Kiss Your Valentine with Confidence
There’s more to a kiss than just meeting lips. If you have a sweetheart you like to kiss, here are more reasons to keep smooching the one you love:
1. Brush, floss and kiss. Kissing is linked to decay prevention because it stimulates the flow of saliva- nature’s mouth cleanser.
2. One good brusher deserves another. Kissing couples tend to have similar dental habits.
3. Shared interests. A person with good oral health is over five times more likely to have a partner with comparable oral health.
4. …in sickness and in dental health.. For many considering marriage, dental behavior is a consideration of compatibility.
Spouses who kiss each morning miss less work because of illness, have fewer auto accidents on the way to work, earn 20 to 30 percent more monthly and live approximately five years longer. All that and healthy dental habits, too!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Baby Boomers Bust Out
Baby Boomers Bust Out
This is an exciting time for those born in 1946- they have finally pushed their pig-size girth through to the tail end of the allegorical “python” and have officially reached retirement age. Coined by historians as one of the most prolific generations in history, these “Baby Boomers” (including those born over the following 18 years), have experienced the best and the worst of American society... and of dentistry, too.
When Boomers were born...
Tooth pulling was more common than placing fillings.
Amalgam (metal alloy) was the standard filling material.
Belt-driven drills and sodium pentothol were hi-tech.
Soap and water was the only protection a dentist's hands needed.
Over 60% of our patients are Baby Boomers whom we are helping to achieve longevity and youthful smiles. We can help you, too. Call us for a free consultation.
This is an exciting time for those born in 1946- they have finally pushed their pig-size girth through to the tail end of the allegorical “python” and have officially reached retirement age. Coined by historians as one of the most prolific generations in history, these “Baby Boomers” (including those born over the following 18 years), have experienced the best and the worst of American society... and of dentistry, too.
When Boomers were born...
Tooth pulling was more common than placing fillings.
Amalgam (metal alloy) was the standard filling material.
Belt-driven drills and sodium pentothol were hi-tech.
Soap and water was the only protection a dentist's hands needed.
Over 60% of our patients are Baby Boomers whom we are helping to achieve longevity and youthful smiles. We can help you, too. Call us for a free consultation.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Bad News Bisphosphonates
Bad News Bisphosphonates
Many breast cancer, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma and bone cancer patients take medication that can actually place them at risk for rotting of the jaw bones (known as osteonecrosis)
The drug family of bisphosphonates these patients are prescribed interfere with the healing dynamic of the jaw bone which needs more time than other bones.
This is a concern when a bisphosphonate patient has some type of dental surgery such as removal of a tooth or teeth. The jaw bone may have difficulty sloughing off infected or diseased tissue and creating new healthy bone in its place.
If you are using bisphosophonates, tell your dentist, get regular cleanings and opt for root canal therapy over extractions when possible. If you wear dentures, maintain them well to keep a good fit.
Many breast cancer, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma and bone cancer patients take medication that can actually place them at risk for rotting of the jaw bones (known as osteonecrosis)
The drug family of bisphosphonates these patients are prescribed interfere with the healing dynamic of the jaw bone which needs more time than other bones.
This is a concern when a bisphosphonate patient has some type of dental surgery such as removal of a tooth or teeth. The jaw bone may have difficulty sloughing off infected or diseased tissue and creating new healthy bone in its place.
If you are using bisphosophonates, tell your dentist, get regular cleanings and opt for root canal therapy over extractions when possible. If you wear dentures, maintain them well to keep a good fit.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Barbells on Their Tongues
Barbells on Their Tongues
If you are considering oral piercing, you need to be aware of the procedure and its associated risks:
1. The needle used is typically seven times wider than a needle used for anesthetic
injection.
2. No anesthetic is used.
3. The practitioner probably does not have formal training or knowledge of anatomy or sterilization techniques.
4. Infection may occur and swelling of the tongue may result, causing choking.
5. Other side effects may include prolonged bleeding, permanent numbness, loss of taste and interference with speech and chewing.
