Patient Education

Dental care and treatment can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. My highly experienced, board-certified dental professionals and compassionate staff make keeping healthy, attractive teeth for your lifetime a reality.

Sarah Marcus provides a full range of dental services including the following:

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that affects millions of Americans, causing eye irritation and chronic discomfort. The condition is triggered by airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, dust or pet dander. In patients with allergies, contact with such airborne substances results in inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. While extremely uncomfortable, allergic conjunctivitis does result in any serious visual impairment. ...

Allergy Screening

Screening for allergies is necessary in order to identify the specific allergens that trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. By identifying the allergens, an allergy sufferer can avoid the offending substances as much as possible to reduce the frequency of episodic attacks, take medications to relieve symptoms, premedicate when exposure is likely, or undergo immunotherapy. Just as there are many types of allergic reactions, varying in symptoms and severity, there are many types of allergy tests. ...

Allergy Skin Testing

Skin testing is a common diagnostic tool used to identify the specific allergens that trigger contact dermatitis and, occasionally, systemic allergic reactions. Common trigger substances include cleaning solutions, detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, latex rubber and poison ivy. Skin allergy tests may be administered to diagnose the root causes of allergic reactions. ...

Angioedema

Angioedema is a swelling under the skin resulting from an allergic reaction, often occurring around the eyes or lips. It's underlying cause is unknown. During an allergic reaction, chemicals, including histamine, are released into the bloodstream as an immune response to a foreign substance. The foreign substance that affects the body in this way is called an allergen. What is an allergen for one person may not be one for another person, so angioedema is an idiosyncratic condition. Angioedema is similar to hives, although hives are more superficial. While angioedema is usually not serious, and typically resolves within a few days, if it occurs in the throat or on the tongue, it can interfere with breathing and be life-threatening. ...

Anosmia

Anosmia is a condition in which a person completely loses the sense of smell. Depending on the reason for its loss, the condition may be temporary or permanent. Common causes of temporary anosmia include colds, allergies and sinus infections, and viral infections such as the flu. Anosmia may also be caused by something physically blocking the flow of air through the nose such as nasal polyps. Aging may also play a role in the progressive loss of smell over time. ...

Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the lungs and air passages become inflamed and constricted, interfering with normal breathing. During the first stage of an asthmatic response, inhaled allergens or other irritants cause the airways to constrict. During the second stage, an inflammatory response causes the airways to swell, and fill with thickened, sticky mucus. During an attack, patients have increasing difficulty in breathing, and usually make the wheezing sound typically associated with asthma. Although life-threatening, asthma can usually be well-controlled with medication. ...

BAX 3000 Allergy Treatment

The BAX 3000, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a method of biofeedback, is a machine that assists in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic allergies. Noninvasive and safe for patients of all ages, the BAX 3000 contains a database of more than 5,000 substances that can prompt allergic responses in sensitive individuals. It is a painless, quick and efficient method of identifying allergens that trigger responses in particular patients. The BAX 3000 does not involve any needles, dietary changes or medications; rather, it uses positive conditioning in combination with laser therapy. For some patients, it is not only an effective diagnostic tool, but a facilitator of neurological desensitization, neutralizing any allergic response. ...

Ear Infections

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common childhood medical problems. Ear infections are the most frequent cause of doctor visits for children. In fact, three out of four children in the United States will have at least one ear infection by the time they reach the age of three. ...

Ear, Nose and Throat Allergies

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) allergies, like other types of allergies, are extremely common. Allergic reactions of all kinds are triggered by an abnormal response of the immune system when it mistakes an innocuous substance for a serious threat. While most allergic symptoms of this type are relatively mild, untreated ear, nose and throat allergies should not be ignored because they may lead to more significant medical problems. ...

Food Allergies

A food allergy is present when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to proteins in a particular food. Food-allergy symptoms, which can be triggered by ingesting even minute amounts of the food, usually happen within minutes but may, occasionally, happen a few hours later. Food allergies can begin in childhood or in adulthood, with some people suddenly having allergic responses to foods that have never caused problems. In other cases, allergies appear after a food is consumed for the first time. Certain food allergies that affect young children may eventually go away. ...

Fructose Intolerance

Fructose intolerance exists when an individual does not manufacture the enzyme necessary to break down fructose during digestion. Fructose, in addition to occurring in nature, is used as a man-made sweetener in a variety of products, including many beverages and baby food. Fructose intolerance is a hereditary condition. Symptoms show up in young babies as soon as they begin drinking formula or eating. The condition is rare, but can be very serious, so it should be suspected when a baby has severe gastrointestinal issues, particularly if there is any family history of the disorder. ...

Hay Fever

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to environmental triggers that can cause cold-like symptoms. Symptoms often include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander may all contribute to an episode of hay fever. Hay fever is a common condition that can occur at any age, but is most likely to develop during childhood or early adulthood. ...

