MOM'S DIET
Special dietary instructions should be followed as prescribed by an obstetrician or family physician, including correct use of the Basic Four Food Groups (Food Guide Pyramid) for better dental health of baby. Foods eaten by mother provide the materials which build baby's body and begin forming baby's teeth. Mother's diet should include the Basic Four Foods with special emphasis on:
1. Elimination of refined starchy foods and sugar such as dry sweetened cereals, chips, cookies, cakes, candies and soda pop - using as substitutes moderate amounts of unrefined foods. Those include fresh vegetables, and fruit, whole grain breads and crackers, unsweetened cereals, potatoes, cooked dry beans, peas and corn.
2. Avoid skipping meals and emphasize three balanced moderate sized meals with small snacks between consisting of nutritious foods (no sugars).
3. Basic Four Foods
a). 4 servings daily of low fat (or skim) milk, cheese or yogurt.
b). 2 to 3 servings of complete protien food such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese or eggs.
c). Fruits and Vegetables: At least one serving daily of citrus fruit or tomatoes and three servings daily of other fruits and vegetables including a serving of dark green and dark yellow vegetables.
d). Four servings of whole grains a day such as whole wheat bread and crackers, brown rice and whole grain cereal.
e). 6 to 8 glasses daily of liquids consisting of water, low fat or skim milk, unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid all alcoholic beverages, soda pop and sugared friut drinks; limit coffee and tea.
4. Take vitamin-mineral supplements as prescribed by your physician daily.
EXPECTANT MOTHER'S DENTAL CARE
Professional Dental Care - Regular dental visits should be continued throughout pregnancy. The best possible care can be provided to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy during this special time.
A complete dental history should be taken if you have not been to a dentist recently, and your dentist may talk with your physician if any abnormal conditions exist. This information will help your dentist decide if it is necessary to modify the type of treatment given and determine the best time for treatment.
Non-emergency (elective) treatment can be performed safely during pregnancy. However, treatment maybe avoided during the first and last three months for a number of reasons. First, if you have a history of miscarriage, are threatening to miscarry, or because of other medical conditions, your dentist may recommend that treatment be posponed until later in the pregnancy or after delivery. Secondly, some pregnant women may be more anxious, more nervous, or subject to gagging during the first few months of pregnancy. If these conditions exist, first discuss your fears with your dentist. Special care will be taken to insure that you do not experience unnecessary physical or emotiomal stress. If your dentist does not think you can tolerate the suggested dental treatment, most often it can be postponed.
Finally, the last months of pregnancy may be uncomfortable for the mother to sit in the dental chair for extended periods. In addition, if you have a history of premature babies, treatment should also be avoided during this time. For your peace of mind and comfort, the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy are usually the best time for treatment.
X-Rays - The dentist uses x-rays to help detect dental caries and other problems. Only the x-rays that are necessary for treatment should be taken during this time. Although the amount of radiation produced from a dental x-ray is very small (and the new digitals are only one tenth of the standard ones), only necessary - not routine- ones should be taken at tis time. Ask that a lead apron be used to prevent exposure to the developing child.
Drugs - Some drugs and anesthetics can be used during and after dental treatment to make you more comfortable. Only those drugs which have no proven side effects should be given. your dentist will consult with your phsician and use their expert judgement to determine what drug can be given at different times during your pregnancy. Also, be sure to inform your dentist of any prescribed drugs you are taking. This will help determine the type of drug, if any, that will be prescribed before,during or after treatment. Take only the correct amount of the drug prescribed. This includes aspirin! If you have any concerns about the effect of any drug on your pregnancy, discuss them with your dentist and physician. Both are concerned about you and your baby's health.
Next time: the Birth to Six Months Period.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Part 12: The Prenatal period
PARENT HEALTH
Baby's health is best served when blessed by healthy parents. A complete physical examination by a physician of both prospective parents is of extreme importance. The expectant mother especially should be closely observed during pregnancy by either her family physician or an obstetrician.
FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH
As you know, babies develop in the sterile environment of the mother's womb. We know that the germs that cause dental disease, cavities and gum problems, are not in the womb. Then, how do we get these germs? The answer is not one we like very much. Research has shown that they come from those we love. From the people who kiss baby. Dental disease is a communicable, infectious disease process. It, therefore, becomes a family concern when we talk about helping baby to the prettiest smile. The job becomes very difficult if baby is daily reinfected by a family member or care giver with uncontrolled dental disease. We now know how to control both caries (decay) and periodontal disease (pyhorrea). The process does not take long and is not expensive, so, the first thing to help baby is to have the family ready (dentally) for baby.
MOTHER'S DENTAL HEALTH
Oral Hygiene - During pregnancy, there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate some dental disorders and poor oral hygiene can cause complications like preterm low birth weights and preeclampsia.
Dental Caries - Many women still believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy, but this is not true. Decay is the result of repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel, not from repeated pregnancies. If a pattern of frequent consumption of sugar- rich foods is allowed, and plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, decay will develop. Avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth by thoroughly brushing and flossing daily to remove harmful plaque. See Part 4.
Morning sickness and an increased gag reflex makes good oral hygiene more difficult. If these problems occur, please advise us and we can provide ways to overcome these problems. Ex - Gargle first with Chloraseptic to temporarily numb the gag reflex, and use of a water irrigator can help.
Pregnancy gingivitis - Unremoved plaque on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed easily when you brush. This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious problems of the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place. During pregnancy, gingivitis may occur more frequently due to an increased rise in hormone levels. This exaggerates the gum tissues' response to the irritants in plaque. But remember, plaque is the major cause of gingivitis. Even though hormone changes are occuring, you can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and eat a balanced diet low in sugar to keep your gums healthy.
Next time - More on food and MOM.
Baby's health is best served when blessed by healthy parents. A complete physical examination by a physician of both prospective parents is of extreme importance. The expectant mother especially should be closely observed during pregnancy by either her family physician or an obstetrician.
FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH
As you know, babies develop in the sterile environment of the mother's womb. We know that the germs that cause dental disease, cavities and gum problems, are not in the womb. Then, how do we get these germs? The answer is not one we like very much. Research has shown that they come from those we love. From the people who kiss baby. Dental disease is a communicable, infectious disease process. It, therefore, becomes a family concern when we talk about helping baby to the prettiest smile. The job becomes very difficult if baby is daily reinfected by a family member or care giver with uncontrolled dental disease. We now know how to control both caries (decay) and periodontal disease (pyhorrea). The process does not take long and is not expensive, so, the first thing to help baby is to have the family ready (dentally) for baby.
MOTHER'S DENTAL HEALTH
Oral Hygiene - During pregnancy, there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate some dental disorders and poor oral hygiene can cause complications like preterm low birth weights and preeclampsia.
Dental Caries - Many women still believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy, but this is not true. Decay is the result of repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel, not from repeated pregnancies. If a pattern of frequent consumption of sugar- rich foods is allowed, and plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, decay will develop. Avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth by thoroughly brushing and flossing daily to remove harmful plaque. See Part 4.
Morning sickness and an increased gag reflex makes good oral hygiene more difficult. If these problems occur, please advise us and we can provide ways to overcome these problems. Ex - Gargle first with Chloraseptic to temporarily numb the gag reflex, and use of a water irrigator can help.
Pregnancy gingivitis - Unremoved plaque on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed easily when you brush. This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious problems of the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place. During pregnancy, gingivitis may occur more frequently due to an increased rise in hormone levels. This exaggerates the gum tissues' response to the irritants in plaque. But remember, plaque is the major cause of gingivitis. Even though hormone changes are occuring, you can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and eat a balanced diet low in sugar to keep your gums healthy.