6. Pierced tissues in the mouth may facilitate transmission of viral infections, such as Hepatitis and HIV, into the bloodstream.
7. Manipulating the metal tongue barbell against the teeth can brake or chip them.
Always investigate sterilization practices of the practitioner and then consider alternatives, such as magnetic jewelry, before taking the final plunge.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The First Thanksgiving
The First Thanksgiving
Ever wonder what the pilgrims and their Wampanoag guests really ate at the first Thanksgiving? Contrary to popular belief, they didn't sit down to a feast of turkey, corn, cranberries and pumpkin pie. They didn't even have forks!
That feast, which lasted several days, probably consisted mostly of venison, fowl and maybe even some seafood. Other table fare may have included: pumpkin, plums, chestnuts and liverwort (as seasoning). Since sugar was was scarcely available, they did not have cranberry sauce or pies (no ovens), although they used dried fruit and sweet spices such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in their roasting and cooking.
The best food was placed on the table near the most important person. All food was brought to table as it became ready and, as there was no passing of platters or bowls, diners ate only what was placed nearby.
Source: Kathleen Curtin, Food Historian at Plimoth Plantation
Happy Thanksgiving to all our patients and readers,
Dr. Maynard, Angela, Christy, Lindsay and Danae
Ever wonder what the pilgrims and their Wampanoag guests really ate at the first Thanksgiving? Contrary to popular belief, they didn't sit down to a feast of turkey, corn, cranberries and pumpkin pie. They didn't even have forks!
That feast, which lasted several days, probably consisted mostly of venison, fowl and maybe even some seafood. Other table fare may have included: pumpkin, plums, chestnuts and liverwort (as seasoning). Since sugar was was scarcely available, they did not have cranberry sauce or pies (no ovens), although they used dried fruit and sweet spices such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in their roasting and cooking.
The best food was placed on the table near the most important person. All food was brought to table as it became ready and, as there was no passing of platters or bowls, diners ate only what was placed nearby.
Source: Kathleen Curtin, Food Historian at Plimoth Plantation
Happy Thanksgiving to all our patients and readers,
Dr. Maynard, Angela, Christy, Lindsay and Danae
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Bat Cave Talk
Bat Cave Talk
Robin : Holy, hair-raiser, Batman! The pain from my sensitive teeth is like an electric charge to my head!
Batman: Hmmm. It would seem that the sensitive inside layer of your teeth is exposed to outside elements.
Robin: Zoinks, Batman! How did that happen?
Batman: It's quite simple, Robin. You may have worn enamel and/or receding gums... a prosaic pairing, to say the least.
Robin: Holy cacophony, Batman! Even touching my teeth or breathing in cold air screeches through my head like Catwoman's nails on a chalkboard.
Batman: Right again, Robin. Tooth whitening formulas, pregnancy or continuous, harsh brushing can make it even worse. But, your dentist can provide options such as desensitizing products and fluoride treatments.
Robin: Holy sonic boom, Batman! The thought of eating ice cream, breathing through my mouth, or even having my teeth cleaned, sends me through the roof! I'd better call my dentist! Thanks, Batman!
Batman: Um, you need to wash the Batmobile first.
Robin : Holy, hair-raiser, Batman! The pain from my sensitive teeth is like an electric charge to my head!
Batman: Hmmm. It would seem that the sensitive inside layer of your teeth is exposed to outside elements.
Robin: Zoinks, Batman! How did that happen?
Batman: It's quite simple, Robin. You may have worn enamel and/or receding gums... a prosaic pairing, to say the least.
Robin: Holy cacophony, Batman! Even touching my teeth or breathing in cold air screeches through my head like Catwoman's nails on a chalkboard.
Batman: Right again, Robin. Tooth whitening formulas, pregnancy or continuous, harsh brushing can make it even worse. But, your dentist can provide options such as desensitizing products and fluoride treatments.