Hives

Hives, also called urticaria, is a common skin condition in which swollen, pale red bumps, also known as welts or wheals, suddenly break out on the skin. Hives cause itching, stinging or burning and may appear anywhere on the body. Hives are most often an allergic reaction, but sometimes the allergen precipitating the adverse reaction is unknown. Hives is never a contagious condition. ...

Immunotherapy for Allergies

Immunotherapy is an extended treatment for allergies that uses the administration of small, gradually increasing, doses of the allergen causing the problem. As the dosages increase, the patient develops an increased tolerance for the offending substance. Immunotherapy works to bolster the immune system without triggering an allergic reaction. ...

Insect Venom Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is used to treat allergies to the venom of several types of insects, including yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. A reaction to an insect bite or sting is the body's response to the insect's venom. Although for most people insect bites and stings are minor annoyances, some people do have severe reactions. Those allergic to insect stings or bites can have increasingly strong reactions with each exposure; some reactions can even be life-threatening. ...

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance, also known as lactase deficiency, is the inability to fully digest lactose, a milk sugar found in dairy products. While lactose intolerance is not usually a serious condition, it can produce uncomfortable symptoms. In order to manage or eliminate such symptoms, certain dietary changes are necessary. Patients with lactose intolerance, depending on the severity of the condition, have to limit or eliminate their intake of dairy products, take supplements of the enzyme their bodies fail to produce, or consume lactose-free dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a common condition, affecting more than half of adults as they age. ...

Latex Allergy

A latex allergy is a reaction by the immune system to products that contain latex. Latex, which is derived from the rubber tree, is used in many common items, including gloves, condoms, pacifiers, rubber bands and balloons. An allergy to latex is particularly prevalent among healthcare professionals, who use latex gloves to avoid the spread of germs. ...

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is a condition that causes a bumpy rash to develop on the skin. The rash typically forms on the wrists, back, legs, torso or genitals, but may occur anywhere. Lesions or sores may also develop in the mouth. Lichen planus is not a contagious condition and it often affects middle-aged adults but rarely occurs in children. ...

Medication Allergy

A medication allergy is a condition that causes a person to experience an adverse reaction after taking a particular medicine. It is caused by the abnormal reaction of the immune system to a medication. Medication allergies are fairly common and they can be elicited by many types of medication, both prescription and over-the-counter. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction to medication are hives, rash or fever. However, people may experience a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild to serious, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. ...

Nebulizer Treatment

A nebulizer is a breathing machine used to treat breathing problems such as those related to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nebulizer converts a liquid medication, usually a bronchodilator like albuterol, into a mist that can be easily and painlessly inhaled. A nebulizer is often used to make inhaling medicines easier for patients who may have difficulty breathing and using an inhaler. ...

Pediatric Allergies

Children suffer with allergies in many of the same ways adults do, although since they are often less verbal, particularly when they are very young, they may not be able to describe their symptoms as accurately. Children may simply present as fussy, irritable or angry when suffering pain or discomfort they can't describe. Parents and other caregivers should be aware that children suffering from ear, nose and throat allergies are much more likely than adults to develop ear infections because of anatomical differences in the structure of their ears. ...

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a common plant known to cause allergic reactions in a large percentage of people. These allergic reactions usually manifest as unsightly and uncomfortable rashes on the skin. Skin rashes from poison ivy, like those from poison oak and poison sumac, are precipitated by an oily substance called urushiol found in the leaves, stems and roots of the plant. Poison ivy is found growing all over the continental United States, so rashes from poison ivy are very common. ...

Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders

The main function of the immune system is to protect against infections. When the immune system is compromised, immunodeficiency occurs, resulting in recurrent, unusual and/or difficult-to-treat infections. The most severe types of immunodeficiency allow germs that produce only mild illnesses in those with normal immune systems to cause serious, even deadly, infections. Many forms of primary immunodeficiency respond well to treatment. There are two categories of immunodeficiency disorders: primary and secondary. Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDD) have hereditary or genetic causes. Secondary immunodeficiency disorders result from environmental factors such as HIV infection, chemotherapy medications and malnutrition. ...

Pruritus

Pruritus, or itching, is a tingling, irritating sensation on the surface of the skin that provokes scratching. While incidental itching may be resolved by scratching, persistent itching is often only worsened by this response. Itching may be confined to one area on the body or may be an encompassing condition. When confined to a specific area, itching is usually the result of a localized contact with an irritant. When it involves the whole body, it is more likely the result of a systemic disorder and may require a medical diagnosis through blood tests or skin biopsy. Severe itching is experienced as akin to pain. ...

Rashes

Rashes are changes in the skin's color or texture. Simple rashes are called dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Some rashes are independent symptoms, but many cause itching, burning or other discomfort. There are a great many reasons for individuals to develop rashes.

Types of Rashes

Rashes occur for a variety of reasons, some relatively benign, some extremely serious. Many rashes look similar to one another so their causes may be difficult to diagnose. ...