If the eyes are the windows to your soul, then your mouth is the gateway to your overall health. Research has found a surprising number of links between the state of your oral health and your overall health.

Be on the lookout for these warning signs provided for you by Marc Liechtung, DMD, a dentist in NYC  and the inventor of the Snap-on Smile® and principal in New York-based Manhattan Dental Arts, a practice that specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Erectile Dysfunction-- According to a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are three times more likely to have gum disease than men who do not have ED. These bacteria can also seep into the bloodstream and damage blood vessels, and because erectile problems can be caused by impaired blood flow in the penis, poor dental hygiene can be associated with ED.

Dementia—Studies have found that people with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, have more gum disease-related bacteria in their brains than a person without Alzheimer's. "It's thought that gum disease bacteria might get into the brain causing inflammation and brain damage," notes Dr. Liechtung.

Diabetes—Bright red bleeding gums, also known as periodontal disease, that are puffy and may contain small abscesses or loose teeth are harbingers of diabetes
Parkinson's Disease-- Saliva helps to wash away bacteria and debris that lead to cavities and gum disease. And if you're producing too little saliva, your dentist will know. Dry mouth may be caused by medications or it may be a sign of a disease such as diabetes or Parkinson's disease.

Anemia—"Your dentist will look for a pale-colored tongue as an indication of iron deficiency or anemia that affects one in five women," notes Dr. Liechtung. Anemia is a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.

Celiac Disease-- Canker sores may be an indication of gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease. Celiac disease is an inherited, immune system disorder in which the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley cause damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Osteoporosis--Osteoporosis does not cause changes in the teeth, but it does cause changes in the bones that support teeth. "This may show up as a receding gum line and loose teeth. If your dentist sees any oral signs of osteoporosis, let your medical doctor know right away," warns Dr. Liechtung.

Heart Disease--Inflamed gums and loose teeth can be warnings of heart disease. That's because if you have a gum disease like periodontitis, the bacteria in your gums could travel to your heart and contribute to coronary artery disease.

Eating Disorders--Dentists are often the first health professionals to observe signs and symptoms of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, the three most common. "That's because eating disorders can cause poor nutrition which can lead to oral conditions like bleeding gums and dry mouth," describes Dr. Liechtung. In addition, erosion on the insides of the front teeth may be a sign of forced vomiting in a young person with bulimia -- stomach acid wears away at enamel and also makes teeth more sensitive.

Reflux Disorder-- Erosion of enamel from the insides of teeth, especially the upper back molars, is a clue to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reflux disease can cause erosion of the esophagus and may even lead to esophageal cancer, so let your doctor know if your dentist sees possible signs of reflux.

Dr. Marc Liechtung, D.M.D. and inventor of Snap-On Smile, graduated from The University of Pennsylvania, one of the most world-renowned dental schools, as well as having the best fellowship programs in the country. After graduation, he attended an Advanced Restorative and Implant fellowship at The University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from that fellowship in 1987. Dr. Marc Liechtung has had his prestigious dental practice for over 18 years, and is dedicated to each of his patients’ dental needs. Dr. Marc Liechtung believes in treating each of his patients on an individual basis, because needs and treatment differ from person to person. Dr. Liechtung is a member of the following professional organizations: New York City Dental Society, American Dental Association, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Mid-Manhattan Advanced Dental Study Club and has recently been Elected to a Fellowship in the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics.Marc Liechtung, DMD is the founder of Manhattan Dental Arts and the Inventor of the Snap-on-Smile®. Manhattan Dental Arts P.C. is located on the Upper West Side at 68th and Broadway. We specialize in dental cleanings,emergency dentistry, dental implants, all-on-4 dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, dental crowns, root canals,periodontics, Snap on Smile, dental bridges, dentures, extractions, smile makeovers and all forms of general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in NYC then we offer free consultations. The practice group also owns Kew Gardens Dental Arts, a dental practice in Queens offering dental implants in Queens, emergency dentistry in Queens, teeth cleaning in Queens, dental crowns, dental bridges,periodontal surgery and all forms of cosmetic and general dentistry. If you are looking for a periodontist in Queens we offer all gum disease treatments at our practice for patients for all types of gum disease. 

For people interested in inventions, or creating technology or software, or starting a company — inventions sometimes sit ‘right under our nose’, and we don’t even know it. M. Marc Liechtung, DDS

It was a spring day in 2008 when I received a call from my father that would forever change my life both professionally and personally. Unsuspecting of anything unusual, I answered only to hear him frantic.

“Could you please head over to your grandmother’s nursing home, her partial was thrown into the incinerator by her roommate who suffers from dementia. Your grandmother is exponentially upset, she has a myriad events to attend and she’s in hysterics over this. Could you please head over there and see if you can do something”?

