We are excited! Our Media PA dental  office has converted to 100% green energy, renewable electricity produced from the sun, low-impact water power, and wind. These forms of energy treat our planet gently, sparing the environment from the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Compared to fossil fuels, renewable solar, wind and water energy reduces carbon dioxide. CO2 gas can injure the ozone layer that protects our atmosphere from the harmful effects of the sun.

There are many other reasons we are smiling. Renewable energy is 100% American, produced by your neighbors. It is increasingly affordable. It is not subject to international disruptions. It cannot be exhausted because energy from sun, water and wind is unlimited.

As a Media PA dentist, I believe in gentle care for my patients, and protection of this beautiful Earth.  I abandoned dark metal fillings containing mercury in 1989. We long ago switched to compact fluorescent bulbs. We have never permitted dental waste to enter the water supply. And now, as you relax in our dental reclining chair, it is clean solar, wind and water power running our equipment.

Currently, renewable energy accounts for only 8% of our national energy production but we can do more. Is your dentist a “green” dentist? Each of us can reduce our carbon footprint by choosing more green energy options. I believe in gentle painless dental care, technical artistry and respect for every patient; I also believe that renewable energy is the right thing to do. What a great reason to smile!

If you are seeking gentle, quality dental care, and you are in the greater Philadelphia, Delaware County, Wilmington Delaware or Media PA area, please visit Media PA dentist or call Dr. Bodak’s office at (610) 565-2868.  I care about your oral health.

Are you “zinc-ing” too much?

Zinc, an essential mineral for our body, plays a role in mineral balance, immunity and cell growth. It occurs naturally in foods such as beef, eggs and yogurt, but it may also be found in denture adhesives. According to Dr. von Fraunhofer, MSc, PhD, co-author an article published in the current issue of General Dentistry, overusing denture adhesives can lead to “toxic levels of zinc, with adverse neurologic effects.”  How do you know if you are using too much?  You should apply only a thin film or a series of dots to the denture, according to the manufacturer’s directions, and one tube should last 1-2 months.

 Regarding denture adhesives, More Is Not Better…

If you are using larger amounts of denture adhesive, trying to keep an ill-fitting denture in place, it is time to see your dentist. Denture-wearers should continue to see their dentist every six months, for an oral examination and assessment of the fit of their denture.  The tissues of your mouth shrink over time, leading to gaps and loose dentures. Adjustments can be made in many cases, so that your denture can still fit without irritation or embarassing slips. In general, a new denture is required every five or six years.

Over-consumption of zinc, whether from denture adhesive, mineral zinc supplements or other sources, can cause irritation of your gums and nausea.  It is difficult to produce high zinc levels in your body from your diet alone. High zinc levels can lead to numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, disturbances of taste, and muscle cramps. Zinc and copper, another essential mineral, are in balance.  If your zinc levels go up, your copper levels go down. High levels of zinc can cause secondary copper deficiency. Disturbances in copper levels can produce nerve damage and and anemia (low blood count).

If you are using both zinc supplements and denture adhesives, discuss this with your doctor or nutritionist. We advise our patients to use denture adhesive sparingly, in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, and to see us regularly for a thorough oral examination.

If you are seeking gentle, quality dental care, and you are in the greater Philadelphia, Delaware County, Wilmington Delaware or Media PA area, please visit Media PA dentist or call Dr. Bodak’s office at (610) 565-2868.  I care about your oral health.

Dr. Bodak, your Media PA dentist

Research indicates that 40 million Americans suffer from migraines or tension headaches and one of the reported causes of headache is teeth grinding and clenching. It has also been reported that one out of four women suffer from migraine headaches, and half of all migraine sufferers are undiagnosed. The pain and frustration leads many to seek migraine relief beyond medicine prescriptions.

Your Dentist Be Able to Help With Migraine Relief

Did you know that your dentist may be able to help you address your need for migraine relief with a simple device know as NTI? This simple device has been reported to offer migraine relief in some patients. Now you can prevent constant migraine pain, eliminate teeth grinding and suppress uncomfortable clenching with the NTI Tension Suppression System.

What is NTI and How Could it Help with Migraine Relief?

