DENTAL EXAMS: IS IT NECESSARY?

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

Visiting your dentist for a dental examination regularly is very important because it keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Most people do not like visiting the dentist maybe because of the pain experienced during the sessions, or they just get that uncomfortable feeling whenever they are the office, either way it is not recommended. According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended that you at least visit a doctoronce after every six.
As the saying goes, better safe than sorry and the reason for this recommendation, is to prevent further risks which might occur in years on not visiting your dentist. Other problems linked to dental issues include heart diseases, and that is why having a dental examination every once in a while is very necessary.

Why a dental examination is necessary

To prevents major medical issues: During any dental examination they ensure to check for any decay and illness on your teeth and gums. Not only do they pay attention to your general oral hygiene, but also show concern to other body parts such as your neck, face, throat, saliva and how your jaw moves.
These examinations will help enable your dentist to determine whether you require any dentistry work performed or any signs of major issues such as oral cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiency or joint problems.

To prevent tooth decay: After a detailed examination on various parts of your body, regular cleaning will be done to your teeth. Routine cleaning your teeth prevents accumulation of tartar or plaque on the teeth surface, decay and gum irritation is mainly caused by soft plagues which harden the tooth making it more difficult to get rid of, at the same time also staining your teeth.
Regular routine checks up together with a proper home care routine prevent the buildup of plaques leading to cavity formation, hence teeth decay. The dentists will also make sure to fill up all fillings and all teeth are intact with no visible decay.

Fix problems: During regular cleanings the dentist usually determines if there is any problems that need immediate effect, they might carry out an X-ray, check your bite during jaw movement, gum examination or using major dental devices to view around your mouth. In case of anything such as a cavity or damaged roots make an appointment to get them repaired.

Dental examination is important because it maintains the usefulness of your replacement teeth, and before you go to any dentist for a teeth checkup consult with your friends, loved ones or doctor for a suitable recommendation. Before being treated ensure that the dentist is in a suitable location and whether they are willing to adhere to your health, and make sure you consider the payment options and consultation fees.
In case of anxiety try to talk to your dentist or physician, they will obviously find a way to keep you at ease. Dental examination also includes main discussions about your diet, smoking cigarettes plus other dangerous lifestyle that could lead to oral problems, after every check-up your dentist will make a follow-up visit appointment.

Our Veterans Deserve a Smile

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Dental Care
Dr. Ganjian Recipient of Mayors Veterans Award

Mario is a lifelong New Yorker and US Veteran who desperately needed extensive dental care that he could not afford. That’s where the Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) stepped in. Through their New York Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, Mario was connected to Dr. Ben Ganjian who donated his time and vast experience to help restore Mario’s oral health.

Dr. Ben Ganjian DDS

Dr. Ganjian’s work with Mario gave him the opportunity to really get to know him and the real life challenges and joys faced by veterans. He learned that Mario is not only a veteran, but a retired New York City police officer who enjoys caring for his grandchildren, helping neighbors, and playing pool with friends at the local community center.

Dr. Ganjian found it the most gratifying experience of his professional career. “Over the course of a dozen visits that included cleaning, several extractions, fillings, and partial upper and lower dentures, I am so proud to say that I helped give this hero his smile back. I will never forget when Mario shared that his grandkids told him they loved his new smile! It was an honor and a pleasure to give back to someone who gave us so much.” Donate

Mario is just like 90% of New York City’s 210,000 veterans who are not eligible for dental care through the VA. The VA requires veterans to be 70% disabled and for their disability to be service-related in order to qualify for coverage. That’s where YOU can help.

On Veterans Day, the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City launched “Stars + Smiles,” a pilot program designed to provide 125 veterans with severe dental issues like Mario’s with free dental care through DLN’s network of professionals. Guardian Life—our seed funder—and concerned New Yorkers like you have gotten us nearly halfway to our goal! Donate During this holiday season of giving, I hope you will consider donating to the Stars + Smiles program. Your contribution today has the power to transform lives by providing fellow New Yorkers who served our country with the care they deserve and a confident smile to face a future full of opportunities.

