Don’t Put Off ‘Til Tomorrow What Your Dentist Can Address Today

Ideally, you’d never procrastinate in doing responsible, grown-up things.

But we’re all guilty of it.

For some, it’s finances: “I’ll do my taxes next week!”
Or housework: “Those dirty dishes can soak in the sink for a while.”
Or even shopping: “I’ll just take a package of ramen noodles to work for lunch…”

93194005All kinds of things get pushed aside on our daily to-do lists because we’d rather not tackle them now. But when it comes to your dental healthcare, procrastinating is ill advised. Sure, your time is precious, but your health is irreplaceable. And though many people don’t realize there are benefits to their wallet associated with dental visits, there are many. Yes, dental treatment can help your family budget’s bottom line!

How is that possible, you ask? How can spending money actually save you money? Well, consider preventive maintenance on your teeth like the regular tune-ups and oil changes you get for your car. You rotate the tires so they wear evenly, and replace the air filter when it gets grungy. All so your transportation keeps transporting you where you need to go, and you don’t have to pay big bucks to replace a part that could have been protected with preventive measures.

You know where this logic leads, and why it’s even more important to pay attention to your smile than your car. Your teeth need that same attention to keep doing what they do so well. Without it, the chances of developing a serious problem are much higher. Gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer are all conditions your family’s dentist will check for during a routine exam. If you’re not keeping appointments on a regular basis, a problem could be developing and you’d never know. At least, not until you experience a symptom that signals there’s a problem—and by then, the issue has progressed far beyond what your dentist or hygienist could catch in a simple exam.

A cavity or signs of disease are much easier and cost effective to treat in the early stages, so don’t delay your dental visit any longer. Put off shopping for a bathing suit, but don’t put off caring for your smile!

Wondering what to expect during your dental visit? Click here for some helpful info.

What Does Shark Week Have to Do With Gum Disease?

While Shark Week continues to strike fear into the hearts of Americans nation-wide, we’re keeping on our eye on another, more sinister threat: Gum Disease. We think gum disease is infinitely scarier than anything a silly ol’ shark can dish.

Shark

Take a look at these statistics and tell us if you agree.

Sharks: Chances of being attacked by a shark are one in 11.5 million
Gum Disease:
Chances of being attacked by gum disease are about one in three (conservatively)

Sharks : Account for less than 1% (way less) of annual deaths
Gum Disease
: Accounts for 70% of all tooth loss

Continue reading What Does Shark Week Have to Do With Gum Disease?

With Parental Power Comes Great Responsibility

Good Dental Habits Have a Trickle Down Effect in the Family

family

Every parent remembers the moment when their baby, their pride and joy, became just a little too old for that goodbye kiss on the cheek or other

overt display of affection. At that moment, you may have felt that your parental sway had forever diminished. But a recent study from the Journal

of Dental Research reaffirms the influence that parents have in affecting the habits of their children. It found that the oral health of a child’s parents, particularly his or her mother, is highly indicative of that child’s own oral health condition.

If a mother has tooth decay, the study states, then her child is twice as likely as other children to have cavities. Just

one more reason for you, as a parent, to schedule those twice-yearly cleanings and checkups at your family dentist’s office. The example you set for your children will yield benefits for you and for them. Though their baby teeth are only a precursor to their adult smile, keeping those teeth well-cared for is important so they maintain adequate space and prepare properly for the full-sized teeth to come. Continue reading With Parental Power Comes Great Responsibility

Attention Athletes! Shocking News About Energy Drinks

man listening to dental newsWe all know soda is bad for our teeth. You may have even done one of those experiments in third grade where you place a baby tooth in Coke overnight and witness the horrifying consequences. Well researchers have done a similar experiment with popular fitness drinks and with startling results. According to a study published in the AGD’s journal General Dentistry, energy drinks can cause 3 to 11 times more enamel erosion than soft drinks.

Here’s what went down:
Scientists immersed cavity-free teeth in a variety of popular beverages and let them fester for 14 days, which equals about 13 years of normal beverage consumption. As you can imagine, all the beverages tested caused pretty significant damage to the tooth enamel, but certain players stepped up to the plate and really knocked it out of the park. In order of ferocity: Continue reading Attention Athletes! Shocking News About Energy Drinks

Tooth Loss = Lower Cognition Ability?

Recently, researchers published a study analyzing the effects that tooth loss and periodontal disease have on cognitive decline. The outcome newsdiscovered a possible link that’s sure to give dentists and patients a cause for increased vigilance in dental health.

