on SNL

Dr. Simms & Margie Disco!

2008-09-09T13:24:00.001-04:00

It's Dr. Simms & Margie getting down Disco style! :D

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Kickin' it OLD SCHOOL!

2008-09-09T13:07:00.001-04:00

Check out me & my homey's Darry & Tim and we kick it up OLD SCHOOL!

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Brady's season over after injuring knee vs. Chiefs

2008-09-08T00:24:00.001-04:00

Brady's season over after injuring knee vs. Chiefs

NFL.com Wire Reports

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady suffered a serious knee injury in the season opener that will end his 2008 campaign, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

Brady left Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs after being hit on the left leg. He has started 128 consecutive games, but went to the turf clutching his left knee midway through the first quarter when he was hit in the pocket by Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. After being tended to on the field, he walked off, limping, between two trainers.

Meanwhile, free-agent quarterback Chris Simms is scheduled to arrive in New England Monday morning for a workout and a physical, Schefter reports. If all goes well, Simms could be a Patriot by the end of the day. Kansas City and Tennessee, each of whom had quarterbacks suffer significant injuries on Sunday, also have contacted Simms.

Brady, 31, went to the locker room and was not seen again on the sideline as backup Matt Cassel led the Patriots to a 17-10 victory. The two-time Super Bowl MVP was not available for comment after the game, and coach Bill Belichick said he had nothing to add to the in-game announcement that it was a knee injury.

Brady was 7-for-11 passing for 76 yards, completing a 26-yard pass to Randy Moss on the play in which he was injured. Moss fumbled the ball away when he was tackled; the Patriots forced Kansas City to punt, then Cassel came in for New England.

"Since I've been here and been around Tom, he's always popped back up," Cassel said. "I didn't know (how serious it was). I just buckled my chinstrap and the guys rallied around me. I felt their support."

Cassel took over at his 2 yard-line and, after two handoffs nearly netted the Chiefs a safety, completed his first pass to Moss for a 51-yard gain. Cassel, Brady's backup for the past three years, finished the 98-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Moss that gave New England a 7-0 lead.

"This is something I've been preparing for for a long time," said Cassel, who threw just 33 passes while backing up Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at Southern Cal. "It's not something I expected to come up on opening day."

A former fourth-stringer who was the 199th overall selection in the 2000 draft, Brady himself took over at quarterback when longtime starter Drew Bledsoe sustained a life-threatening chest injury in a 2001 game against the New York Jets. Brady led the Patriots to their first NFL title that year, another in 2003 and another in 2004.

In the process, Brady has become one of the league's biggest stars and a crossover cover boy who has met the Pope and the president, dated actresses and supermodels and rewrote one of the NFL's most coveted records.

Last year, while leading New England to a 16-0 regular season, Brady set a record with 50 touchdown passes and improved his overall record as a starter to 100-27 -- the best in the Super Bowl era. The Patriots blew a chance at an unprecedented 19-0 season and a fourth NFL title with a 17-14 loss in February's Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

Brady did not play in four exhibition games this summer -- all of them Patriots losses -- while trying to recover from a right foot injury.

"He's the face of the New England Patriots, and Tom being who he is it kind of hurts, to be honest with you," said Moss, who caught 23 of Brady's TD passes in 2007, also a record. "I know the show must go on. Hopefully Matt Cassel is ready to step in. I know the team is ready to embrace him and let him lead us."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

--
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Dr. Mike Maroon
Founder & Fellow Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics

ACE 2008 Symposium on Esthetic Dentistry ~ Nov 5-8, 2008 ~ Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa ~ Bonita Springs, FL

Learn more about upcoming events at www.ACEsthetics.com or call 800.701.6223

drmikemaroon wants to keep up with you on Twitter

2008-09-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

To find out more about Twitter, visit the link below:

http://twitter.com/i/7020dcde2ac8c17f15f3a85abe5081afb78fe1ee

Thanks,
-The Twitter Team

About Twitter

Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status. What are you doing? What are your friends doing—right now? With Twitter, you may answer this question over SMS, IM, or the Web and the responses are shared between contacts.