Next time - More on food and MOM.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Part 11: Shoot for the Center
Now, back to the fuel we run our machine on. Contrary to what most Americans have been led to believe by dentists and others - carbohydrates are not all bad. The refined ones - sugar and white flour are not good for us, but the complex carbohydrates like whole grain and other roughages are excellent and we should be eating more of these.
What we should really be cutting down on is our fat intake. Fat is left as fat by our bodies until it is needed for energy. Below is a table showing how our diet has changed over the years and what it should be.
Percentage of Daily Calories
1900 1970 2000 Recom.
Protein 10-12 % 12-14 % 33% 12%
Fat 30% 44 % 52 % 23 %
Carbohydrates 60% 44% 23% 65%
How does this all tie in with exercise? Well here's the answer. Glucose (carbohydrates) are metabolized as quick energy by enzymes requiring little oxygen in the first stage. All the enzymes used in fat breakdown need a lot of oxygen. Anaerobic (stop and go) exercise, therefore, effectively shuts off all fat burning and forces the muscles to use glucose exclusively.
The aerobic exercise not only allows you to burn fat while exercising but also stimulates DNA synthesis of more of the fat burning enzymes. You are able to grab more oxygen from the blood better and use fats at a higher exercise intensities as these enzymes proliferate.
So the Secret to wellness is to avoid refined carbohydrates and fats and do aerobic exercise for a minimum of 12 minutes six days a week! It sounds easy but requires determination and commitment.
Covert Bailey's Target Diet book would be a great help in eating the right foods. As a quick summary, think of a target with four rings. Now divide the target into four pie shaped sections, one for each of the four food groups. Now let's put some examples of foods in each circle.
Food Group Center Ring Next Ring
Milk Skim Milk Low Fat Milk
Grains Whole Grain Bread Bran Muffin
Meats Beans Fish
Veg/Fruit Fresh Veg Fresh Fruit
Food Group Next Ring Outer Ring
Milk Whole Milk Ice Cream
Grains Granola Snack Crackers
Meats Ground Round Sausage
Veg/Fruit Potatoes French Fries
Aim for the Center Ring!
Next time: Helping Your Baby to it's Prettiest Smile
What we should really be cutting down on is our fat intake. Fat is left as fat by our bodies until it is needed for energy. Below is a table showing how our diet has changed over the years and what it should be.
Percentage of Daily Calories
1900 1970 2000 Recom.
Protein 10-12 % 12-14 % 33% 12%
Fat 30% 44 % 52 % 23 %
Carbohydrates 60% 44% 23% 65%
How does this all tie in with exercise? Well here's the answer. Glucose (carbohydrates) are metabolized as quick energy by enzymes requiring little oxygen in the first stage. All the enzymes used in fat breakdown need a lot of oxygen. Anaerobic (stop and go) exercise, therefore, effectively shuts off all fat burning and forces the muscles to use glucose exclusively.
The aerobic exercise not only allows you to burn fat while exercising but also stimulates DNA synthesis of more of the fat burning enzymes. You are able to grab more oxygen from the blood better and use fats at a higher exercise intensities as these enzymes proliferate.
So the Secret to wellness is to avoid refined carbohydrates and fats and do aerobic exercise for a minimum of 12 minutes six days a week! It sounds easy but requires determination and commitment.
Covert Bailey's Target Diet book would be a great help in eating the right foods. As a quick summary, think of a target with four rings. Now divide the target into four pie shaped sections, one for each of the four food groups. Now let's put some examples of foods in each circle.
Food Group Center Ring Next Ring
Milk Skim Milk Low Fat Milk
Grains Whole Grain Bread Bran Muffin
Meats Beans Fish
Veg/Fruit Fresh Veg Fresh Fruit
Food Group Next Ring Outer Ring
Milk Whole Milk Ice Cream
Grains Granola Snack Crackers
Meats Ground Round Sausage
Veg/Fruit Potatoes French Fries
Aim for the Center Ring!
Next time: Helping Your Baby to it's Prettiest Smile
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Part 10: Maximize Exercise
Here is a list of aerobic exercises and the duration they must be performed to be effective.
