VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

If any of your friends or family members are looking for a new dentist, please feel free to give them our name.

We would be happy to meet them and introduce them to our dental practice.

Make sure that anyone you refer mentions your name when they call us for an appointment so we can express our appreciation to you.

Dear Patients and Friends,

We hope you have enjoyed our 1st issue of Bonita Springs Smiles.

Our first summer in sunny Florida has gone by so fast. This has been an exciting summer for us. First of all, Lizzie and I got married on June 5th on Marco Island. It was just beautiful and we have great pictures to show for it.

Keeping up to date with the latest concepts in dentistry is very important to us. Lizzie and I attended a continuing education course on Restorative Dentistry in Orlando this summer. We both feel it is a must to always continue to expand our minds.

We want to thank you for your referrals of your friends and family. It has been so enjoyable meeting all of our new patients and their families. We appreciate the confidence you have expressed in us.

We are looking forward to an exciting “ fall season”. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Lizzie and I are here to help you.

All the Best,

Lizzie and Burt Golumbic

A Caring Approach to Comprehensive, Aesthetic, Restorative, and General Dentistry

Bonita Springs Smiles

NEW SMILES ARE WELCOME AT THE OFFICE OF DR. GOLUMBIC

Cosmetic dentistry used to be reserved for the rich and famous, but today’s easy and affordable techniques now allow anyone with the desire for a “movie star smile” to treat themselves to their choice of cosmetic improvements.

One of easiest and most effective ways to brighten your smile is with professional whitening. While there is a dizzying selection of drugstore tooth whitening options available, ranging from whitening toothpastes to strips to gels, they are no substitute for the professional results of dental office treatment. In addition, some over-the-counter products may produce some questionable results, based on the original color and condition of your teeth. Let us help you make the best decision for your individual situation.

If it’s not the yellow in your teeth that’s making you blue, but rather their condition, then your first stop should be to our office. Many people have chipped, cracked, worn or uneven teeth that distract from an otherwise sunny smile. Today’s dentistry has the solution that’s right for you, whether it be dental bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns.

Maybe your problem isn’t the condition of a tooth but rather the absence of one or more, in which case you’ll want to find out about all the advances in dental implants. Long gone are the days of ill-fitting, uncomfortable

dentures or bridges – a dental implant literally replaces a missing tooth by installing an artificial tooth root where the missing root was. A new tooth is then manufactured and anchored to the root to result in a completely natural look and feel. Dental implants are the best option to take care of not only the cosmetic desire to fill a gap, but also the dental necessity of ensuring that the position of the remaining teeth are not adversely affected by the space left by any missing teeth.

We have the solution to whatever smile improvement you’re looking for. Give us a call to book an appointment for your “star” treatment today!

Movie Star Smiles Aren’t Just For Movie Stars Anymore!

COS

Sinusitis – the inflammation of one or more sinuses due to a bacterial infection or sinus congestion from a cold, flu or allergy – can sometimes have the same symptoms as a toothache. As the roots of the upper teeth lie very close to the floor of the maxillary sinuses (the sinuses located between the eye sockets and the upper jaw), any inflamma-tion of these sinuses after a cold, flu or allergy attack can feel like a toothache.

If you are unsure as to the cause of your toothache, please make an appointment with us to have it evaluated to ensure you receive the proper treatment.

Toothache or Sinusitis?

PAGE 2

Life Stages/Dental ChangesEstablishing good dental hygiene habits should start as soon as the very first baby tooth pops out of a child’s gums.

Babies’ first teeth can be brushed with a soft “baby” toothbrush and water or simply wiped with cotton swabs – at this age they don’t need to use toothpaste. As soon as there are two adjacent teeth in the mouth, a nightly flossing ritual needs to be introduced to the dental routine too. Good dental habits are easier to maintain if they are established early, as part of a normal daily routine.

When a child’s first permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about 6 years of age, you will want to talk to us about applying a plastic coating, or “sealant” on those back teeth. We simply paint the sealant on the chewing surfaces of the molars to provide a safe and effective barrier to food getting trapped in the grooves of the teeth, which could eventually lead to the formation of cavities. A second application of sealant should be applied at about 12 years, when the sec-ond permanent molars arrive.

The teenaged years sometimes bring with them eating dis-orders, including bulimia (self-induced vomiting). Patients suffering from this disorder will experience erosion on the back of their upper front teeth due to the acid in the vomit, and may also develop sores at the corners of their mouth. Tongue and mouth piercings are popular with the teenage set, but they have their own set of problems, from oral hygiene issues and infections to fractured, cracked or

chipped teeth.

As the adult years approach, some gender differences start to emerge. While both men and women need to be vigilant with their dental hygiene, studies show that men are less likely to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health until a problem arises. Problems can range from bad breath to gum disease and tooth loss to oral cancer – all problems that are treatable if identified early.

Women’s oral health can be linked to different stages of life, and fluctuating levels of hormones. For example, pregnant women have a risk of increased inflammation of the gums because of a surge in estrogen and progesterone. Rigid attention to dental hygiene and regular cleanings at the dentist are a must in order to keep teeth and gums clean, and to prevent plaque from forming. If plaque isn’t removed, it may lead to gingivitis and subsequently to more serious periodontal diseases, which have been linked to pre-term, low-weight babies.

Menopause brings its own set of dental concerns. During this time some women can experience dry mouth, burning sensations and changes in taste. Hormone replacement therapy may cause gums to bleed, swell and become red.

As your dental professional, we’re here to help you and your family through each life stage. Regular visits and open communication about health or medication changes will allow us to monitor any changes in your oral health, and make each stage as healthy and comfortable as possible.

PAGE 3

While the common cold is most frequently associated with being the most widespread disease in this country, gingivitis and tooth decay are right behind it. And like the com-mon cold, dental disease can affect anyone, at any age, especially if they are not diligent about their dental habits.