Researchers combed through dental records of male veterans who had enrolled in a VA dental study in the 60’s and 70’s, and compared them to cognitive tests the subjects underwent. These tests, one the Mini-Mental State Examination and the other a spatial copying test, were administered along with medical and dental exams every three years. The result? For each tooth lost per decade, the risk of deteriorating test results from the cognitive assessments increased 8 to 10 percent. People with all their natural teeth performed better on average than those with tooth loss, but those with more cavities usually tested poorly. Continue reading Tooth Loss = Lower Cognition Ability?

The Mouth-Body Connection

picture of musclesYou’ve probably heard of the mind-body connection. Basically, it states that your psychological well-being and your physical health are closely linked. So, if you’re prone to stress, for example, you can elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Well scientists are finally beginning to realize that your oral health plays a role in your physical health, as well (dentist have known this for years). Check out these headlines:

  • Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke (AAP)
  • Study Finds a Direct Association between Heart Disease and Periodontal Bacteria (NIDCR)
  • Treatment of Gum Disease May Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes (Science Daily)
  • First Oral Bacteria Found Linking a Mother and Her Stillborn Baby (Science Daily)
  • Presence of Gum Disease May Help Dentists and Physicians Identify Those at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease (Columbia University) Continue reading The Mouth-Body Connection

Smiles Needs Protecting When You’re Expecting

pregnancy healthGetting ready to welcome a new member into your family is an exciting time. Between much-needed rests (sustaining a growing baby saps a lot of your energy!), you focus on all sorts of preparations. You’ll decorate the nursery, attend check-up visits and sonogram appointments with your doctor, and some unfortunate soul will be tasked with the job of putting together the baby’s crib.

In the flurry of anticipation, don’t forget to take care of your teeth and gums. It’s likely more important now than ever to keep brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for preventive maintenance like professional cleanings and checkups. Studies suggest a link between gum disease and instances of premature births, as well as other pregnancy complications, so you want to keep a very close watch on your dental health during this most formative stage of your child’s development.

Swollen, bleeding gums are a common complaint for pregnant women, and it stems from the higher progesterone levels in your body. The increase of this hormone means your gums are more prone to irritation from plaque, which can quickly cause gingivitis. Continue reading Smiles Needs Protecting When You’re Expecting

Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

toothpasteAs Woody Allen says, “Everything our parents say is good is bad. Sun, milk, red meat, college…” Now, many dentists are adding toothpaste to the list. Recent articles bashing toothpaste have littered the blogosphere, and now many consumers question the necessity of the stuff. So, what’s the deal? Is toothpaste really necessary, or have we all been duped by a mass conspiracy involving our parents, the Tooth Fairy, and Colgate stockholders?

Toothpaste goes way back. In fact, Egyptians used toothpaste in 5000 BC, before the toothbrush was even invented! Even in ancient times, people were concerned with fresh breath, white teeth, and healthy gums. Ingredients like crushed bones and oyster shells, salt and herbal mints helped remove debris and leave a fresh-smelling aroma. Modern toothpastes have continued the trend, adding ingredients to help curb decay and whiten teeth to the max. Common ingredients in modern toothpastes include: Continue reading Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

Keep Smiling after 50

50 on the beachIf you’re over 50, you probably have new aches and pains every day. That’s just life. Sure, Madonna has graced the cover of AARP, but honestly, she probably has the same issues. Quality of life is the key to staying on top of your game once you’re over the hill… and a few miles down the path.

Oral health plays a big role in overall health, and overall health contributes to good quality of life. So, taking care of your mouth is important. The dentist can help keep your smile pearly white, super clean, and functioning comfortably, so you can retain your natural teeth long into your golden years, if not forever. (A dentist can even help with sleep disorders, chronic headaches, and TMJ pain!)

People over 50 should watch out for these common oral health hiccups:

Continue reading Keep Smiling after 50

Healthy Body, Healthy Smile: What Good Nutrition Can Do for You

shutterstock_48963310Quick! Make a mental list of habits that have an impact on your dental health.

You thought about brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, right? Those are all hugely beneficial in keeping your teeth healthy, it’s true. But did you know that your diet has a big influence on your dental health? To really address the overall issue, let’s dig a little.

Many people don’t realize that a balanced diet with good nutrition is a key element in keeping a smile attractive and healthy. The same vitamins and minerals that keep your body in great shape are equally beneficial to your teeth. A few powerhouse players include: