Best Dentist News

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…”

All 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.

Good Dental Habits Have a Trickle Down Effect in the 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

Recently, researchers published a study analyzing the effects that tooth loss and periodontal disease have on cognitive decline. The outcome discovered 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?

You’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