Summer 2014

from

the

de

nti

st

pLEASE kEEp yOur AppOIntMEntS! IF yOu CAnnOt, pLEASE CALL Our OFFICE 48 HOurS In ADvAnCE tO CAnCEL. tIME IS prECIOuS FOr ALL OF uS.

Produced to improve your dental health and awareness “We Care About Your Smile”

Dentally SpeakingDentally Speaking......... with Dr. Alan L. Mazer .........

Don’t you find that the slower pace of summer is very welcome? Like you, we find our schedules are very full and pretty structured from autumn right through spring. We’ve been busy with work schedules, volunteering, and let’s not forget chauffeuring family to holiday, sport, and school events. Thankfully, summer provides some much-needed balance and way more flexibility both at home and here at the office.

Now, with so many people traveling and pursuing summer pastimes, we can be more available to accommodate your family’s schedule. This is a great time to book appointments you’ve been feeling too pressured to keep.

l Has it been more than six months since you’ve seen us? We’ll clean and check your teeth for cavities, chips, cracked or worn fillings, and gum and bite issues.

l Could your smile use brightening? We’ll book you in plenty of time to look great at the beach or for that special wedding or other photo-filled event that is coming up.

l Do you have a partial denture or other restoration that’s getting worn or loose? We’ll do an assessment to ensure your ability to speak or eat isn’t affected.

l Planning to participate in summer sports? The more active you are, the greater the chance of suffering mouth injuries. So we highly recommend a custom-fitted mouth guard for energetic kids of all ages.

Our doors are open to you now and all summer long. Call our office for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Have a safe and fun filled summer,

Alan L. Mazer, DMD

We Love Summer!

4040 40

White composite fillings are to silver fillings what CDs are to vinyl records. Traditional silver fillings do the job, but white, contemporary composites are also long-lasting and durable, and they’re much better looking!

How can you benefit from the newest-generation of invisible composite filling materials? Here’s how!

Smile witH ConFiDenCe! Fillings match your own teeth, even at the back of your mouth;

Smile witH aSSuranCe! Your tooth is repaired with the removal of less healthy tooth enamel;

In praise Of wHite FillingsSmile witH StrengtH! Composites bond to enamel to

help prevent breaking and insulate from temperature changes. This strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of tooth cracks due to the expansion and contraction properties of amalgam;

Smile witH SeCurity! Composites have a more accurate fit which effectively seals out bacteria;

Smile witH raDianCe! Fluoride-releasing composite materials reduce tooth and root decay.

Also, consider the beauty of white composite filling materials in the event your silver amalgam fillings deteriorate and should be replaced. No doubt about it, our patients report that with white composite fillings, they feel that their smiles are more confident, assured, and genuine. Please call our office for a consultation about natural looking contemporary composite fillings.

Dr. Mazer is beginning his 40th yEAr practicing in port Jefferson Station. Thanks to all our loyal patients.

What You Should Never Ignore...To stay healthy!

Cavities and gum disease can affect the way you look and feel, lead to missed days at work and school, and literally wear you down. It’s true – when harmful bacteria take over, you’re walking around with a permanent immune response which can cause problems throughout your mouth and body.

Both cavities and gum disease are caused by a buildup of nasty bacteria which forms plaque, the clear thin film you can feel on your teeth. To prevent problems, it must be removed thoroughly every day.

l Cavities are caused when bacteria feed on sugars left in your mouth after eating and produce acids which cause decay.

l Gum disease is caused when the plaque is allowed to harden and form into tartar, an unattractive yellow substance which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Here are 3 imporTanT sTeps To Take care of your mouTH:

1. Brush and rinse at least twice a day

2. Floss once a day

3. Keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments.

We can help you avoid extensive painful trauma – and with good oral health, even add years to your life! Maintain your regular hygiene appointments and call us immediately should you feel something may be amiss. We’ll take good care of you!

The Great Cover Up

you can afford!Often the same dental

materials we use to help save your smile and make it healthier can create a fantastic improvement in your appearance. For example, enamel-colored bonding material is so beautiful, versatile, and economical, we can use it for complete smile makeovers.

We can customize the color to match to your teeth and…

l update tired stained fillings at the front of your mouth

l replace older worn-down silver-colored fillings in the back

l correct chipped and cracked teeth

l cover stains and fill gaps between your teeth

l strengthen and support thinning, yellowing, or graying enamel.

Just think … in only one visit or a few, you can actually look younger, healthier … and as though you’ve never had any dental work done at all!

Beautiful natural-looking bonding & whitening.