This message was sent by a Twitter user who entered your email address. If you'd prefer not to receive emails when other people invite you to Twitter, click here:
http://twitter.com/i/optout/3a79435ccefec9586e9c93ed1ce03c624817438f

Four Rules of Time

2008-09-03T05:23:00.001-04:00

Four Rules of Time
By: Brian Tracy

There are four rules of time. The first is that time is perishable. This means that it cannot be saved. In fact, time can only be spent. Because time is perishable, the only thing you can do with it is to spend it differently, to reallocate your time away from activities of low value and toward activities of higher value. But once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Time Is Indispensable
The second rule of time is that time is indispensable. All work requires time. No matter what it is you want to do in life, even looking out a window or sleeping in for a few extra minutes, it requires a certain amount of time. And according to the 10/90 Rule, the 10% of time that you take to plan your activities carefully in advance will save you 90% of the effort involved in achieving your goals later. The very act of thinking through and planning your work in advance will dramatically reduce the amount of time that it takes you to do the actual job.

The Currency of the Future
The third rule of time is that time is irreplaceable. Nothing else will do, especially in relationships. Time is the only currency that means anything in your relationships with the members of your family, your friends, colleagues, customers and coworkers. Truly effective people give a lot of thought to creating blocks of time that they can then spend, without interruption, with the important people in their lives.

Spell the Word Correctly
There is a question: "How do children spell the word 'Love?'" And the answer is "T-I-M-E." It is the same with your spouse, as well. The important people in your life equate the amount of time that you spend with them, face to face, head to head, knee to knee, with the amount that you actually love them.

Grow Your Relationships
The more time that you spend with another person, especially a member of your family, the deeper grows your understanding and affection for that person. If you get too busy to spend time with your children, you eventually lose contact with them and they go off into their own personal world of school, peers and other activities.

The Key to Goal-Achievement
The fourth rule is that time is essential for accomplishment. Every goal you want to achieve, everything you want to accomplish, requires time. In fact, one of the smartest things you ever do, when you set a goal, is to sit down and allocate the exact amount of time that you are going to have to invest to achieve that goal. The failure to do this almost always leaves the goal unaccomplished.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action:

First, decide today to redirect and reallocate your time away from low-value tasks and toward high-value activities.

Second, make a plan to spend more time face-to-face with the most important people in your life. The more you think about the use of your time, the better you will become.

Barack Obama's Democratic Nominee Acceptance Speech

2008-08-30T21:52:00.002-04:00

View Barack Obama's Democratic Nominee Acceptance Speech

SIRIUS AND XM COMPLETE MERGER

2008-08-27T20:31:00.001-04:00

SIRIUS AND XM COMPLETE MERGER

SIRIUS XM Radio Chosen as New Corporate Name

Combined Company Has Over 18.5 Million Subscribers, Annualized Second Quarter Revenue Exceeding $2.4 Billion

Company to Offer Consumers Best of Both Services, While Maximizing Significant Efficiencies

SIRIUS XM Reiterates Financial Guidance; Expects 2009 Synergies of $400 million and 2009 Adjusted EBITDA of over $300 Million

NEW YORK, NY – July 29, 2008 –SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio today announced that they have completed their merger, resulting in the nation's premier radio company. The new company plans to change its corporate name to Sirius XM Radio Inc. The combined company's stock will continue to be traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "SIRI".

SIRIUS XM Radio begins day one with over 18.5 million subscribers, making it the second-largest radio company, based upon revenue, in the country; and, based upon subscribers, the second largest subscription media business in the U.S. With under 10% penetration of the home and car market, the opportunity for continued growth is significant.

"I am delighted to announce the completion of this exciting merger between SIRIUS and XM," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS XM Radio. "We have worked diligently to close this transaction and we look forward to integrating our best-in-class management teams and operations so we can begin delivering on our promise of more choices and lower prices for subscribers."

"Every one of our constituencies is a winner. Combined, SIRIUS XM Radio will deliver superior value to our shareholders. By offering more compelling packages and the best content in audio entertainment, we are well positioned for increased subscriber growth. Our laser focus on subscribers will continue and listeners can be assured that there will be no disruption in service. We also believe that the completion of the merger will eliminate any confusion that has been lingering in the marketplace," added Karmazin.

XM shareholders will receive 4.6 shares of SIRIUS common stock for each share of XM.