“Dad, it takes weeks to have another partial made“ I replied, insistent my father asked me again to head over and see what her options were.

Determined to fix this problem I had my head assistant Sylvia — who has been with Manhattan Dental Arts for 28 years, pack me a hand engine, acrylic, impression material, composite and I made his way over to her nursing home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where I then proceeded to hand craft her a temporary. After a grueling 9 hours I had accomplished my goal and my grandmother was ecstatic.

Nonetheless, the work didn’t stop in Williamsburg. On my drive home my brain was working a mile a minute. Seeing how overjoyed the instantaneity of the hand-crafted temporary made my grandmother, I knew he there had to be a way to gauge the same reaction from people in similar situations. Thus, the idea for the Snap On Smile ® emerged and the search for the perfect material began.

The ideal material was a material that possessed the following properties:

· flexible enough to snap on over existing teeth to secure retention,

· come in various shades or colors

· did not stain

· did not get soft or imbibed with liquids thus enhancing the longevity

· removable by the patient and could appeal as a completely non-invasive appliance which meant no drill or preparations and would not need cement or bonding agents.

Once I found the perfect material — crystalized resin acetyl, the Snap On Smile ® was born and there was no turning back.

From hereon my life exponentially changed, both professionally and personally and this was one of the most exciting aspects of my career. Everyone wanted to know about the Snap On Smile ®; I was asked to speak on several TV shows, such as, The View, CBS Early Show, The Couch and CNN Headline News, just to name a few. Through the Snap On Smile I was able to travel the world and lecture about the Snap On Smile to various dentists and to large groups of practice decision makers and having met a a multitude of influential people along the way.

My career would undergo another metamorphosis when I sold Snap On Smile ® to DenMat (Lumineer) and signed a 2 year contact to lecture for the company around the world. While traveling proved to be enjoyable it was hard to leave behind my family and so I made the decision to focus on my private practice in New York. With the combination of an excellent team and superb teamwork, the practice grew into a multi-million dollar one allowing me the confidence to open 4 more practices that all provided out-of-this-world customer care and quality and outstanding service.

After careful consideration, I decided to sell my practice to a large private-equity-backed Dental Service Organization (DSO) in order to be able to grow the 4 practices I had freshly acquired. As with everything in life, there are positives and negatives associated with selling your practice to a DSO. Positively speaking, the advantages are as follows:

· A DSO tends to price practices slightly higher than the traditional doctor to doctor purchase.

· There is no need for a mortgage contingency which is the status quo in a conventional transaction.

· The selling doctor is able to stay and practice with his original staff which is actually getting more to your practice than the original pay day

· Many things, such as, malpractice insurance bonuses for production and other perks can and should be negotiated with the corporate buyers

· If the doctor owns the real estate, as well as, the practice then this is another added perk upon selling to a corporate entity. The doctor has the chance to have a very strong and every financially stronger opportunity as opposed to a conventional doctor to doctor transaction.

While this sounds nothing short of a positive experience there are also negatives associated with selling to a corporate entity as a dentist. Below are a few reasons why selling to a corporate entity might be negative:

· From a legal perspective, legal fees and the size of the purchase agreement will be so much more arduous than a standard deal. The doctor who is selling will find that they will acquire higher legal fees than any other type of transaction

· Pre-close is a very critical time period for the seller. The DSO or corporate entity will scrutinize the TTY or the Trailing Twelve Months of Revenue. If a doctor does not maintain the numbers between agreement and close, they will recall the deal or conversely, they will change (lower) the purchase price. This is never in favor of the seller.

· Selling to a corporate entity can create several issues post close as well. Large groups tend to impose their own supply orders. This means they will expect the doctor and staff to use different materials and they almost always try and use a less expensive lab. This can create a problem for the selling doctor who has established long term relationships with particular labs, as well as, their sales rep from various vendors. Several things can and should be negotiated prior to the closing

· Another negative that can arise is concerning staff. Although it will like a honeymoon at the beginning, after a period of time the DSO will turn on particular staff members. The fact is that these are long standing staff members that have become family throughout the years. To the corporation it’s a large salary that can be replaced. We as clinicians will have no say whether this happens or not.

In an ironic turn of events, I was approached by the same DSO that I sold my practice to with the offer to buy it back. The corporation was not experienced with running a practice as big as Manhattan Dental Arts and in as diverse a location as the Upper West Side. Once again, I found himself in a position in which the offer was too good to refuse. I bought Manhattan Dental Arts back and have been practicing at the office since August 2018. Although I originally embarked on an entirely different journey I am wholeheartedly excited to continue seeing all of my long-standing patients along with his new patients.

Selling to a DSO or corporate entity is a decision that must be made after much thought and consideration, there are both positives and negatives associated with selling to a corporate entity and it is important to weigh both against each other, but one thing I can say with certainty is that SOS (Snap-On-Smile) and DSO have ultimately been two life-changing acronyms for me.