Yours in partnership, Deputy Mayor NYC.
Toya

Oral Herpes Signs & Symptoms related to GENERAL DENTAL HEALTH

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

Oral Herpes Canker sores similar to ulcers are small and shallow wounds that appear in the mouth, it makes eating, drinking and talking hard. The two types of canker sores include:

Simple canker sore: Occurs to people mostly between the age of 10 and 20 years about three or four times a year, lasts for at least a week.

Complex canker sores: Occurs mostly to people who have previously had them, but it is less common.

Believed to caused by stress or tissue injury, certain foods like lemons, pineapple, apples, figs, tomatoes and strawberry somewhat trigger the occurrence of simple canker sore, hence worsening it. External factors such as sharp dental appliances like braces, bad fitting dentures can still cause canker sores.

Complex canker sore is mainly caused due to an impaired immune system, lack of nutritional supplements such as: Vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid and iron deficiency. Having gastrointestinal tract diseases such as Crohn’s or Celiac disease could lead to this mouth sore.

Canker sore has been linked to cold sore, similar yet different in some ways. Cold sores are blister which have also been identified as fever blisters/ herpes, caused by a virus they are mainly located at the external part of the mouth and highly contagious.

Symptoms of canker sores

Below are some of the symptoms of canker sores:

  • Painful sores located inside the mouth mainly on the soft palate, tongue, or inner cheek.
  • Sores usually appear to be round, white or grey.
  • The sores appear to have a red edge.
  • When severe canker sores can cause fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.

 

 

How to treat canker sores

Canker sores usually take a few days to heal with a little pain, but if you want lessen the symptoms quick you can opt for dental laser. Hence, you might have to consult your dental physician to guide you about the whole process. Canker sores have no immediate cure and the chances for occurring again are high, therefore to prevent reoccurrence you need to do the following:

  • Avoiding foods that cause irritation in your mouth such as acidic vegetables, citrus fruits and spicy foods.
  • Avoid irritating your mouth by chewing gum.
  • Using a soft-bristled brush twice a day and flossing daily.
  • Avoid sweets and candy that cause wounds in your mouth leading to sores.

Consult your dentist in case of:

  • Uncharacteristically larger sores.
  • Spreading sores.
  • Sores that have lasted for long, which is more than a week.
  • Having drinking difficulties.
  • Having intolerable pain even though you have consumed pain relieving medicine.
  • Having high fever together with canker sores.

In conclusion, do not be terrified when you notice that you have canker sore. Like any other dental problem it can still be prevented, you need consider your oral hygiene. Remember to brush your teeth and most importantly making regular visits with your dentist, it will enable them to evaluate the problem immediately to help you sort out the problem as soon as possible.

TEETH GRINDING AND CLENCHING

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

Medically known as bruxism, it is a common action among people who get them from time to time. It is not harmful but it occurring on regular basis could lead to teeth damage and other oral health issues. People grind and clench their teeth mainly due to anxiety and stress, happen unexpectedly and mostly when you one is asleep, if you experience a dull and constant headache or sore jaws then perhaps you are just from grinding and clenching your teeth. Bruxism has been linked to sleep apnea which is a disorder leading to a crooked or missing tooth.

In case you experience any grinding or clenching feeling it is advisable that you consult your dental physician to carry out close mouth and jaw examination, or wear on the teeth. Bruxism is harmful in that it damages/ fractures your jaws leading to loss of teeth; it causes stumps on your teeth, on such occasion an implant and dentures might be required

How to stop teeth grinding and clench

  • For it to stop, your dentist needs to make for you a customized mouth guard to protect your mouth when it starts grinding unexpectedly.
  • You should also try to ease stress by speaking to your doctor about it or try to attend counseling sessions or consider seeing a physical therapist.
  • Avoid caffeine foods such as chocolate, colas and coffee.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Avoid chewing things that are not food such as pens and pencil, chewing gums as it makes you jaw clench then grind.
  • Train your jaw muscle to relax by placing your tongue in between your teeth in case you notice the pattern at which you clench and grind a lot.
  • Place a warm cloth across your cheek from our front earlobe every night before you sleep.

