Hoertdoerfer Dentistry

Why Invisalign?

Sure, there are other options out there for straightening your teeth, but none offers the level of comfort, convenience and confidence that you'll find with Invisalign^®. And no matter what stage you're at in life, you'll appreciate how our cutting-edge approach to treatment has minimal interference in how you live, but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself.

Tickets for the 2nd Annual Big Z Challenge are going FAST! Place your order today before they are all gone! www.bruinsdentist.com

NuCalm is a natural relaxation option for those with dental anxiety.

Imagine a relaxing, refreshing, and enjoyable dental experience...

Imagine leaving your next dental appointment feeling rejuvenated, balanced and actually happy you kept your appointment...

Imagine enjoying the experience so much you can't wait to tell your friends and family and, even looking forward to going back to the dentist...

Now you can!

Introducing NuCalm

The revolutionary technology that naturally relaxes the mind and body without drugs

Boston Bruins Shawn Thornton Golf Tournament

Dr. Hoertdoerfer sponsored Shawn Thornton's "Putts and Punches for Parkinson's" Charity golf tournament through the Boston Bruins Foundation. It was a great day of golf! Thanks to Mark Kastrud of the Bruins, Susanna Whitcher of the Elliot Hospital and Dr. H's brother Eric Hoertdoerfer for being a part of the team!

Check out our Facebook page to see all the pics!

Heart disease and oral health: role of oral bacteria in heart plaque

The billions of bacteria and other microscopic critters that live in the mouth unquestionably influence the health of teeth and gums. But do they also cause problems for the heart and blood vessels? And can improving oral health prevent cardiovascular problems?

The notion that problems in the mouth cause diseases elsewhere in the body makes sense but has been difficult to prove, explains the Harvard Heart Letter. Scientists are exploring several mechanisms that may connect the two processes. In people with periodontitis (erosion of tissue and bone that support the teeth), chewing and toothbrushing release bacteria into the bloodstream. Several species of bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in the atherosclerotic plaque in arteries in the heart and elsewhere. This plaque can lead to heart attack.

Oral bacteria could also harm blood vessels or cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls or the bloodstream. The immune system's response to these toxins could harm vessel walls or make blood clot more easily. It is also possible that inflammation in the mouth revs up inflammation throughout the body, including in the arteries, where it can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Although we sill have a lot to learn about whether, and how, periodontitis and other oral problems are linked to heart disease, the Harvard Heart Letter notes that it still makes good sense to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss every day, and see your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and oral exams. This will pay off for your oral health and just may benefit your heart as well.

Dental Tips for Looking Younger

Tried-and-true brushing and flossing can help you hold on to your good looks longer.

Your mouth is more than just a pretty smile. It's also a gateway to your overall health. Keeping that gateway clean may keep you healthier longer -- and looking younger.

“Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry. “The adage ‘long in the tooth,’ used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result."

Keeping a youthful mouth comes down to two simple, proven, and practical steps:

· Brush and floss daily

· See your dentist every six months

“Taking the time to brush and floss is what’s needed," says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the dentistry faculty at Canada's University of Manitoba, professor of restorative dentistry, and an American Dental Association spokesman. "Brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist is so easy to do, it’s not expensive, and everyone should be doing it.”

What's Stopping You?

“Folks don’t take [oral health] seriously,” says Samuel Low, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and professor emeritus of periodontology at the University of Florida.

“They take their looks seriously and the smile is a priority, but people don’t think about their gums. Brushing takes time, and flossing is one of the most difficult habits. Only 25% of people floss and I don’t think people see the benefits," says Low, who estimates that it takes two to three minutes per day to floss properly, but "these days, people are crunched for time.” Low is a stockholder in Florida Probe Corporation, a dental technology company.

Looks aside, there's another reason to make time for dental care. If you don't, it could affect your health.

Inflammation, Periodontal Disease

Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as bits of food, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body's response to such invaders. And if it happens over and over again, you could wind up with long-term (chronic) inflammation.

"The mouth is one of the major contributors to high levels of inflammation in the body," says Iacopino, who has consulted for Colgate and Johnson & Johnson.

Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. It's not clear if the inflammation causes those diseases or is a marker of some other cause. But either way, it's not a good sign.

Then there's periodontal disease, which affects 80% of Americans. It's caused by extensive bacterial buildup along the gums and teeth. Periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss.

Bacterial buildup, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease happen quietly and slowly. That's why so many people don't know it's happening.

When done consistently and correctly, brushing and flossing reduce bacteria or plaque buildup. That helps prevent inflammation and gum disease.

Stained Teeth

Smoking and drinking, particularly red wine and coffee, can stain your teeth and affect how old you look.

Tooth whitening -- over-the-counter and in dentists' offices -- has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and is often marketed as a way to look and feel younger.

Experts say although artificial whitening can temporarily improve a smile, you still need consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental care to have a lasting impact on how well you age.

Of course, you need to do more than brush, floss, and see your dentist to stay young. Your entire lifestyle matters. "If you want to slow down your aging clock, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and keeping down your levels of inflammation are all key,” Iacopino says.

Hewett agrees. “The fact remains that there are no shortcuts to getting and staying healthy, and oral health is no exception," he says.