Manhattan Dental Arts is located on the upper west side of Manhattan. I am available to any young aspiring dentists looking for advice. I am  the founder of Manhattan Dental Arts and the Inventor of the Snap-on-Smile®. Manhattan Dental Arts P.C. is located on the Upper West Side at 68th and Broadway. We specialize in dental cleanings,emergency dentistry, dental implants, all-on-4 dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, dental crowns, root canals,periodontics, Snap on Smile, dental bridges, dentures, extractions, smile makeovers and all forms of general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in NYC then we offer free consultations. The practice group also owns Kew Gardens Dental Arts, a dental practice in Queens offering dental implants in Queens, emergency dentistry in Queens, teeth cleaning in Queens, dental crowns, dental bridges and all forms of cosmetic and general dentistry. If you are looking for a periodontist in Queens we offer all gum disease treatments at our practice for patients with all types of gum disease. 

If coffee, cigarettes, red wine and food have left their mark on your teeth, you’re not alone.  The rule of thumb is anything that can stain a white T-shirt can stain your teeth too, that what we tell all our patients. 

That does not mean you have to give up your morning cup of coffee or your evening glass of red wine, if your teeth are discoloring, you might want to consider consuming less and thoroughly rinsing your mouth with water after you’re done eating or drinking. 

Dr. Liechtung’s dirty dozen foods that stain your teeth include:

1. Black Coffee and Black Tea—The darker the beverage, the more staining that can occur. So try adding a little extra milk to lighten the color and reduce the staining effect.

2. Wine—Both red and white wines, if taken in excess, will stain your teeth.   Although red stains, white wine’s acidic composition actually etches tiny grooves in your teeth, making them more porous and more easily stained.

3. Colas and Sports Drinks—Because they are so highly acidic, they help promote staining by other foods.

4. Berries– Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries and other berries, although excellent for your overall health, can stain your teeth. So, if you’re crazy for berries, be sure to rinse out your mouth thoroughly with water after each indulgence.

5. Sauces—Soy sauce and tomato sauce, as well as other deeply colored sauces, are believed to have significant staining potential.

6. Juice—Grape, pomegranate and cranberry are highly pigmented and can cause staining.  So, if you must imbibe, try rinsing your mouth out with water or drinking juices through a straw, thereby bypassing the fronts of your teeth.

7. Pickles and ketchup—These acidic foods are good at opening up the pores of your tooth enamel allowing for easy staining.

8. Balsamic Vinegar—While great on a salad, it can cause havoc to your teeth.  If you must, try it on lettuce, which has a natural ability to provide a protective film over your teeth.

9. Candy–Sweets contain teeth-staining coloring agents. If your tongue turns a funny color, there’s a good chance that your teeth will too.

10. Beets—Now here’s a vegetable that could put a powerful stain in your t-shirt, so, like all foods that stain, moderation is called for with this one.

11. Curry—Although great on Indian food, this yellow-staining food flavoring can be harsh on teeth. So make sure to rinse thoroughly after indulging.

12. Popsicles—Did you ever look at your tongue after you’ve finished your fruity, sugary pop? Not only does it color your tongue, but also your teeth. Plus, it has an added double whammy negative effect because of all of that sugar.

But, did you know that Mother Nature has some natural solutions to whitening your pearly whites?  Here is Dr. Liechtung’s list of tooth-whitening foods:

12 Tooth Whitening Foods

1. Apples, pears and guavas increase salivary production which flushes away stains over time.

2. Cauliflower and cucumbers also help to increase salivary production, the natural way to flush away stains.

3. Cheese is rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus, all of which can help safeguard  against the acids in your mouth.

4. Sesame seeds help scrub away plaque. (Read more reasons to love sesame seeds.)

5. Salmon provides calcium and vitamin D, nutrients needed for healthy bones and teeth.

6. Shiitake mushrooms help inhibit bacteria from growing in your mouth.

7. Onions help reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay.

8. Pineapple acts as a natural stain remover.

9. Green vegetables like broccoli, lettuce and spinach contains iron which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can help scrub away stubborn stains and protect the enamel on your teeth.

10. Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory to support healthy mouth tissue.

11. Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel.

12. Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Marc Liechtung, DMD is the founder of Manhattan Dental Arts and the Inventor of the Snap-on-Smile®. Manhattan Dental Arts P.C. is located on the Upper West Side at 68th and Broadway. We specialize in dental cleanings,emergency dentistry, dental implants, all-on-4 dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, dental crowns, root canals,periodontics, Snap on Smile, dental bridges, dentures, extractions, smile makeovers and all forms of general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in NYC then we offer free consultations. The practice group also owns Kew Gardens Dental Arts, a dental practice in Queens offering dental implants in Queens, emergency dentistry in Queens, teeth cleaning in Queens, dental crowns, dental bridges and all forms of cosmetic and general dentistry. If you are looking for a periodontist in Queens we offer all gum disease treatments at our practice for patients with all types of gum disease. 