Required Minimum Time 12 Minutes
You can figure your recommended exercise pulse rate by subtracting your age from 220 and then multipling by .8. Ex. 220 - 40 = 180 x .8 = 144. This is based on resting heart rates of 72 for males and 80 for females. Athletes can use a .85 multiplier, people with a heart history should use a .75 multiplier. Men over forty and people with any heart problem should talk with their physician and have a stress electrocardiogram before starting an exercise program.
Remember:
Aerobic Exercise
Fitness is MAINTAINED if you exercise three days a week.
Fitness is IMPROVED if you exercise six days a week.
Next time: Covert Bailey's Target Diet
Required Minimum Time 12 Minutes
- Jumping Rope
- Running in place
- Jumping jacks
- Chair stepping
- Jogging
- Running
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Rowing
- Dancing
- Walking
- Outdoor Bicycling
- Stationary Bicycling
- Ice Skating
- Roller Skating
- Swimming
You can figure your recommended exercise pulse rate by subtracting your age from 220 and then multipling by .8. Ex. 220 - 40 = 180 x .8 = 144. This is based on resting heart rates of 72 for males and 80 for females. Athletes can use a .85 multiplier, people with a heart history should use a .75 multiplier. Men over forty and people with any heart problem should talk with their physician and have a stress electrocardiogram before starting an exercise program.
Remember:
Aerobic Exercise
- Steady, Non-Stop
- Duration - 12 to 20 Minutes
- Intensity - 80% of maximum heart rate
Fitness is MAINTAINED if you exercise three days a week.
Fitness is IMPROVED if you exercise six days a week.
Next time: Covert Bailey's Target Diet
Monday, April 19, 2010
Part 9: Burn Butter
So the problem, as most overfat people (which is what we should focus on rather than overweight) already know, is not losing weight. The problem is gaining weight. They now must tackle the real problem... how to change the body chemistry so they won't have such a tendency to make fat out of the foods they eat. How to avoid getting fat all over again.
The ultimate cure for obesity is exercise! Exercise increases muscle, tones it, alters the body chemistry and increases its metabolic rate. It makes you a better butter burner. The most efficient exercise for this purpose is called aerobics (Dr. Ken Cooper). Briefly, aerobic exercise means steady exercise: exercise that demands an uninterupted output from your muscles over a minimum 12 minute period. It has been shown in many exercise physiology laboratories that a steady continous exercise repeated every day reverses more quickly the syndrome of muscles turning to fat than any other kind.
The main criterion for aerobic exercise is that it be continuous and steady. Stop and go exercises just don't do the same thing. Here is a list of endurance exercises (Aerobic) and stop and go exercises (Non-aerobic).
Aerobic
Non-Aerobic
Stop and Go
Short Duration
Low Intensity
Next time - How long for it to work?
The ultimate cure for obesity is exercise! Exercise increases muscle, tones it, alters the body chemistry and increases its metabolic rate. It makes you a better butter burner. The most efficient exercise for this purpose is called aerobics (Dr. Ken Cooper). Briefly, aerobic exercise means steady exercise: exercise that demands an uninterupted output from your muscles over a minimum 12 minute period. It has been shown in many exercise physiology laboratories that a steady continous exercise repeated every day reverses more quickly the syndrome of muscles turning to fat than any other kind.
The main criterion for aerobic exercise is that it be continuous and steady. Stop and go exercises just don't do the same thing. Here is a list of endurance exercises (Aerobic) and stop and go exercises (Non-aerobic).
Aerobic
- Running/Jogging
- Cross-Country Sking
- Jumping Rope
- Running in Place
- Cycling Outdoors
- Stationary Bicycle
- Rowing
Non-Aerobic
Stop and Go
- Tennis
- Downhill Sking
- Football
- Calisthenics
- Handball
- Racquetball
Short Duration
- Weight Lifting
- Sprinting
- Isometrics
- Square Dancing
Low Intensity
- Golf
- Canasta
Next time - How long for it to work?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Part 8: A Prescription for Wellness
The Oral Cavity is not a seperate entity, existing in a vacuum. It is a part of a total being. What is good for one part of that being is good for the rest. Wellness from a dental standpoint must include wellness of the whole person. The following articles are a synopsis of the combined role of nutrition and exercise as it relates to human wellness.