NTI-tss is a small acrylic guard that is custom made for your teeth and is an option for migraine relief worth exploring with your dentist. The device is quite simple to make and adjust so that it is comfortable and stable. The device works by reducing jaw clenching during sleep. It fits over the central teeth on the bottom arch of the mouth and keeps the rear teeth from touching. Many patients unconsciously clench and grind their teeth at night. For some, clenching serves as a catalyst for migraine inducing strain on the muscles in the head and face.

Who Can You Contact for More Information on Options for Migraine Relief

If you or someone you know suffers from migraines and would like more information on how NTI-tss may help with migraine relief, call Dr. Bodak and schedule an appointment to discuss your situation. We serve the greater Philadelphia, Delaware County, Wilmington Delaware and Media PA area, so please visit Media PA dentist or call Dr. Bodak’s office at (610) 565-2868.

Dental anxiety affects almost half of us…

Fear  of going to the dentist is so common that many of us avoid dental exams for years. And then a small cavity becomes an abscessed tooth,  or advanced periodontal gum disease takes over.  When we finally do make that dental appointment, the problem has usually become painful and expensive. 

 Why do we wait? For many of us, it is fear of the dental needle, the numbing injection into our mouth.  We may have had one painful novocaine injection  20 years ago, but that memory is still vividly alive, as if it happened just yesterday. This suffering is now needless, thanks to a new technological advance in pain control.

For those patients whose oral health has been compromised by fear of a painful dental needle, there is GREAT NEWS!  A new device is now available to make oral anesthesia comfortable and painless.  The Dental Vibe is a hand held device I use for all my patients in my Media PA dental office. It is cordless, about the size of your electic toothbrush.   And like your electric toothbrush, it is comfortable and completely PAINLESS.

How does it work?  The Dental Vibe emits a series of vibrations to the tissues of your mouth.  You remain awake,  but instantly your brain can process only the vibration. The pain pathways of your nervous system cannot handle vibration and painful signals at the same time and the vibration get there first.  In our Media PA dental office, our patients report only a pleasant, mild buzzing feeling.   At that moment, the local anesthetic can be injected without any awareness, taste or discomfort from the injection. Then your dental work can begin in comfort.

You no longer need to fear your dental visit…

If the thought of the dental needle has always been too much for you, your worries are over. At our Media PA dental office, we offer pain-free injection comfort technology to every patient, along with the highest quality restorative dentisty at affordable prices.  Many of our patients have put off needed dental work, some for years, but they are now restoring their oral health. After their first Dental Vibe injection, they all say “Why did I wait so long? I worried for nothing!”

So if dental anxiety has plagued you… 

Don’t wait and worry any longer.  Ask whether your dentist uses the latest in comfort injection systems or find one who does. If you are seeking gentle, quality dental care, and you are in the greater Philadelphia, Delaware County, Wilmington Delaware or Media PA area, please visit Media PA dentist or call Dr. Bodak’s office at (610) 565-2868. The Dental Vibe comfort injection sytem is one of the many techniques we use to ensure your comfort, which is our first priority.  

I care about your oral health.

Dr. Bodak, Media PA dentist

It’s a New Year.  Is Your Smile Ready for 2011?  

Your smile is the first feature that everyone notices. We all want to make that great first impression, with a smile that reflects our inner self. But if you are not proud of your smile, or if you have discolored or damaged teeth, you may avoid smiling, or cover your mouth when you laugh. Take a few moments to honestly evaluate your teeth, gums, breath and smile.  Are you truly satisfied?  If your smile is not ready for the New Year, a Smile Makeover can be the difference.  Our patient on the left rarely smiled or laughed because he felt  uncomfortable. Then he decided it was time for a new smile.

If it has been a while since you have visited the dentist, make an appointment to have your teeth examined and professionally cleaned. Yellowish tartar buildup is not healthy or attractive.

• After your dental cleaning, ask for an enamel shade analysis. If you want brighter whiter teeth, consider professional cosmetic whitening. It is affordable and many patients in our Media PA dental office are candidates for this service.
• Some minor problems may be addressed by simple cosmetic dental procedures, such as contouring or cosmetic bonding, during a regular dental visit.
• For those with more extensive cosmetic dental issues, a Smile Makeover may be the answer for you.

A Smile Makeover is custom-designed for your face and bone structure.

In our Media Pa dental office, we see many new patients who have always dreamed of a beautiful attractive smile. Now, with Zirconia crowns or porcelain veneers, a youthful and attractive smile can be yours in 2-3 weeks, just as we did for this patient.  Our patient reported no pain or discomfort, and  he is now ready to relax and Smile for Success!  He says it has changed his life.  What do you think? 

