Help Children Get The Preventive Dental Care They Need

MILLIONS OF CHILDREN TODAY aren’t receiving basic, recommended dental care designed to detect and prevent disease. In fact, various surveys conclude that over half of children and adolescents did not visit a dentist in the past year.

Preventative Care For Children Is Essential For Lifelong Health

Childhood caries are the #1 chronic infection in children—AND they’re preventable! Through regular cleanings, topical fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and dental sealants to shield tooth surfaces, tooth decay can be dramatically reduced.

If children don’t visit the dental office until decay is advanced—causing pain and damage—they’re much more likely to associate the dental office with fear and pain. Children build lifelong patterns based on these experiences. They may grow up to avoid the dentist, despite pain and damage that occurs as a result of neglect.

Think About The Kids You Love…

Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, neighbor, coworker or friend… We all have children we care about in our lives. Do those children visit the dentist every six months? Are they educated on the best ways to care for their oral health? Are they protecting their teeth from tooth decay with fluoride and sealants?

Help Protect Those You Love Through Education

Protect children’s smiles and oral health! If there’s anything that we can do to help, give us a call.

Thank you for allowing us to be your trusted partners in health. We appreciate you!

Top image by Flickr user Philippe Put used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped from original.

Calcium Is Essential For Strong Teeth And Bones

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH CALCIUM? Think about your nutrition habits, and the habits of those you love and care for. Daily calcium intake is critical to great oral and whole body health.

Adults Require 1,000 mg Per Day

The most well-known calcium source is milk. About three cups provides 1,000 mg. But if milk’s not your favorite, don’t sweat it! Calcium is also found in leafy greens, seeds, nuts, and other great foods. Here are some high-calcium foods, and how much of each you’d need to eat to get 1,000 mg.

• 1-1/4 cups of sesame seeds
• 5 cups of white beans
• 2 cups fortified orange juice
• 2 cans of salmon
• 1 cup of tofu
• 2-1/2 cups of almonds
• 5 cups of spinach

Obviously, you’ll want to mix and match each day. Very few people eat a whole cup of sesame seeds!

Here are the daily calcium amounts recommended by the National Institutes of Health:

Know What Nutrition Labels Mean!

We see these labels all the time! But do you know how to benefit from that information? Most people don’t. Take a minute to watch this video:

Calcium Deficiency Affects Your Whole Body

Calcium fortifies our teeth against decay. It also helps our nerves, blood vessels, and bones work properly. Improper calcium intake can lead to muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, and lethargy. However, the most common and severe side effect is osteoporosis.

Many people know that osteoporosis increases the risk of broken bones. It can also greatly increase our risk of tooth loss! Our jawbone anchors our teeth, and if the jawbone isn’t strong, teeth can become unstable. In fact, people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to lose teeth than those with healthy bones.

Take a few minutes to learn how calcium affects your bones:

Do You Have Any Tips For Getting Sufficient Calcium?

Let us know! Leave a comment below, or on our Facebook page. We love hearing from you!

Thanks for the trust you place in our practice.

We appreciate having you as our valued patient and friend. Please share this information with others!

Top images by Flickr users bluewaikiki and cookbookman17 used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Images cropped and modified from originals.

Oral Health And Whole Body Health Are Closely Linked

THERE ARE MORE BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH RIGHT THIS MINUTE than there are people on this planet. Thoughtful dental health is about SO much more than avoiding cavities. Preventative dental care is essential to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Mouth Bacteria Can Spread To Other Parts Of Our Bodies

Neglecting one’s oral health can have very serious consequences. Something as seemingly harmless as bleeding gums—a sign of gum disease—is equivalent to an open wound that allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body.

Many Studies Link Dental Health To Whole Body Health

A growing body of research suggests that gum disease can increase your risk of dangerous health problems, including…

• Diabetes
• Endocarditis & Cardiovascular Disease
• Osteoporosis
• Strokes
• Alzheimer’s Disease

A First Line Of Detection For Serious Diseases

It surprises people to learn that dentists are often first to discover health conditions like HIV, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. In part, that’s because we typically see you more often than your physician does. Another reason is that certain health problems affect conditions inside your mouth and we’re trained to see that. So it goes both ways… Our oral health provides clues to our whole body health, AND our whole body health can affect our oral health.