The adage "You are what you eat" only tells part of the story. The other part of the story is how efficient is your body at burning the fuel you feed it? Biochemistry shows us that the better physical shape we are in, the more efficient we utilize the foods we eat. No wonder the sedentary lifestyle Americans lead makes the majority of us overweight.
As we abuse ourselves with over eating and under exercising, the muscles in our bodies atrophy. Your weight may stay the same but the muscle loss is replaced with fat tissue. Muscle weighs more than fat. So the first place we get fat is in our muscles. The "love handles" come later. Lack of exercise changes our body chemistry so that we tend to favor building up even more fat.
I wish to acknowledge two giants in this field whom I have had the privilege to meet and learn from.
Both are authors of books on the subject I heartly recommend.
1. Covert Bailey
2.Dr. Ken Cooper
Next time - what works
The adage "You are what you eat" only tells part of the story. The other part of the story is how efficient is your body at burning the fuel you feed it? Biochemistry shows us that the better physical shape we are in, the more efficient we utilize the foods we eat. No wonder the sedentary lifestyle Americans lead makes the majority of us overweight.
As we abuse ourselves with over eating and under exercising, the muscles in our bodies atrophy. Your weight may stay the same but the muscle loss is replaced with fat tissue. Muscle weighs more than fat. So the first place we get fat is in our muscles. The "love handles" come later. Lack of exercise changes our body chemistry so that we tend to favor building up even more fat.
I wish to acknowledge two giants in this field whom I have had the privilege to meet and learn from.
Both are authors of books on the subject I heartly recommend.
1. Covert Bailey
2.Dr. Ken Cooper
Next time - what works
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Part 7: The Basic Diet Experiment
A couple of "basic" rules for this diet experiment: IF IT COMES IN A BOX OR A CAN - DON'T EAT IT! And, IF A MACHINE GOT TO IT BEFORE YOU DID, DON'T EAT MACHINE LEFTOVERS! (THE MACHINE USUALLY GETS THE GOOD STUFF). READ LABELS on everything you take home.
And now, the diet itself..
FOODS TO INCREASE:
Please increase the amount of FRESH FRUITS and FRESH VEGETABLES you eat. Try to have at least one fresh vegetable and one fresh fruit each day. Although unsweetened, frozen products are generally acceptable, they should be consumed in addition to the fresh fruits recommended. Please try to avoid canned vegetables and canned fruits since these are processed and may have large anounts of refined sugars or corn sweetners in them - which may aggravate your dental problems.
In addition, please increase your consumption of green salads. Have at least one salad every three days, although you may eat salads as often as you wish in most circumstances.
If possible, use Olive Oil and apple cider dressings rather than commercially prepared dressings which may also contain large amounts of sweeteners. You may also use sunflower seed oil. Please avoid corn oil because of the possibility of minor allergies related to corn products. You may also use lemon juice as a form of salad dressing if you wish.
Finally, increase your intake of fish, seafood, chicken and turkey - as well as water and UNsweetened fruit and vegetable juices such as tomato, orange,V8, pinapple and grapefruit(unless your medication directions say otherwise).
FOODS TO DECREASE:
You are ask to TOTALLY AVOID the following foods so that you may scientifically evaluate the impact of dietary distress on your individual dental problems:
1. Refined sugars
2. Processed carbohydrates
3. Artificial sweetners
4. All forms of coffee
5. All forms of colas
6. White flour products
7. All types of alcohol
You may use occasional tea, and Pero or Postum as coffee substitutes. For a sweetner, you may use up to two tablespoons of unprossed honey daily - be sure to read the label to make sure that no refined sugar was added. The new sweetner Xylitol (available on the internet) is also acceptable.