At Media PA dentist, we suggest that you choose a cosmetic dentist with experience, a true dental artist and craftsman, who can design a natural-appearing, healthy smile for a lifetime of enjoyment.  You deserve a wonderful smile!  If you would like to address your dental concerns with an expert in Delaware County, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia, call our friendly office at (610) 565-2868 to schedule your apppointment. You will feel comfortable and welcome here because I care about your comfort and dental health, and your comfort is our first concern!  We offer a number of affordable discount programs and special offers. Together, we can restore your healthy, confident smile with gentle, personalized care by Dr. Bodak, a Media PA Dentist.

Wishing you success and a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles!

New Study in Journal of the American Dietetic Association Indicates Link

Healthy teeth and gums improve your smile and oral health. Most adults will have gum disease at some time in their lives. You may have it right now and not know it!  Can a diet rich in foods like peanut better and salmon help? A recent study says yes!

In my Media PA dental office, I see otherwise vigorous adults with an unhappy smile due to gum disease.  Gum disease not only leads to tooth loss and premature facial aging, but it has also been implicated in diabetes, heart disease and even dementia! 

In a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Volume 110, Issue 11 (November 2010), Harvard researchers found that eating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), like those found in fish oil and nuts, may help prevent gum disease.  PUFAs have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit some types of heart disease and arthritis.  This study provides more evidence that these same good foods may also lower the risk of gum disease, such as  inflammation and infection of the gums (periodontitis).  For good oral health, I recommend foods like salmon and nuts to my Media PA dental patients.

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease in which sensitive gum tissue shrinks away from teeth, creating open pockets. These pockets accumulate infectious bacteria that cannot be removed by simple tooth brushing.  The trapped bacteria produce toxins that lead to bleeding gums, disappearing bone and eventually, tooth loss.  In my Media PA dental office, I see patients with advanced gum disease and weakened bone. They did not realize they had periodontitis because they felt no pain until their teeth started to comes loose.  These researchers studied the effect of diet on oral health among 9,000 American adults who participated in this study.  People with low PUFA diets had three times more periodontal disease. People with high fatty acid intake, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) had the lowest incidence of periodontitis.

Polyunsaturated fats are found in fish oil, fatty fish like salmon, peanut butter, certain margarines, and all types of nuts. Modest portions were enough to lower the incidence of gum disease in the study participants. As a Media PA dentist, I recommend these foods for a healthier smile.

If you are concerned about gum disease, see your dentist soon. If you live near Philadelphia or Wilmington and would like to consult with an expert, gentle Delaware County dentist to discuss all your options, please call our office so we may assist you – (610) 565-2868.

Your oral health and dental care is important to me. Life is better with a healthy smile!

Dr. L. Z. Bodak-G
Media PA Dentist

Dr. Bodak, A dentist in Media PA, asks: Do you know the leading cause of death among women?  The leading killer of American women is … heart attacks, stroke and other types of cardiovascular disease. Surprised that it is not cancer? An average American woman is 10-times more likely to die of heart disease or stroke than breast cancer!  A study of nearly 7,000 people, aged 44-88 years enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study at University of California at Berkeley, has revealed a simple method to decrease a woman’s risk of death. Women who who went to a general dentist like Dr. Bodak during the previous two years reduced their risk of cardiovascular problems by at least one-third. At our Media dental office, all our patients hear about the link between oral and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Bodak has long recognized the associations between dental care and cardiovascular disease.  According to study lead author Dr. Timothy Brown, at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, “general dental care leads to fewer heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a causal way.”  This study  asked whether subjects had visited the dentist and whether they had experienced a heart attack, stroke, angina or congestive heart failure during the prior two years. Deaths from heart attacks or strokes were also included in the analysis. The study included other risk factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, high blood pressure and body mass index.

For dental care to have a protective effect in women, it should occur early in the development of cardiovascular disease.   In our Media PA dental office, we stress the importance of preventive services, such as examinations and professional, gentle cleanings at every stage of life.  Dr. Bodak recommend twice-yearly visits to to our Media dental office, as well as brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Those wearing dentures should make sure they stay clean to prevent the growth of bacteria.