As an emergency dentist in Queens and and emergency dentist in NYC I have basically seen it all. Canker sores, broken teeth, chipped teeth, lost teeth. Here is some advice for those that may experience a dental emergency. 

Often I receive frequent complaints about canker sores. I suggest  that people with frequent canker sores check to see if their toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. SLS is a foaming agent that in some studies has been linked to the development of canker sores. Toothpaste that doesn't contain SLS usually makes a big deal about it by saying 'SLS free' on its label.  An additional remedy for both canker sores and gum pain is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil should be applied directly to the infected site and can even be purchased in mouthwash form to soothe inflammation. Another preventive measure for canker sores is to avoid eating chips and other jagged foods that can cause tiny cuts and scrapes, which can be an entryway for a virus to set up shop in your mouth. Besides that, stay away from foods that trigger canker sores. Potential troublemakers include whole wheat, rye, barley, shellfish, pineapple, chocolate and tomatoes, as well as salty or citrus fruits. There is a remedy of 1/3 Mylanta, 1/3 Benedryl, and1/3 viscous Lidocaine. This will ease the discomfort of canker soars.

It should be further noted that about 80 percent of our population deals with gum problems - from gingivitis all the way up to losing teeth. Ginseng can be used to alleviate the pain associated with irritated gum tissue. A ginseng tonic can be directly applied to the gum to promote circulation and speed healing. An additional home remedy suggestion is to use a wet tea bag for tooth or gum pain. Tea contains astringent tannins, which have the power to shrink swollen tissue and stop bleeding. No toothache will heal on its own. A toothache is a dental problem that needs to be treated as soon as possible.

What should you do if you've knocked out a tooth - whether from a blow, a fall or accident?

Shake off debris (rinsing or scrubbing could remove important periodontal ligament), place it in a container of milk or back in its socket and try to reach the dentist within 30 minutes. Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved. Alternative methods, such as a bridge or implants, may need to be considered.

What should you do if you've broken a tooth?

Again, if you've lost the broken piece, just get to the dentist. If you have it, gently shake off surface dirt and definitely keep it. Even if the piece can't be bonded back to the original tooth, it can be used to help re-create the look of that tooth.

If something (food, other foreign matter) is wedged between your teeth, should you try to dislodge it?

Gentle flossing or brushing is fine, but if the object does not respond to that treatment and the surrounding gum begins to swell, make an appointment with your dentist. A bit of broken filling or chipped enamel can throw your bite off and make you panic. Popcorn husks are one of the worst problems and occasionally need to be removed by a dentist.

What should you do if you lose a filling or crown?

If you lose a filling, it's not worth saving. However, just cover the hole with temporary material, do not try to put the old filling back in the tooth. If you lose a crown, you'll want to try and salvage it (you can use Temparin or Dentemp, available in pharmacies, to put the crown back in place until you can reach a dentist). In either case, visit the dentist as soon as possible. Many people don't realize that when a filling falls out, there's a reason for that, whether it's a cracked tooth or more severe. You need to see a dentist.

ABOUT DR. LIECHTUNG:

Dr. Marc Liechtung, D.M.D. and inventor of Snap-On Smile, graduated from The University of Pennsylvania, one of the most world-renowned dental schools, as well as having the best fellowship programs in the country. After graduation, he attended an Advanced Restorative and Implant fellowship at The University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from that fellowship in 1987. Dr. Marc Liechtung has had his prestigious dental practice for over 18 years, and is dedicated to each of his patients’ dental needs. Dr. Marc Liechtung believes in treating each of his patients on an individual basis, because needs and treatment differ from person to person. Dr. Liechtung is a member of the following professional organizations: New York City Dental Society, American Dental Association, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Mid-Manhattan Advanced Dental Study Club and has recently been Elected to a Fellowship in the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics.Marc Liechtung, DMD is the founder of Manhattan Dental Arts and the Inventor of the Snap-on-Smile®. Manhattan Dental Arts P.C. is located on the Upper West Side at 68th and Broadway. We specialize in dental cleanings,emergency dentistry, dental implants, all-on-4 dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, dental crowns, root canals,periodontics, Snap on Smile, dental bridges, dentures, extractions, smile makeovers and all forms of general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in NYC then we offer free consultations. The practice group also owns Kew Gardens Dental Arts, a dental practice in Queens offering dental implants in Queens, emergency dentistry in Queens, teeth cleaning in Queens, dental crowns, dental bridges and all forms of cosmetic and general dentistry. If you are looking for a periodontist in Queens we offer all gum disease treatments at our practice for patients with all types of gum disease.