Competitive New Options for Consumers

SIRIUS XM Radio broadcasts more than 300 channels of programming, including exclusive radio offerings from Howard Stern, Oprah, Opie & Anthony and Martha Stewart, among others. SIRIUS XM Radio will offer these expanded options to consumers through arrangements with the world's leading automakers and its relationships with nationwide retailers.

As a result of the merger, SIRIUS XM Radio will also be able to offer consumers new packages in audio entertainment, including the first-ever a la carte programming option in subscription media. In addition to two a la carte options, the new packages will include: "Best of Both," giving subscribers the option to access certain programming from the other network; discounted Family Friendly packages; and tailored packages including "Mostly Music" and "News, Talk and Sports." The first of the new packages will be available in the early Fall.

"One of the most exciting benefits of this transaction is the ability to offer subscribers the option of expanding their subscriptions to include the Best of Both services. Given the respective popularity of exclusive programming on both SIRIUS and XM, we expect many subscribers will upgrade their current subscription," said Karmazin.

"The upside potential for both consumers and shareholders is huge. Consumers have the ease of adding premier programming without purchasing a new device. For shareholders, this kind of organic growth is a key part of the company's future and the success we expect to see," said Karmazin.

As promised when the merger was first announced, existing radios will continue to work and every subscriber has the option of maintaining their current service package.

Benefits for Shareholders Begin Immediately, Integration Already Under Way

SIRIUS XM Radio expects to begin realizing the synergies expected from this transaction immediately.

"In addition to realizing significant potential revenue growth, the management team will move quickly to capitalize on the synergies that many analysts have predicted for this combination. We expect to begin achieving those synergies without sacrificing any of the world-class programming and marketing we are known for," said Karmazin.

The company today also reiterated guidance for the combined SIRIUS XM Radio. Based upon a preliminary analysis, the combined company expects to realize total synergies, net of the costs to achieve such synergies, of approximately $400 million in 2009; to post adjusted EBITDA exceeding $300 million in 2009; and to achieve positive free cash flow, before satellite capital expenditures, for the full year 2009. The company also expects that both synergies and adjusted EBITDA will continue growing beyond 2009.

"We have all the tools necessary to begin executing as a combined company with high aspirations for subscriber growth and greater financial performance in part from the significant synergies that we begin realizing literally today – on Day One. We are moving quickly to integrate the operations," said Karmazin.

The corporate headquarters will be located in New York, NY and XM Satellite Radio, the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, will remain headquartered in Washington, DC.

Effective after the close of the market yesterday, trading in XMSR common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market ceased.

About SIRIUS XM Radio

SIRIUS XM Radio is America's satellite radio company delivering the "The Best Radio on Radio" to more than 18 million subscribers, including 100% commercial free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather.

SIRIUS XM Radio has exclusive content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Oprah, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Frank Sinatra, Opie & Anthony, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tom Petty, and Bob Edwards. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, NHL, and PGA, and broadcasts major college sports.

SIRIUS XM Radio has exclusive arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Target, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart.

SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in-vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets.

The guidance contained herein are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by us when taken as a whole, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, the guidance is based upon specific assumptions with respect to future business conditions, some or all of which will change. The guidance, like any forecast, is necessarily speculative in nature and it can be expected that the assumptions upon which the guidance is based will not prove to be valid or will vary from actual results. Actual results will vary from the guidance and the variations may be material. Consequently, the guidance should not be regarded as a representation by SIRIUS or any other person that the synergies, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow will actually be achieved. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS' and XM's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: general business and economic conditions; the performance of financial markets and interest rates; the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the transaction on a timely basis; the failure to realize synergies and cost-savings from the transaction or delay in realization thereof; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; and operating costs and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects on employee retention and on our business relationships with third parties, including manufacturers of radios, retailers, automakers and programming providers. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS' and XM's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS' and XM's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and SIRIUS and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

G-SIRI

Contacts for SIRIUS XM Radio:

Media Relations

Patrick Reilly
212-901-6646
PReilly@siriusradio.com

Kelly Sullivan
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449
ksullivan@joelefrank.com