So, while you are thinking about cutting down on calories, salt and fat in your diet, exercising and controlling your blood pressure to improve your heart health, don’t forget a simple tip to cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by 33% – see your dentist! And don’t forget to SMILE!

In our Media PA dental office, we know that the dental X-ray is an important tool in detecting abnormalities of the teeth, gums, bone and surrounding tissues. An X-ray can pick up hidden cavities, infections in the bone, cysts and some types of tumors, as well as teeth that have not developed normally.

Are dental X-Rays safe?
Absolutely. Every human on earth receives daily small amounts of radiation – from natural minerals in the soil, radon, and radiation from outer space. Advances in X-ray equipment, such as the state-of-the-art digital radiography we use in our Media PA dental office, ensure that you receive only a tiny amount of radiation from a dental exam. In fact, a full-mouth series of X-Rays, using today’s technology, exposes you to less radiation than a three-hour airplane flight, or about the same exposure as living 19 days on earth.

How often are X-Rays needed?
This depends on the individual patient and their oral health needs. For new patients in our Media PA dental office, we obtain digital X-rays to help determine the current condition of their mouth and to check for hidden problems. The need for periodic X-Rays is based on your age, risk for disease, and past dental history.

Do children need X-Rays?
Yes, but usually not for the first few years. Dr. Bodak, a Media PA dentist, waits until the permanent teeth have appeared, at about 6 years of age. Cavities are more common in children, and radiographs can lead to early treatment. X-rays can also detect developmental issues early, so that preventative or corrective treatment can be started, preventing bigger problems later.

Can I refuse X-Rays?
Yes, but you are removing an important diagnostic tool from your dentist’s hands. Disease beneath the surface may be present, but not visible. Your dentist may ask that you sign a form indicating your refusal, and that you have been advised of the need for diagnostic X-Rays, the benefits of radiographs and the consequences of late diagnosis.

So, in summary…?
At our Media Pa dental office,  Digital X-Rays are painless, safe, and an indispensable tool for your oral health. Today’s state-of-the-art digital radiographs pose no added risk, and they can help detect disease early, while it is still easily treatable far less costly. At MediaPADentist, we display your digital X-Rays on a large computer screen, allowing you to see and understand more than ever before about your own oral health.

Bad Breath?

If you have bad breath, you are not alone.  As a Media PA dentist, I treat many patients in our Delaware county dental office for this common problem.  Nearly 100 million people suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be embarrassing, and so offensive that people step away from the affected person as they speak. If you want to make a great impression, make sure your breath does not send a foul-smelling message.

What Causes My Bad Breath?

When your breath gives off an unpleasant odor, the bacteria in your mouth may be responsible.  The warm, moist conditions in your mouth are an ideal place for bacteria to multiply.  Bad breath often affects people who aren’t properly taking care of their oral health, or those with infections such as periodontal gum disease.  If you are properly brushing and flossing and still have bad breath, consider these causes: 

• Infections in the mouth — Periodontal (gum) disease
• Respiratory tract infections — Throat infections, sinus infections, lung infections
• External agents — Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco
• Dry mouth, also called xerostomia—This can be caused by salivary gland problems, a number of medications or by “mouth breathing.”
• Systemic illnesses — Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and other illnesses.

Your MediaPADentist recommends some simple steps to avoid this problem and keep your breath fresh.

Properly taking care of your oral health is the key to preventing bad breath. Brushing and flossing will help reduce odor caused by decaying food particles and bacteria in your mouth. Brush and floss several times a day and after meals. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue to eliminate even more bacteria.

Mouthwash is great for freshening up your breath but it is doesn’t fix the source of the problem. Rinse with a non-alcohol containing mouthwash after brushing, especially after eating highly pungent foods like onions.

If you have tooth decay or gum disease, see your dentist or vist Dr. Bodak, your MediaPADentist.  Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by active infections; you cannot fix these problems on your own.

Keep your mouth hydrated.  Chewing sugarless gum is a great way to remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath and odor. Kicking the tobacco habit can sweeten your breath and brighten your smile.

Proper dental care is the key to eliminating bad breath.  Schedule your regular dental checkup with a professional cleaning today.

Wishing you a lifetime of sweet breath and beautiful, healthy smiles!

Your dental care is important to me.

Dr. L. Z. Bodak-G
Media PA Dentist