For your information, teeth grinding has not only been limited to adults only even children are more prone to it. According to statistics approximately 15% to 40% of children grind their teeth but at peak times, that is when the baby teeth have developed and when the permanent teeth are just developing, hence leading more children losing their teeth at such stages.

If your child has improper aligned teeth or the contact between the upper and lower teeth is irregular with other health conditions such as pinworm, allergies and endocrine disorder.

Also, children experience stress and anxiety in some situation, to help them stop grinding and clenching you need to:

  • Lower your child’s stress levels before bed.
  • Make him relax the muscles by massaging and doing exercises.
  • Ensure that your child stays hydrated.
  • Your dentist must check your child’s teeth if they are grinders.

In conclusion, clenching and grinding damages your teeth, for a child no intervention required, however for an older child the dentist might recommend a night guard, to prevent grinding. Like adults with most children it usually happens while they are asleep, but some occurs during waking hour. Remember to take care of your teeth and also avoid foods that cause teeth clenching and grinding.

Breastfeeding: 6 Things Nursing Moms Should Know About Dental Health

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

Breastfeeding is one of the first (and most personal) decisions a mother makes for her baby

Breastfeeding is one of the first (and most personal) decisions a mother makes for her baby

Breastfeeding is one of the first (and most personal) decisions a mother makes for her baby. It can help your baby’s body fight infections and reduce health risks like asthma, ear infections, SIDS and obesity in children. Nursing moms may lower their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer. But did you know breastfeeding can impact the dental health of both baby and mom? Here’s how:

Breastfeeding May Help Build a Better Bite

Several recent studies, one in Pediatrics in 2015 and one in the August 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, found that babies who were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months were less likely to have teeth alignment issues such as open bites, crossbites, and overbites, than those exclusively breast fed for shorter lengths of time or not at all.

Still, this doesn’t mean your exclusively breastfed baby won’t need braces someday. Other factors, including genetics, pacifier use, and thumbsucking, affect alignment. “Every baby, every child is different,” says Dr. Ruchi Sahota, mother and American Dental Association spokesperson. “The best thing for mom to do is to take the child to the dentist and make sure the dentist is able to monitor eruption, that baby teeth are coming out at the right time and permanent teeth are coming in at the right time.”
 

You Don’t Have to Wean When Your Baby Gets Teeth

It’s a question that often pops up in parenting message boards and conversations with new moms: Should I stop breastfeeding when my baby starts teething? The answer is not if you don’t want to. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of a baby’s life; the World Health Organization encourages moms to go for two. “As it goes with breastfeeding, every child is different, every mother is different,” Dr. Sahota says. “You should stop breastfeeding when you think it’s the best for you and the baby but not just because the teeth come in.” 

Breastfeeding Reduces the Risk for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Another benefit of exclusive breastfeeding, Dr. Sahota says, is a reduced risk of baby bottle tooth decay, the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. This type of tooth decay often occurs when a baby is put to bed with a bottle – even ones containing formula, milk or fruit juice. (Water is fine because the teeth won’t be bathed in sugary liquids for a prolonged time.) It most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. 

Breastfed Babies Can Still Get Cavities

It’s one of the most common questions nursing mothers ask: Can breastfeeding cause cavities? Yes, it can. Although natural, breast milk, just like formula, contains sugar. That is why, breastfed or bottlefed, it’s important to care for your baby’s teeth from the start. A few days after birth, begin wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth every day. Then, brush her teeth twice a day as soon as that first tooth emerges. Use fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice.

Need Dental Work Done? Double Check Your Medications    

If you need to have a dental procedure that requires medication while nursing, check with your dentist, personal physician and pediatrician to make sure it is safe for baby. “It’s important to know there are antibiotics we can give you that won’t hurt the baby,” Dr. Sahota says. “It’s not only safe to go to the dentist while you’re pregnant and while you’re nursing, it’s very important to do so for the best health of your child.” 

Another helpful resource for nursing moms is the U.S National Library of Medicine’s Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Simply search for any medication and get information about how it affects your supply, your baby and if there’s an alternative available. Talk to your doctor about what you find. 

Mom, Take Care of Yourself

Dr. Sahota says there’s one thing she sees in new moms, breastfeeding or not. “I definitely see moms who are, as simple as it sounds, are not able to take care of themselves as well as they did before the baby,” she says. “Moms that are just not brushing as much as they used to, whether they’re brushing once a day or not brushing at all.” 

A dip in dental care could lead to more gum disease and cavities. Cavity prevention is especially crucial for moms, as even the simple act of sharing a spoon with could transfer that bacteria into your baby’s mouth. “It’s really important to do the basics: Brush twice a day, floss once a day. See your ADA dentist regularly,” she says. “Make sure you have prevented decay and don’t have any cavities so you don’t transfer that to your baby.”

Dr. Sahota says she also sees more teeth grinding(bruxism) in moms. “I see a lot more head and neck muscle tension, which causes our jaws to be a little bit more tense and then that causes us to grind our teeth,” she says. “Trouble sleeping when we’re pregnant, that can cause us to grind our teeth a little bit. Postnatally, stress can increase and it can also be an issue.”

All moms need to stay hydrated, especially if breastfeeding. “Not drinking enough water, that in itself is a very dangerous thing for your mouth,” she says. “If we have a dry mouth, we put ourselves at risk for gum disease, for cavities, so many things.”

And there’s one last piece of advice Dr. Sahota gives all moms. “Just like if you’re on an airplane, you have to put your oxygen mask on first before you put it on your child,” she says. “If you’re not healthy, you will not have the time and the energy to make sure your children are also healthy.”

The Right Time for an Orthodontic Check-Up: No Later than Age 7

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

Why Your Child Should Get An Orthodontic Check-up No Later Than Age 7:

Stroking Your Baby’s Nose To Sleep Actually Works Beyond ‘Frozen 2’

by Paul Ganjian, posted in daniel ganjian, dental blog, pediatrician, pediatrics

Frozen 2 is full of emotionally charged scenes, but none more endearing than a small scene at the beginning where Anna and Elsa’s mom rubs Anna’s nose to help her fall asleep. It’s adorable and heartwarming, but also stroking your baby’s nose to put them to sleep actually… works? OK, Disney. I’m listening.

Dr. Daniel S. Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center tells Romper, “Stroking any part of your child’s face calms a child and allows them to fall asleep more quickly. Stroking allows your child to feel safe and loved, filling up their emotional needs. The theory is that the nerves of the face/head go straight into the brain, whereas nerves from the rest of the body do not go straight to the brain. The latter have to pass through the spinal cord first. Since the facial nerves have a direct connection with the brain, they are more potent. That is why kisses to the face provoke the most emotions.” Pretty fascinating stuff, right?

“With some babies, they find it relaxing, so they fall asleep. I don’t think this is scientific, but also, when you stroke their nose, the instinct is to close your eyes, so if they are tired, it can make them fall asleep,”

The technique of rubbing your baby’s nose isn’t as odd as it sounds — parents will try anything to get their child to sleep. Ganjian has had parents of his patients keep the vacuum cleaner running to get their baby to go to sleep and stay asleep, and Posner says, “One parent used the sound and vibration of a dryer running for their baby to fall asleep.” I mean, at least by stroking your baby’s nose, you can just marvel at their perfect little face.