Nathaniel Brown
212-708-6170
Nathaniel.Brown@xmradio.com

Chance Patterson
202-380-4318
Chance.Patterson@xmradio.com

Investor Relations

Paul Blalock
212-584-5174
PBlalock@siriusradio.com

Hooper Stevens
212-901-6718
HStevens@siriusradio.com

Joe Wilkinson
202-380-4008
Joe.Wilkinson@xmradio.com

Richard Sloane
202-380-1439
richard.sloane@xmradio.com

Manage your team's energy

2008-08-14T11:58:00.001-04:00

From: Dr. June Darling

When I've talked about this to dentists. They feel it's so unfair that they should be the manager of team energy, but here's a good article that may convince you to at least consider your emotions as contagious as work (and everywhere in your life), but especially important to consider if you want energetic, productive workers. j.

Manage Your Team's Energy, Not Just the Work

Posted: 13 Aug 2008 11:15 PM CDT

Following is a excerpt from our upcoming book "Profit From the Positive: What Every Business Leader Needs to Know From the New Science of Positive Psychology."

~ Margaret Greenberg (Bio, Articles) and Senia Maymin (Bio, Articles)

Germs and colds aren't the only things we spread in the workplace. Our emotions, both positive and negative, are just as contagious. Have you ever walked into a meeting and felt so much tension that you became tense, too? Conversely, have you ever walked into someone's office and felt so much openness that you started to feel more open and welcoming as well? This spreading of emotions from one person to the next is what psychologists call Social Contagion Theory. Here's how it works.

Human beings are hard-wired to mimic the facial expressions and moods of those we come in contact with. Sigal Barsade, associate management professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, claims we can unconsciously "catch" both good and bad moods. And you can "catch" these emotions in a matter of milliseconds according to Elaine Hatfield, psychology professor at the University of Hawaii and co-author of Emotional Contagion.

Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden showed people pictures of both happy and angry faces for a fraction of a second and observed how people reacted. When participants looked at pictures of happy faces, their own facial expressions mirrored the picture – they responded with a smile. Similarly when participants viewed pictures of angry faces, they responded with a frown.

According to Hatfield, incremental muscle movements, like the smile or the frown, actually trigger the brain to feel that emotion. For example, when we feel happy our brain sends us a message: smile. But it works the other way, too. When we see someone else smile our brain sends us another message: smile. This very act of smiling sends another message to our brain, telling us to feel happy. So maybe our mothers were really on to something when they told us to quit mopping around and "put on a happy face."

So what does this have to do with managing your team's energy? Your own emotions have more influence over your team's energy level and subsequent productivity than perhaps you realize.

Carlos arrives at the office at 7:45 sharp every day. Two of his employees, Rachel and Mike, like to get in around 7:00 so they can grab a cup of coffee, catch up on emails, and get ready for the day ahead. Every morning they look up from their desks as Carlos walks in. Rachel and Mike have an inside joke:

"We can tell what kind of day it's going to be around here by Carlos' morning expression. If he smiles and says 'good morning' we know it's going to be a good day, and we can get on with our work. If his head is down and doesn't even acknowledge us, we know it's going to be a bad day and we better be ready to jump at a moment's notice. When our teammates arrive around 8:00, they stop by our desks and ask, 'So what kind of day is it going to be?' and they're not talking about the weather."

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that when business leaders were in a good mood, their team members experienced more positive and fewer negative moods. Additionally, if the boss is in a good mood, the team finds it much easier to accomplish their tasks. Remember if you manage or lead others, your moods are even more contagious! Think of it this way: a manager's negative moods are like spreading a cold, maybe even a flu, in the office. Do you really want people at work feeling lousy and having declining productivity? Or do you want to pay attention to your non-verbal behavior, and be aware of how people "catch" your emotions?

June Darling, Ph.D
Executive Coach and Consultant
for Maverick-Minded Professionals
www.summitgroupresources.com
providing the resources to bring out the best in you and your business

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

First Annual Scoot tour of Southern New England!

2008-08-05T16:18:00.001-04:00

I uploaded some photos of the First Scoot Tour of Southern New England hosted by Vespa Hartford. http://www.VespaHartford.com

You can view the entire album online at http://s513.photobucket.com/albums/t337/drmikemaroon/Scoot%20Tour%202008/?albumview=grid

All lined up and ready to roll!

Michelle gives the signal that she's ready to go!

