Pearly Whites Preview

Blood Thinners and Dental Treatment

2011-12-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

If you have a health condition which requires prescribed use of blood thinners such as Coumadin or aspirin, it is important to share this with your dentist.
Because the clotting mechanism is decreased by blood thinners, healing from injury can be difficult. This applies to the gums as well. Bleeding of the gums can occur during certain dental treatments and may be difficult to stop. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist may request that the patient discontinue use of the blood thinners for up to three days prior to all dental appointments. At home, it is a good idea to use a soft toothbrush and soft brushing technique and floss regularly. See your dentist regularly as well.
Your physical and dental health are mutually influenced. Therefore, it is very important to communicate with both your physician and your dentist regarding all aspects of your health.

Bleaching for Boomers

2011-12-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

Note: All blogs posted here are the property of Tobias Maynard DDS, and may not be copied or used without his consent. All articles created by Dr. Maynard and may have also been published in magazines, newspapers or online.

Bleaching or “whitening” teeth is an inexpensive, safe and easy way for many of us over 44 to regain the sparkly smiles of our high school yearbook photos. If your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking, you are a prime candidate for successful bleaching.
A professional tooth whitening could help you:
Land a job in these competitive times where youthful appearance is becoming more important.
Make a better first impression with potential clients.
Capture the attention of someone you like, just by flashing a pearly white smile.
Win your way onto your favorite game show as a contestant.
Win over an IRS auditor or loan officer.

Aging is inevitable, but it doesn't have be the first thing others see in you.

What do Funeral Directors and Dentists Have in Common?

2010-01-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Amalgam dental fillings.

Amalgam, which contains mercury, is commonly used to fill tooth cavities. When a body is burned, mercury from any silver fillings vaporizes. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury returns to the Earth in rain or snow, ending up in lakes and other bodies of water, where it can lead to elevated levels of mercury in fish. In humans, mercury damages the nervous system and can harm childhood development.

This health risk to the living was Colorado health officials' unprecedented argument last year against a funeral director who planned to build a crematorium close to a residential neighborhood. He was told to either install a costly filter on the smokestack or... (yikes!) extract the filled teeth before cremation.

If you are concerned about your own metal fillings, we can remove them safely now, so a stranger won't have it later.

Year-End Planning

2009-11-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

In spite of the weak economy, many of our patients are diligent about their dental care. But, there are some who are steering clear of our office until it really hurts. When the time comes, the cost will be exponential. If you're trying not to spend anything on dental care, please read and consider the following:

Nearly all major dental problems start as minor tooth trouble.
Major dental problems mean more sick days and lost work time.
This year, thousands of people will contract oral cancer, a disease
that can be found early with a simple dentist's exam.
Dental insurance benefits are wasted if not used by year's end.
Toothaches and holiday fudge don't mix.

For more info on our practice, check out:

www.pearlywhitesdds.com

Natural Sleep Help for Dental Anxiety

2009-09-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Many people can't relax or sleep from anxiety the night before a dental appointment. Prescription sleeping pills and muscle relaxers are a big help to many. Others may prefer to try an herbal supplement endorsed by Clark's Nurtrition, such as Albezia, American Ginseng, Ashwaganda, Chamomile, Hops, Kava, Lemon Balm, Skullcap and Valerian. A helpful Clark's team member may help you evaluate which of these herbs may help you.

Feel free to visit our practice for more information:
www.pearlywhitesdds.com

Does Your Pet Need a Dentist?

2009-09-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are veterinary specialists who provide dental care to pets? They offer many of the same services humans can have, such as crown and bridge restorations, braces, oral surgery, x-rays and gum therapy. In fact, in most any veterinarian's office, you will find brochures discussing the close relationship of a clean mouth to a pet's physical health.
This means that, like his owner, Fido builds tartar on his teeth and, if he doesn't eat the right foods, brush daily,or see his veterinarian regularly, he may develop bad breath or bleeding gums when he eats and/or brushes.
If the infectious bacteria travels from Fido's mouth, via his bloodsteam, to major organs of his body, other health problems may develop.
Sound familiar?

Elder Dental Challenges

2009-08-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Studies show that our growing, older-adult population is better educated, wealthier and healthier than its parent generation. Improvements in quality of life have allowed these people to live longer and keep their permanent teeth... permanently. It is still very important to monitor an elederly person's oral condition.

Older adults who still have permanent teeth are faced with challenges in spite of their good behavior: Wear-and-tear from years of use may result in worn -away enamel. Diminishing immunity defenses may encourage cavities, gum disease and other oral infections. Prescriptions medications and cancer therapies may cause "dry mouth". Physical weakness can make chewing difficult. Swallowing may be difficult if food is not chewed well enough.

Because older adults' health can be unpredictable, it is important that their teeth are brushed daily and that they see the dentist more frequently to monitor oral health conditions and to keep up-to-date health records.

For more information on our office, go to http://www.pearlywhitesdds.com/