As for other tips and tricks to get your baby to go to sleep that aren’t so strange, Ganjian suggests gently rubbing your child’s closed eyes. “This causes the vagus nerve to send relaxation signals to the body and slow down the heart rate, making the person more relaxed and prepared for sleep.” 

Posner says certain techniques are definitely kid-dependent. “Some children get annoyed with you rubbing their hair or their back, but a lot find this very relaxing. Some calming music can help soothe infants and children to sleep. Also, a routine before actual bed can be useful —baths can be very relaxing and calming. Other parents like taking their kid for a ride in a car or a stroller to lull them to sleep.”

But hey, if softly rubbing their sweet little face will send them off to slumberland, that’s pretty perfect. For an added bonus, you can tell your kids that’s how their favorite princess falls asleep.

Experts:

Dr. Daniel S. Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Mayor’s Fund, DVS, Work to Bring Smiles to Local Veterans in Need with Dental Care Pilot

by Paul Ganjian, posted in best of New York, dental blog

Mario, a Yorkville resident, is like many of his fellow New York veterans. After serving his country, he found a second career as a police officer, and now that he has retired, he spends his time…
— Read on medium.com/@mayorsfundnyc/mayors-fund-dvs-work-to-bring-smiles-to-local-veterans-in-need-with-dental-care-pilot-52c3264534bf

My Grandfather the Dentist, WW Two Vet, and My Endorsement with Next Generation Dental — Laura Kovall

by Paul Ganjian, posted in best of New York, dental blog, Paul Ganjian, Paul Ganjian D

My Grandfather the Dentist, WW Two Vet, and My Endorsement with Next Generation Dental — Laura Kovall
— Read on www.laurakovall.com/blog/2018/11/19/my-grandfather-the-dentist-ww-two-vet-and-my-endorsement-with-next-generation-dental

Digital Dental Intraoral scanners Milling Machines and its revolutionary impact on future of dentistry

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

It can be difficult for dentists to know which the latest technology is worth the investment. Paul Ganjian, DDS, MA, predicts that Implementation of such technology is heading to be soon a standard of care and as common as having digital radiography and dental software management. There’s no question that dentists should seriously consider intraoral scanners as a future part of their practice.

Thanks to the rapid evolution of technology dentistry is constantly benefiting from such changes as partial side effects of these research discoveries of technology manufacturers, it is important for dentists to keep up with these changes by staying up to date on the latest innovations in dentistry. One of these newest revolutions is the integrated scanner. Equally, I’m penning this article I have discovered several more intraoral scanners in countries as far as Israel and Switzerland.

This device is capable to revolutionize the delivery of dental treatment and patient management in a format that can be hard to compare to the conception of digital imaging radiography. Understanding the immediate benefits should be considered and compared in my opinion to evolution of smart phone and its later additional hardware and software improvements and add-ons. Some immediate advantages are delivering accurate scans of your patient’s bite or tooth without the demand to take traditional impressions. Implement intraoral dental scanner into your pattern can save time during the early stages of treatment, save money on impression materials, and bring better results for your patient in the long run, plus the ability of immediate restoration in your practice. The list of what a third or fourth generation scanner would be capable of based on an American Association of Digital Dentistry consensus is in short called “Dentistry’s digital Milestone”.

The digital dental scanners are all claiming to be consummate. The organized dentistry whom I strongly support and admire has done poorly evaluating intraoral dental scanners. A group of dentists with further minimum training of masters degree in information or digital technology have come up with three simple recommendations for dental practitioners and dental professionals in organized and higher education.
Here is the consensus:
1. No dental association even ADA should endorse or mention the products unless it’s tested by a team of certified experts.
2. Such equipments require a solid commitment from the R&D department which requires historical commitment of the research department and change in the quality of the hardware.
3. Historical research in the R&D information of the current product plus the focus of the manufacturer in constant improvement and upgrade of hardware and software.
4. Reputation of the product by word of mouth and research in the digital news information.
The intraoral scanner eliminates many of these time-consuming and often imprecise steps. A digital impression taken by an integrated scanner delivers a quick, accurate image of the treatment region. The nuisances of taking an impression with putty and filling it with messy plaster are no longer factors.
A more, there is no need to care
The distortions that can happen due to the inconsistent nature of traditional impression material Intraoral scanners are the future of dentistry. By implementing them into your practice at present, you will put yourself and your team ahead of the curve in dental care. Your patients will be tickled with the ease and efficiency of this new technology, giving them even more incentive to move forward with treatment. An investment in Intraoral dental scanner now will be an investment in your practice, your standard of upkeep, and above all, your patients.