All Pat needs is a coke bottle, some dental floss and an old napkin and he can make an atomic bomb, or change oil, whichever he feels like doing at the time...kind of like MacGuyver!

Howie helps by siphoning oil out of Michelle's bike to get her back on the road while some patient fellow scooterists watch and say to themselves, "I'm glad it's not my bike!"

Some Suzuki Bergman 400s made the trip...

Everyone enjoys when someone elses bike breaks down!

It's a good time for a chat...and to check out the BIG RUCKUS!

We had a nice group for this ride.

Nice shot of a Vespa GTS250ie and a Kymco People 200

Some more scoots...Doug's suped up orange ET4 is in the front.

STELLA'S

Leader of the Vesperados!

We got caught in a downpour and everyone tries to hide under the gas station canopy.

Enjoying lunch (and some dry time) in Bennington, VT.

Enjoying lunch (and some dry time) in Bennington, VT.

Scooters Rule!

2008-08-02T07:03:00.001-04:00

I love this Italian video showcasing vintage scooters enjoying life! Enjoy!

Toyota Targets Segway With Winglet Personal Transportation

2008-08-01T17:27:00.003-04:00

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today development of the "Winglet", a personal transport assistance robot ridden in a standing position.

The Winglet—still being refined—is one of TMC's people-assisting Toyota Partner Robots. Designed to contribute to society by helping people enjoy a safe and fully mobile life, the Winglet is a compact next-generation everyday transport tool that offers advanced ease of use and expands the user's range of mobility.

The Winglet consists of a body (with a projected area the size of an A3 sheet of paper) that houses an electric motor, two wheels and internal sensors that constantly monitor the user's position and make adjustments in power to ensure stability. Meanwhile, a unique parallel link mechanism allows the rider to go forward, backward and turn simply by shifting body weight, making the vehicle safe and useful even in tight spaces or crowded environments.

TMC has created three models, the "L", "M" and "S", each having different handling features that allow consumers to select a model appropriate to their needs—from "practical" to "hands-free sporty".

TMC plans various technical and consumer trials to gain feedback during the Winglet's lead-up to practical use. Practical tests of its utility as a mobility tool are planned to begin in Autumn 2008 at Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya, and Laguna Gamagori, a seaside marine resort complex in Aichi Prefecture. Testing of its usefulness in crowded and other conditions, and how non-users react to the device, is to be carried out in 2009 at the Tressa Yokohama shopping complex in Yokohama City.

TMC is pursuing sustainability in research and development, manufacturing and social contribution as part of its concept to realize "sustainability in three areas" and to help contribute to the health and comfort of future society. Toyota Partner Robot development is being carried out with this in mind and applies TMC's approach to monozukuri ("making things"), which includes its mobility, production and other technologies. In a related development, TMC unveiled the "MOBIRO" mobility robot, designed for use in a sitting position, in 2007.

TMC aims to realize the practical use of Toyota Partner Robots in the early 2010s by furthering its robotic development and strengthening collaboration between industry, government and academia.

Visit http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/08/0801_1.html for more details.

Manny Ramirez traded from Red Sox to Dodgers

2008-07-31T17:09:00.001-04:00

Left fielder Manny Ramirez has been traded to the Dodgers as part of the three-team deal that will send Pirates outfielder Jason Bay to the Red Sox, the Boston Globe's Gordon Edes and Nick Cafardo are reporting.

The Red Sox will also lose Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss as part of the deal. Here are the names involved:

To Red Sox
Jason Bay

To Dodgers
Manny Ramirez

To Pirates
Craig Hansen (from Red Sox)
Brandon Moss (from Red Sox)
Andy LaRoche (from Dodgers)
Bryan Morris (from Dodgers)

SI.com reported that the Red Sox got the OK from Ramirez, who would have had the rights to veto any deal. From SI.com: "He signed off on the paperwork, contingent upon the two $20-million team options for 2009 and '10 being dropped. The move will set the stage for Ramirez to become a free agent this winter."

Sad to see Manny go...he was a great player for the Sox and a great player to watch. Here's hoping that when Sox fans remember Manny's years in the future they'll remember the fun-loving easy-going player who could hit the snot out of the ball.

Good luck in L.A. Manny...

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