FREE Fluoride Treatment for Each Patient that Donates to this Months Food Drive

This time of year especially, we are reminded that there are people in the world and in our communities that are in need of our help. This year Gentle Dental Associates has chosen to support an inspiring organization by the name of Food Gatherers in honor of Drs. Phyllis and Allen Seel. Below is the organization's goal:

"Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community by: reducing food waste through the rescue and distribution of perishable and non perishable food; coordinating with other hunger relief providers; educating the public about hunger; and developing new food resources."


In addition to Gentle Dental Associates donation, there will be a food drive in our office from December 13th to the 22nd. To encourage our patients to bring something in for the Food Drive, we will be offering a FREE Fluoride Treatment for every patient that brings in a food donation. For more information about the Food Gatherers organization and the special work they do for our community, please visit foodgatherers.org .

Dr. Sud's last Day at Gentle Dental

We thought you might enjoy a look at Dr. Sud's last day. We miss her already!

The benefits of dairy

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Understanding cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

How to ease dental fears in children, from Gentle Dental Associates

Our team knows that many children have fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. We found a great article on how to help kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Making your child feel comfortable when they visit our Ann Arbor dental office is our goal. Our doctors and team excel at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist. In fact, most of our patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited us in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment!

Ask Gental Dental Associates: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than the traditional braces you'd find at an orthodontic office. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.
Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.
Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask us the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles

We at Gentle Dental Associates want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Gentle Dental Associates regularly.

Access your account—any day, any time—at Gentle Dental Associates

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our office enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

The importance of oral cancer screenings, from Gentle Dental Associates

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Gentle Dental Associates screens our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. On your next visit, ask us about a free screening at your next appointment in July! The screenings will include an examination of the head, neck, throat, and the entire mouth.

Regular Checkups for Adults are in Maintaining Good Oral Health

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit Gentle Dental Associates every six months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Our doctors and team can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam we can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, give us a call at 1-866-921-5294 to schedule an appointment! Don't forget, June is National Smile Month!

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Gentle Dental Associates will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Ask Gentle Dental Associates: Which toothbrush should my child use?

When you visit Gentle Dental Associates, we will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for a child's smaller mouth and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Fear of the Dentist, a Video Testimonial from one of our patients at Gentle Dental Associates

When Brandon first contacted us, he explained his past experiences with dental work, and the problems with infection that he has struggled with. Brandon has just become a patient at Gentle Dental Associates, and in this video he describes how he has worked to overcome his fear and begin treatment at our office. You can also take a look at the first email he sent to us below, which he wanted us to share with you all:

When I saw "No lecture, just support," on your web page, it meant as much to me as your other patient services - I have an irrational fear of dentistry, and have made every excuse not to get this taken care of. I cannot smile, I feel unacceptable as a person due to the state of my body because of the state of my teeth. I cannot eat properly or control my weight, I cannot kiss someone I love without careful consideration. Having spent most of my life as a consultant (computers, systems and networking), I have lost confidence and customers because I am a horror to look upon. I have frightened small children, and that is depressing.

I am sometimes in pain, and often in danger of serious infection. I have used green tea and Listerine to keep systemic infection out; so far it has, for the most part worked.

If you do or do not have any options available to me, please let me know either by replying to this email, or by contacting me as per below.

Do you struggle with any of the fears that Brandon mentions in the video or in his email? Take a look on our web site, where we have a page devoted to dental fears. Then give us a call to learn how fear of the dentist shouldn't stand between you and a healthier smile!

Continuing Education at Gentle Dental Associates in Ann Arbor, MI

At Gentle Dental Associates, we ensure that our team stays abreast of the latest technologies and treatments, to provide our patients with the highest quality treatment possible!

Currently, Dr. Wang and Dr. Lacin are in Florida for continuing education courses on Lumineers.
Lumineers are continually improving techniques for their technology, and our doctors want to stay up to date. They will be in training for three days. The newest technique allows the delivery of all Lumineers simultaneously by use of a Lumitray, and this is done with a temporary bond material so that the patient and doctor can see the results before it is permanently bonded. In addition to this, Gentle Dental Associates already uses several revolutionary techniques with the Lumineers system, which you can read more about on our web site!

Smile wider, live longer, from Gentle Dental Associates

Folks with big smiles may live longer than those who don’t, according to a new study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We’ve known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950. The players' photos were enlarged, and a rating of their smile intensity was made (big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance.

The researchers found that players who weren't smiling lived to the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Gentle Dental Associates every six months? If not, give us a call!

Gentle Dental Associates of Ann Arbor, MI

Skittish about seeing the dentist? Don't be! Gentle Dental Associates in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are a diversified group of dentists united in their mission to provide stress-free, pain-free dental services to all. Whether you need a root canal, teeth whitening or another procedure, they'll gently change your mind about going to the dentist.

Call our office today toll free at 1-866-921-5294, and let us show you how enjoyable your dental visit can be!

--Gentle Dental Associates of Ann Arbor, MI
"Gentle Hearts. Gentle Hands. Caring for you like family"

March is National Nutrition Month!

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Gentle Dental Associates and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate National Nutrition Month. This March, The Gentle Dental Associates Team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.
Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area.

• Make every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.
• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Meet Dr. Seel

Dr. Allen Seel is the senior dentist here at Gentle Dental Associates, which simply means he has less hair and most of it is grey. He has called Michigan his home for almost his entire life, and has called Gentle Dental Associates home for over 18 years. He has been happily married to Phyllis, a psychologist, for over 51 years. Their daughter, Robin, is married to Jeff. They also share two sons Brad, married to Rachel, and David, married to Deborah. The family has grown through the years to now include ten grandchildren Josh, Rebecca, Alexandra, Mathew, Noah, Jake, Madison, Jack, Lillie & Sophia.

Dr. Seel is passionate about comprehensive care dentistry, but really enjoys cosmetic dentistry and Smile Makeovers. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Detroit for three years before being accepted to the dental program at the University of Detroit School of Dentistry from which he graduated in 1962. He then became an associate in a practice in Detroit for 8 months before he started his own practice in Dearborn in 1963. He continued to practice alone for many years until the practice grew and he took on an associate and later made him a partner. Eventually the practice required another associate who was also made a partner. The growing practice moved to a larger facility until 1991 when Dr. Seel sold the practice to his partners. In 1991 he bought a practice in Ypsilanti and founded Gentle Dental Associates which moved to its current location in Ann Arbor in 1997.

He is committed to continuing education and has completed more than 2700 hours in advanced dental education. He no longer practices dentistry, but serves as a mentor for the dentists he has assembled to service the needs of the patients in his busy office. He enjoys boating, fishing, exercising and sports and spends most of his leisure time with his large, close knit family who live here in Michigan.