After the initial experimental peroid, you may have an occasional glass of Wine if you wsh an alcoholic beverage.
Be sure to read the labels of all foods you wish to prepare for your meals. You will be amazed at how often sugars have been added to processed products (not to mention sodium). In general, if sugar is greater than the FIFTH most common ingredient on the label, please try to avoid that food. And, please note that processed, refined sugars are our biggest concern - not complex carbohydrates such as those found in potatoes and other vegetables; nor complex sugars such as those found in fruits.
Although this is an "eat as much as you want of the good things" diet, here are some hints on recommended daily amounts: MILK GROUP: Children - 3 cups; Adults - 2 cups; Teenagers, Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers - 4 cups. MEAT GROUP: 2 servings. FRUIT and VEGETABLES GROUP: 4 or more servings. GRAIN GROUP: 4 or more servings.
How long? I usually recommend 10 days for most patients to gain the full benefit of the experiment. If you're feeling full of energy and have lost the weight ( nature's way of diluting the toxins with water) after a week, then proceed to slowly add foods back into your diet as mentioned in the prior article.
Next time: A prescription for wellness
And now, the diet itself..
FOODS TO INCREASE:
Please increase the amount of FRESH FRUITS and FRESH VEGETABLES you eat. Try to have at least one fresh vegetable and one fresh fruit each day. Although unsweetened, frozen products are generally acceptable, they should be consumed in addition to the fresh fruits recommended. Please try to avoid canned vegetables and canned fruits since these are processed and may have large anounts of refined sugars or corn sweetners in them - which may aggravate your dental problems.
In addition, please increase your consumption of green salads. Have at least one salad every three days, although you may eat salads as often as you wish in most circumstances.
If possible, use Olive Oil and apple cider dressings rather than commercially prepared dressings which may also contain large amounts of sweeteners. You may also use sunflower seed oil. Please avoid corn oil because of the possibility of minor allergies related to corn products. You may also use lemon juice as a form of salad dressing if you wish.
Finally, increase your intake of fish, seafood, chicken and turkey - as well as water and UNsweetened fruit and vegetable juices such as tomato, orange,V8, pinapple and grapefruit(unless your medication directions say otherwise).
FOODS TO DECREASE:
You are ask to TOTALLY AVOID the following foods so that you may scientifically evaluate the impact of dietary distress on your individual dental problems:
1. Refined sugars
2. Processed carbohydrates
3. Artificial sweetners
4. All forms of coffee
5. All forms of colas
6. White flour products
7. All types of alcohol
You may use occasional tea, and Pero or Postum as coffee substitutes. For a sweetner, you may use up to two tablespoons of unprossed honey daily - be sure to read the label to make sure that no refined sugar was added. The new sweetner Xylitol (available on the internet) is also acceptable.
After the initial experimental peroid, you may have an occasional glass of Wine if you wsh an alcoholic beverage.
Be sure to read the labels of all foods you wish to prepare for your meals. You will be amazed at how often sugars have been added to processed products (not to mention sodium). In general, if sugar is greater than the FIFTH most common ingredient on the label, please try to avoid that food. And, please note that processed, refined sugars are our biggest concern - not complex carbohydrates such as those found in potatoes and other vegetables; nor complex sugars such as those found in fruits.
Although this is an "eat as much as you want of the good things" diet, here are some hints on recommended daily amounts: MILK GROUP: Children - 3 cups; Adults - 2 cups; Teenagers, Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers - 4 cups. MEAT GROUP: 2 servings. FRUIT and VEGETABLES GROUP: 4 or more servings. GRAIN GROUP: 4 or more servings.
How long? I usually recommend 10 days for most patients to gain the full benefit of the experiment. If you're feeling full of energy and have lost the weight ( nature's way of diluting the toxins with water) after a week, then proceed to slowly add foods back into your diet as mentioned in the prior article.
Next time: A prescription for wellness
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