What Can You Do?

It’s as simple as it is important. Consistently and thoroughly brush and floss to keep bacteria under control. Never skip regular cleanings and checkups. Let us help you monitor the critical relationship between your oral and overall health.

Thank you so much for the trust you place in us. We appreciate you.

Top image by Flikr user Nan Palmero used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped from original.

Wear (and maintain) Your Mouthguard!

LET’S TALK ABOUT TWO THINGS. First, the importance of wearing a mouthguard if you (or someone you care for) is involved in just about any type of sport. And second, the importance of maintaining that mouthguard.

Mouthguards provide far more value than simply protecting teeth. They also help prevent head injuries. How? Mouthguards act as a “shock absorber” to help cushion the head against sports-related concussions. Young or old athlete, and regardless of the sport, they just make sense.

Whether You’re An NFL Linebacker, Middle-Aged Weekend Warrior, Or Little League Short Stop

Take a couple of minutes to learn about mouthguards from this short video:

3 Ways To Keep Your Mouthguard In Great Condition

Clean It Frequently

• Rinse it with cool water after every use.
• Gently brush it occasionally with toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Avoid hot water as it may change the fit.
• For a deep cleaning, try denture cleaner.

Be Responsible

• Don’t chew on your mouthguard.
• Keep it in a hard, protective container that allows for air flow.
• Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car. This can distort the guard.

Get It Checked Regularly

• Bring your mouthguard with you when you visit us. We’ll make sure it fits correctly and protects your smile.
• If you wear braces or have a protruding jaw, talk to us about the best options.

Take Good Care Of Your Mouthguard, And It Will Take Care Of Your Smile

Mouthguards are the best defense for your smile on the field and on the court. Don’t have a mouthguard? Talk to us. And if you have any questions about mouthguards, please let us know.

Thanks for trusting us with your dental health!

How To Love Every Photo Taken Of You

SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST LUCKY! They seem to look fantastic in every photograph! Naturally photogenic. For the rest of us… Well, sometimes we just don’t know what to do (or what to think about) when the camera comes out. Here are some great tips:

1. Try Smiling With Your Eyes Too

This can be the difference between a genuine smile and a fake-looking smile. Practice thinking of something that makes you laugh right before the camera clicks.

2. Work With The Angles

Straight-on photos are rarely the best angle. Turn your body slightly away from the camera, and/or tilt your head a little to catch the light. Not sure which angles look best on you? Start paying attention, then practice!

3. Wear Lipstick That Makes Your Smile Pop

The right shade(s) can make your teeth look whiter and your smile brighter!

4. Be Confident In Your Smile

Sometimes it’s less about how you look, and more about how you feel! The best photographs happen when we’re feeling confident, attractive, and healthy. If you’re not satisfied with your smile, we can help.

Ready For Some Close-Ups?

Are there holidays or special events coming up in your life? If so, chances are there are going to be lots of photos taken. Everyone has a camera now, right? Let’s visit about ways to help you prepare your smile. Sometimes, something as simple as a cleaning and polish can give your smile that extra shine.

Thanks for being a valued part of our practice!

We appreciate having you as our patient.

Why Biting Down On Aluminum Foil Hurts

HAVE YOU EVER accidentally bitten down on a little piece of aluminum foil? Have you experienced that quick zap of pain?

That Jolt Is Called Galvanic Shock

Perhaps a little piece of foil was clinging to the tortilla when you unwrapped your taco during lunch. When that foil came in contact with metal in your mouth (such as an amalgam filling, a metal crown, or braces) it created a little electrical shock!

Here’s How It Works

The discomfort comes from two different types of metal interacting with each other. These dissimilar metals—with help from our saliva—create something akin to a very low powered battery. When we bite down the stored electric charge flows through the teeth to our nerves, and our brain interprets the nerve’s signal as pain.

