Most dentists urge their patients to avoid eating sweets like cookies, because the high sugar content can provide oral bacteria with an ideal breeding ground. But one South Florida dentist, Ivan Vega, D.D.S., knows that asking people to give up cookies is unrealistic. In fact, Dr. Vega gives his patients chocolate chip cookies – with a catch. The cookies come with a pre-pasted toothbrush, to remind patients that while they should enjoy the cookies, they still have to take good care of their teeth. The cookies that are baked every morning at Dr. Vega’s office serve another purpose: they fill the office with a fragrance that everyone knows and loves, replacing the fearsome medicinal smell that is common in medical facilities. The homelike aroma of the cookies brings smiles and relaxation to the patients.

 

At Dr. Vega’s Boca Raton dental practice, known as The Vega Smile Studio, there is much more to smile about than cookies. He practices dentistry with a humane and caring philosophy that treats patients with respect, gentleness and the warmth of a personal connection. “Our practice is not like a factory,” he explains, “with people being rushed in and out. We want our patients to walk out of here with a smile, not only because they have healthy teeth, but because they are happy.”

 

Born in Panama and now a U.S. citizen, Dr. Vega was educated at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and New York University, where he met his office partner, Dr. Erica Barba, a pediatric dental specialist. He defines a dentist as “an oral physician” – one who often detects medical as well as dental problems in the mouths of his patients. A healthy mouth is an indicator of general health, and a dental exam can reveal many problems including cancer, renal disease and diabetes. “Any cancer that can metastasize may be found in the mouth,” Dr. Vega says.

 

There is increasing evidence that heart disease may be linked to oral health. “It seems like there is a new finding almost every day about the possible links between oral health and heart disease,” says Dr. Vega. “Plaque in your mouth is like plaque in your arteries. If bacteria from your mouth get into the capillaries, they can reach the arteries and begin to build or add to plaque deposits, which block the arteries. Good oral health lowers your risk of heart disease.”

 

A little known aspect of this issue is that teeth which are not straight also place the person at higher risk for gum disease, gingivitis and plaque build-up. Dr. Vega explains that crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean; plaque accumulates around those teeth more readily. “Having straight teeth is not simply a cosmetic issue,” he says. “Straight teeth are more likely to be healthier teeth.”

 

Oral health is a significant factor in quality of life, at all ages. It’s more than a matter of physical health; it affects psychosocial health as well. Healthy attractive teeth affect self image, social functioning and even professional success. A person’s ability to speak clearly, to smile, and even to eat and chew properly are all affected by oral health. “People who cannot smile get depressed,” Dr. Vega says. “They lose confidence. Being able to express yourself with your smile is essential. Good dental care can change your life for the better.”

 

The Vega Smile Studio offers progressive family dental care, specializing in preventive dentistry, quality restorations and cosmetic dentistry. In addition, Dr. Vega performs rejuvenation treatments, including Botox for smoothing facial lines and Latisse for eyelash growth. The web site features a “Smile Gallery” with before-and-after pictures that illustrate the wonders of modern day dental care.

 

Dr. Erica Barba is also a graduate of New York University School of Dental Medicine. She completed her pediatric dental residency at the University of Puerto Rico, where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Vega and Dr. Barba are professional partners, but will soon become life partners as well. They plan to be married and without a doubt, they and everyone at the wedding will be all smiles.