Dr. Alan Rauchberg knows a thing or two about oral health. This month, Rauchberg Dental Group in Parsippany will be celebrating 61 years in business. Taking the practice over in 2002, his father retired in 2015, Dr. Rauchberg proudly serves the community where he grew up. “Some older patients have been with us 50 years.”
In the past 15 years, Rauchberg Dental Group has evolved into a total care practice. “Most popular are the basics, people coming in for their hygiene appointments, and for simple restorations. We can also provide solutions for missing teeth with implants or full mouth restorations. We can straighten teeth with orthodontics and create new smiles with veneers and/or crowns.”
Dr. Rauchberg takes total body health very seriously, not only in how patients are treated in the office but also in advising them on how to care for themselves at home. Research is showing it's all about bacteria and the pH level of your saliva. “ We know when you have a low pH, the bad bacteria love that environment and grow quicker. We're talking about what you're eating and processed food sugar intake. It's total wellness. Your mouth is a gateway to your health.
Acid reflux is a significant contributor to dental enamel decay and is closely linked to gum inflammation. A lot of this is triggered by food. Some common triggers include eating late at night, too much coffee, or spicy foods. However, some might surprise you, like chips and other simple carbohydrates. “All that breaks down into sugar pretty quickly. If you're having a bag of that every day, people think it's just a snack, but that stuff sits in your mouth. Then every time you eat, your mouth is always acidic. It’s that snacking all day long that can do it.”
Aside from adjusting your diet, certain natural remedies can help. “Xylitol is a great plant-based ingredient that’s in mouthwashes now, which gives your mouth a more neutral pH. When your pH is more neutral, the good bacteria in your mouth have a chance to fight the bad bacteria a little bit better.” Dr. Rauchberg encourages simple changes that add up to big results when it comes to oral acidity and inflammation. “You’ve got to take care of yourself; you only have one body. We remind people to do the right things.”
We're talking about what you're eating and processed food sugar intake. It's total wellness. Your mouth is a gateway to your health.