Befo

re

afT

er

mL14-1

Their crunch is good for your teeth and eating carrots regularly can give your skin a healthy attractive golden glow. You get vitamin A, C, and a multitude of other health benefits because they contain powerful antioxidants. Know what else is great about them? They’re plentiful … cheap… available locally … and easy to prepare.

carroTs indulge yourself

Baked carroT fries

l 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch sticks

l 2 teaspoons olive oil

l 1/2 teaspoon salt

Place carrots in mixing bowl, drizzle with oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Place on greased baking sheet and bake uncovered at 450°F for 10-12 minutes or until crisp-tender.

Yield: 4-6 servings.

Gum disease can appear without symptoms, then lead to

swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding when you brush. Periodontitis,

the advanced stage of gum disease, can destroy your smile and

affect your overall health. Half of North Americans aged 30 and

over have mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis and among those

65 and older, the prevalence is 70%!

The main cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque, but

other factors can affect the health of your gums. If you answer

“yes” to any of the following questions, it’s increasingly important

that you keep up your thorough home care routine and regular

recare appointments with us.

5 Key Questions ...That could change your life

Ironically, a lot of the things that bring a smile to your face are the very things that dim it! Some of the most relaxing, social, and best-tasting beverages like tea, coffee, soda, juice, and wine can stain your teeth over time. With our new improved whitening techniques though, you’ll forget those stains were ever there … and so will everyone else!

cHoose our safe, supervised, & convenienT soLuTion

With a whitening system customized just for you, we can remove even the most serious stains and you can expect to whiten your teeth up to 8 shades!

Book your appointment now ... especially if you’ve got a special event, presentation, reunion, or holiday coming up!

Stain Out! Smile In!

1. Do you smoke or use tobacco?

2. Do other members of your family have gum disease?

3. Are you experiencing general stress or clenching and grinding your teeth?

4. Are you taking oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, or heart medicines?

5. Do you have an inflammatory disease such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, or arthritis?

27933-85760 ML14-1

Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specific information be sure to consult our office. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact us directly.

Contents may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. © PATIENT NEWS (800) 667-0268

Printed with vegetable-based ink.

office informationAlan L. Mazer, DMD, FACD, FICD140 Terryville RoadPort Jefferson Station, NY 11776-1330Office HoursMonday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pmThursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Alternate Fridays 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Alternate Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pmContact InformationOffice (631) 473-0666Fax (631) 473-0679Email dralanmazer@gmail.comWebsite www.dralanmazer.comOffice StaffCaryn, Svetlana ..................... Dental HygienistsRhonda ......................... Scheduling CoordinatorPat, Kelly ...............................Dental AssistantsLois ................................Practice Administrator

There are many ways you can abnormally wear and tear your teeth without being aware of it. A dental visit to our office is the best way to detect the signs of erosion and abrasion, although you may experience symptoms that will be a signal that something is wrong.

Erosion is due to chemical reactions in your mouth. For example, lemons and other citrus fruits contain powerful natural acids that dissolve the protective covering on your teeth over time. Phosphoric acids that are found in many soft drinks can also damage your teeth. If your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, sugar, or brushing, erosion may be the problem.

Abrasion looks and feels like erosion, but its cause is mechanical rather than chemical. The effect is like sandpaper on wood, and the culprit is usually brushing the wrong way. Brushing side to side instead of in a circular motion can wear teeth severely over time. Hard-bristled brushes and toothpicks can also do damage. Using your teeth to cut thread and open hairpins can cut small notches on the edges of your teeth that can fracture the tooth. Grinding your teeth at night can also wear away teeth and leave them overly sensitive.

The best way to stop erosion and abrasion is to eliminate the cause and treat the damage. If you experience signs of abnormal wear and tear on your teeth, come in for a checkup.

Welcome SvetlanaIf it is Saturday

then Svetlana can be found in our office. She is one of our outstanding dental hygienists ready and able to clean, and examine your mouth and teeth. She enjoys seeing our patients, and educating them about their oral health and over-all health. If you have any hygiene questions, just ask … she will be happy to answer them.

Svetlana was born in the Republic of Kazakhstan and has been living in the United States since 2000. She is married, has two children and enjoys reading, cooking and swimming in the ocean. Come on in and say hello to Svetlana.

Friends And FamilyWelcome

We work hard to create a comfortable welcoming environment where you receive the highest quality dental care. In fact, we want you to be so confident in our abilities and services that you feel absolutely comfortable referring your family and most valued friends and colleagues to us, without hesitation. Many of you already do, and we thank you.

We vow to always provide the very best quality care to you and each and every person you send our way, and will always be grateful for the opportunity to do so. Thanks for your referrals!

WeAr And TeAr... Erosion and Abrasion

Congratulations to Michael, the winner of our Halloween Candy Corn Contest.

Special thanks to our patients who contributed non-perishables for our

Holiday Food Drive!