Sugars and starches increase the risk of

tooth decay, with sticky foods more harmful than non-sticky due to their propensity to remain on the teeth, interact with bacteria in the mouth and convert into harmful acids.

Ask us about the most effective methods of fighting back against gingivitis and tooth decay with proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Public Enemy #2!

While you may recognize that emotional stress can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), affect your heart and lead to various physical ailments, did you know that stress is also linked to an increased risk of periodontal (gum) diseases?

Periodontal diseases stem from bacterial infections that, if left untreat-ed, can lead to tooth loss. If you are experiencing serious stress in your life, your immune system will be compromised and will weaken to the point that it cannot fight the type of bacteria that causes periodontal disease.

Gum disease advances steadily with inadequate dental hygiene, meaning infrequent or ineffective brushing and flossing. Stage one in gum disease is gingivitis, which may cause you no noticeable discomfort, but will result in swollen gums that bleed easily. At this point the condition can be reversed with professional care and a vigilant improvement in home dental hygiene. The problem is that, because you aren’t in any physical pain or distress, you may not think about coming into our office for a checkup until the condition advances to the next stage, where plaque spreads below the gum line to irritate and eventually break down the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Gingivitis at that point progresses to periodontitis, and that’s when the real trouble – the risk of losing your teeth – begins.

The wisest line of defense is to continue coming in for pro-fessional cleanings. This will ensure that any gum disease is monitored and given the opportunity to be reversed.

Gum Disease and Stress

If you are experiencing a frequent clicking or pop-ping sound in your jaw, you may possibly have joined the over 10 million North Americans who suffer from Temporomandibular Disorders, commonly referred to as TMD.

The temporomandibular joint (“TMJ”), located in the front of the ear, allows us to open and close our mouths and move our jaws all around so that we can talk, yawn, chew and swallow. If the jaw is damaged, or if a person grinds or clenches their teeth, they can sometimes trigger TMD. Unfortunately, the symptoms of TMD often resemble other conditions and, as such, it is difficult to diagnose. Nevertheless, advise your dentist if you experience any of

the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles;

• Popping, clicking or grating sounds when opening and closing the mouth;

• A restricted ability to open the mouth very wide;

• Earaches without infection, a ringing or sense of fullness in the ears;

• A sudden uncomfortable bite, as if the upper and lower teeth aren’t fitting together the right way;

• Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found;

• Pain in the head, face, neck and shoulders.

If you are diagnosed with TMD, we can often work togeth-er to ease the discomfort of your condition by providing you with a variety of stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants and even a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. Give us a call to discuss this complex condition and the steps we can take to help you with it.

TMD: Let’s Talk About Your Click and Pop

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

2755 05/04/04PAGE 4

The information contained in this newsletter is not designed as dental advice, but rather as a means to encourage interest in your dental health and communication with your dentist. Whole or partial reproduction of this newsletter is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. © Market Connections Inc. 2004, Phone: (800) 243-5334, Website: www.dentalhealthnews.org

BONITA SPRINGS SMILES

Welcome, we are here to help you.

Burton P. Golumbic, D.D.S.

3376 Woods Edge Circle, Suite 101Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Phone: (239) 498-9666www.BonitaSpringsSmiles.com

Lizzie & Burt Golumbic

Your Appointments:We see all patients on an appointment basis. Please call Lizzie at (239) 498-9666 and she will gladly schedule you an appointment. We have flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings for your convenience. Lizzie will be happy to offer you a choice from the appointments available.

Thank You:We thank you for the confidence you have placed in us. We are complimented that you have chosen us. We welcome you as a member of our fine family of patients. Our practice is built on referrals - your recommendations are appreciated.

It's nice to have you with us.

Burt and Lizzie Golumbic

Lizzie

A reminder of your next appointment with Dr. Golumbic.If you haven’t already booked a time for your next appointment, please call Lizzie today to reserve the most convenient time for you.

We’re pleased to present to our patients who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth, the easy and effective smile solution of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of individual teeth to cosmetically correct tooth imperfections. While orthodontics is usually the recommended choice of treatment for more pronounced cases, veneers can sometimes

be used as an alternative to orthodontic treatment by closing spaces between teeth or evening out the alignment of teeth if the misalignment is not excessive. Complete in just 2 to 3 appointments, veneers provide a quick, easy and long-lasting cosmetic “fix” over the more drawn-out orthodontic options. Both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns also provide high-quality alternatives to tooth whitening, especially if your teeth are permanently discolored from medications or stained or darkened as a result of injury or root canal treatment.

The composition of porcelain veneers allows for the most natural-looking teeth possible by replicating the translucency and light-handling characteristics of natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are also extremely stain-resistant – a bonus for smokers and people who enjoy coffee, tea, red wine and fruits with deep, staining colors.

Come in and talk to us about how easy it is to put your best smile forward with the application of strong, attractive and natural-looking porcelain veneers.

The Last Word on: Refills

Dental fillings - no matter what they’re made of - are meant to last many years, but they certainly don’t last forever. Everyday activities like chewing, grinding or clenching your teeth causes fillings to wear away, chip or crack from the pressure.

When it’s time to replace your old fillings, you may be interested in brightening up your smile with white composite resins instead of the amalgam you may currently have. These aesthetically pleasing materials were developed to provide patients with the option of filling cavities or fixing teeth with a natural-looking white material, tinted to blend in with your teeth, rather than the industrial-looking metal of the past.

Fillings can be easily replaced in most cases. Some people choose to replace their metal fillings with composite resins all at once in order to have the most attractive smile possible.

Ask us about attractive composite resin replacements for your old metal fillings to provide the right, white smile support.

Porcelain Veneers Make a Dazzling Difference!