Sticky Cavity Causing Foods and Snacks

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

What type of foods can cause cavities in children?

Parents often ask about snack foods that can cause cavities in children. Candy is notorious as a “cavity-causing food”, but other snack foods which are sometimes considered “healthy” snack options such as dry fruit, cereal, gummy vitamins, or organic fruit snacks can also be very damaging to the teeth. These sticky foods stay in those deep grooves of our teeth even after rinsing, and sometimes brushing! This is another reason why a sealant can be protective. A sealant is a thin material which is placed in the grooves of the teeth to help flatten the surface of the tooth, so food doesn’t stick so easily to the tooth.

Here is an excellent infographic from Artic Dental, which illustrates visually just how different snack foods can stick to the grooves of our teeth and give the bacteria that cause cavities the perfect substrate to make acid and decay our teeth.

What type of foods are a better snack option?

1. Fresh fruit/vegetables- a great source of vitamins, fiber.

2. Milk/dairy products like string cheese – great source of calcium, helps to stimulate saliva.

3. Water instead of sports drinks, juices(even homemade ones)- great to help wash out to mouth from food particles.

Infographic provided by Arctic

Dental office Shadowing for Dental School Admission

by Paul Ganjian, posted in Ben Ganjian, dental blog, Dental Care, next generation dental

Shadowing
Students often decide they want to become dentists at different points in their lives—some know as early as middle school, while others don’t decide until their third year of college. Whenever you made your choice, you have to be sure to prepare yourself to pursue this profession and shadowing a dentist is a crucial part of that process.
Shadowing: going to a dentist’s or dental specialist’s office to observe procedures, learn terminology and techniques, observe different practice environments and ask the dental professional questions about his or her journey to practicing dentistry.
Dental schools like to see applicants with shadowing experience, as it shows that the student has a solid grasp of what is involved in the practice of dentistry. One critical aspect of practicing dentistry involves understanding patient confidentiality. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, better known as HIPAA, provides strict provisions for safeguarding medical information. Shadowing opportunities enable students to observe first-hand the vital role confidentiality plays in building and maintaining trust with a patient.
Shadowing a dentist will give you the opportunity to confirm and demonstrate your desire to pursue dentistry and also help you picture yourself as a practicing dental professional.
Here are some questions you could ask the dentist or dental specialist you shadow:
What do you like most about your work?

What do you find challenging about your profession?

Would you still pursue dentistry if you could go back in time?

What are some of the highlights of your work?

What gets you excited about coming to work every day?

If you were not practicing dentistry, what would you be doing?

How do you balance work and family life?

Do you participate in any community service?

If you could change something about the practice of dentistry, what would it be?

What did you think about your dental school experience? Do you have any advice?

What was the most challenging aspect of dental school?

Where do I begin?
Start by asking your personal dentist if he or she would be willing to be shadowed.

If your personal dentist is unable to be shadowed, ask if he or she can recommend another practitioner.

Ask your friends, your classmates, your friends’ parents, or your professors to see if their dentist might be willing to be shadowed.

Talk to your health professions advisor.

Reach out to your local dental school to see if they have local alumni who would be interested in being shadowed.

Get informed about HIPAA – it lets the dentist know you understand this important part of patient confidentiality.
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