Robin: Holy sonic boom, Batman! The thought of eating ice cream, breathing through my mouth, or even having my teeth cleaned, sends me through the roof! I'd better call my dentist! Thanks, Batman!
Batman: Um, you need to wash the Batmobile first.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Hi-Tech Means No Pain!
Hi-Tech Means No Pain!
There is a cool tool I use in my practice called the WAND. Since I began using it 10 years ago, my dental patients now regard anesthetic injection as a much more pleasant and positive experience.
The WAND looks like and weighs about as much as a pen, making it easy to hold. It is connected to a computer which controls the speed and flow of anesthetic. This control means “comfort” for the patient. From the start, the WAND pre-anesthetizes the pinpointed area, paving the way to painless and effective numbing. Since the source of discomfort for most people is actually the anesthetic flowing, many will definitely be relieved at how painless the whole injection will feel. It is also possible to reduce the lingering numbness of the tongue, lips and face.
Like white fillings, the WAND is a great technological advancement for dentistry that may benefit anyone who sees a dentist.
There is a cool tool I use in my practice called the WAND. Since I began using it 10 years ago, my dental patients now regard anesthetic injection as a much more pleasant and positive experience.
The WAND looks like and weighs about as much as a pen, making it easy to hold. It is connected to a computer which controls the speed and flow of anesthetic. This control means “comfort” for the patient. From the start, the WAND pre-anesthetizes the pinpointed area, paving the way to painless and effective numbing. Since the source of discomfort for most people is actually the anesthetic flowing, many will definitely be relieved at how painless the whole injection will feel. It is also possible to reduce the lingering numbness of the tongue, lips and face.
Like white fillings, the WAND is a great technological advancement for dentistry that may benefit anyone who sees a dentist.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits of Breastfeeding
We all know about breast milk’s nutritional health benefits. But what is surprising to many is how influential breastfeeding is to mouth and jaw development, oral health and home care habits
For breastfeeding, harder sucking is required to get at the milk than for drinking from an artificial nipple. According to lactation experts, breastfed babies develop better “U-shaped” arches which can reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later. Potential for snoring and sleep apnea (irregular breathing) is also decreased by this arch development.
Babies breastfed exclusively may also be at lower risk for developing cavities; there is no threat of “baby bottle tooth decay” because there is no bottle left in the mouth overnight.
As for long-term oral care habits, a study of Swedish, breastfed toddlers found that the children brushed more frequently, used fluoride toothpaste and ate less cavity-developing foods at night.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Is Your Budget Too Tight for Tooth Care?
Is Your Budget Too Tight for Tooth Care?
In a period of economic melt-down, having a toothache would be icing on the cake for many who already have overdue bills and an upside down mortgage.
In pain, and broke and the root canal will be $800. The new crown will be $850.
You have no dental insurance and credit cards are not an option. Outside of borrowing from family or friends, the best option is to finance treatment with a company that specializes in loaning money for dental work. Being approved is more possible than you think. After filling out a simple application in your dentist's office, you can get the good news before your emergency exam is over. Some payment plans are even interest-free for up to 18 months!
If you do have insurance, dental financing can help to pay any of your portion.
When you need dental care now, dental financing is a great option.
In a period of economic melt-down, having a toothache would be icing on the cake for many who already have overdue bills and an upside down mortgage.
In pain, and broke and the root canal will be $800. The new crown will be $850.
You have no dental insurance and credit cards are not an option. Outside of borrowing from family or friends, the best option is to finance treatment with a company that specializes in loaning money for dental work. Being approved is more possible than you think. After filling out a simple application in your dentist's office, you can get the good news before your emergency exam is over. Some payment plans are even interest-free for up to 18 months!
If you do have insurance, dental financing can help to pay any of your portion.
When you need dental care now, dental financing is a great option.
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