4 Aluminum Foil Uses That Are Better Than Biting It

• Sharpen dull scissors. Just fold up a few strips and start cutting!
• Soften brown sugar by wrapping it in foil and baking it for 5 minutes at 300° F.
• Moving a couch? Put foil (dull side down) under the legs to glide across the floor.
• Clean your iron by ironing over a piece of foil to get rid of build-up.

Share Your Story OR A Foil Recommendation

Steer clear of sneaky foil pieces in food! If you have another useful tip for using aluminum foil, share it below!

Thanks for being a part of our practice family!

3 Rules To Follow For A Smile-Healthy Halloween

HERE IT COMES! The season of ghosts, ghouls, witches, and, of course… candy! If you’re savvy about it, there’s no reason for your Halloween fun to come at the expense of your dental health.

Rule 1: A Little Candy All At Once Is Probably Better Than Candy All Day Long

When it comes to your oral health, if you must have some candy, a little “candy-binge” is better than grazing on that Halloween loot all day long (or all month long!). Our mouths are always working to restore optimal pH balance and to utilize our saliva to cleanse our smiles. So enjoy your candy once, and then brush and floss.

Rule 2: Keep Eating Good, Healthy Meals

Continue eating three nutritious, square meals a day. This has two purposes. First, being full of good food will make you less likely to indulge too much in unhealthy candy. Second, eating a little candy with a meal continues to stimulate saliva production, and helps your mouth clean itself and restore a good balance.

Rule 3: There’s Bad Candy… And There’s Worse Candy

Some candies are more harmful than others. The biggest bad candies you need to watch out for are:

• Sour ones, which are loaded with acid.
• Chewy ones that stick on and between your teeth for a long time.
• Hard ones, like suckers, that rest on your teeth for a long periods of time—and can crack or chip teeth.

Chocolate Can Be A Less Harmful Choice

On the other hand, most chocolates, especially dark chocolates, may be better for your teeth than those listed above. Chocolate dissolves quickly and doesn’t linger as long on your teeth.

Contrary to popular belief, not all dentists hand out toothbrushes and floss at Halloween. Over half say that they give out candy. And of those who give out candy, about 80% of them choose to hand out chocolate over other candies.

Don’t Go TOO Crazy Healthy… You Don’t Want This!

If You Have A Little Extra Time…

Of course, there are some fun non-candy options for Halloween treats, too:

Check out some others by clicking here.

Have A Great Holiday!

We hope that you have a great Halloween. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Check out our Facebook page for more Halloween fun.

Thanks for being a part of our practice family. We appreciate you!

Hey Runners! Pay Special Attention To Your Oral Health

ARE YOU A RUNNER? Or, do you know a runner? Here’s an important question to ask… “Does your training include specific consideration for your oral health?” Do those two things sound unrelated? There’re not. Read on!

With Each Extra Training Hour, Decay Risk Goes Up

The rest of your body may be in tip-top shape. But a recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sports found two very specific oral health problem areas for athletes.

1. Dry Mouth Effects

Think about the way your mouth feels when you’re racing or on a training run. You’re likely breathing heavily through your mouth. Your mouth becomes dry as a desert. In addition, because there’s higher susceptibility to dehydration (at some level) you don’t recover from dry mouth as quickly as you would otherwise. Dry mouth creates a danger zone for your teeth.

2. Sport-Related Nutrition Effects

When you’re racing or on training runs, what are you putting into your body, and how are those things affecting your teeth? If you’re like most runners, you’re often consuming:

• acidic sports drinks, some of which have lots of sugar
• energy gels or gummies that stick to your dry teeth
• energy bars that are often loaded with sugar and starch

These kinds of substances inside a dry mouth, coupled with the likelihood that they will sit on your teeth for long periods of time, creates an unfriendly environment for your healthy smile.

This DOES NOT Mean You Should Stop Running!

Of course not! Just be aware! And, here are some helpful suggestions…

Be Cautious About What You’re Eating & Drinking

• Drink lots of water! Water, not energy drinks are best.
• If you DO consume energy drinks, rotate them with water. Rinse, rinse, rinse.
• Drink water BEFORE you get dehydrated, not after.
• Brush before and after workouts.
• If you’re consuming gels or other sticky substances, mix in some carrot or celery sticks (scrubber foods).

And, Avoid Embarrassment Too (haha)…

Don’t be that awkward runner…

What Are YOU Training For?

Are you an avid runner? Or maybe you’re just jogging a little bit. Talk to us if you’re starting any kind of new workout plan. As you know, we like to keep up with any health-related changes in your life. It helps us keep your mouth healthy. Let us know!

Thanks for being our valued patient and friend.

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

A GROWING BODY OF RESEARCH linking periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that taking care of our teeth may also be a really good way to take care of our joints. Researchers found that porphyromonas gingivalis, the same bacteria primarily responsible for gum disease, can also be found in the knee joints of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Oral Health Problems Don’t Remain Isolated In Our Mouths

There are significant links between our oral health and our whole body health. The connection between gum disease and RA isn’t the only evidence studies have found of oral bacteria migrating to other parts of the body. Gum health has also been linked by some researchers to many other systemic conditions including diabetes, heart health, Alzheimer’s, and more.

The Common Thread

RA is an inflammatory immune disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in your mouth may release an enzyme which makes the residue of certain proteins in your body appear to be foreign intruders. If you have RA, this can cause your immune system to attack your own body.

What Can You Do?

When monitoring the health of our bodies, a great place to start is with our mouths. The simplest of things can help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and spreading throughout the body.

• Brush once or twice each day.
• Floss daily.
• Schedule regular cleanings and exams (remembering that you may need more frequent appointments if you have signs of gum disease).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make Dental Hygiene More Difficult

Do you have RA? Or, does someone you care for (an aging parent, for example) have RA? Don’t forget that it may be harder for people who suffer from RA to do simple things like properly and thoroughly brush teeth. And, flossing can be even harder because of limited hand flexibility.

If you’re in a position where you need to assist someone with RA (or yourself), please let us know! We can help you brainstorm alternate methods for oral health care that will help.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

Five Ways Your Dentistry Career Will Change The World

AT FIRST GLANCE the title of this post may seem a little ambitious. We admit that. But we’re passionate about what we do and we hope you feel that each time you visit us. And in some small (yet very significant) ways, team members here really do feel like we change the world.

It’s Not About Teeth

Does that sound strange coming from our dental practice? We’re being a tiny bit facetious to illustrate a point. Here are some of the ways you can have a powerful impact for good through the dental profession:

1. You Will Dispel Fears & Stereotypes

Modern dentistry isn’t your grandparent’s dentistry. Never before in history have dental materials and services been so comfortable, so effective, so life changing and accessible to so many as they are today.

2. You Will Build Trusted, Lifelong Friendships

It’s one of the things we love most. When it comes to connecting broadly and deeply with so many people and with our community—while helping patients stay healthy and confident—few careers provide the rich opportunities dentistry provides.

3. You Will Restore Confidence For Many You Serve

There are no greater feelings than the ones that come when you see a patient smile who was embarrassed to smile before. Truly life enhancing. You’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds (alongside your patient).

4. You Will Educate For Better Health (and you may save a life)

Our oral health is inextricably linked to our overall well-being. It’s a privilege and serious responsibility to continually educate about important topics such as oral cancer.

5. You Will Help Sustain Quality Of Life For “Seasoned” Patients

As live expectancies continue to increase, we love helping people keep healthy smiles decades longer. We do that through continuing education, modern technological developments, and thoughtful preventative maintenance.

Do You Know Someone Considering A Dentistry Career?

If so, please pass this blog post along to them regardless of whether they’re considering becoming a hygienist, dentist, dental assistant or dental administrator.

And if that person would like to visit with us, please have them give us a call. We’d be happy to visit with them.

Check Out This Related Video…

This was shared by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) which provides students with information and assistance in reaching their dental career goals. Students in the video share the reasons they’re pursuing dentistry:

Thanks for being part of our practice family. We love what we do because of you!

If you have more questions about this topic, ask below or directly on our Facebook page.