Yogurt is Among the Best Foods For Teeth

 Cheese, milk and yogurt are packed with calcium, which strengthens enamel and fortifies bones.  It's something that kids like, so get them started on it young to help prevent cavities. For adults, the calcium is essential for bone loss and strong enamel.

Other foods that promote healthy teeth are:

Water - drink plenty of it! Hydration prevents dry mouth, which can lead to a build up of bacteria and plaque and cause cavities.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Crunchy vegetables such as celery and carrots

Coffee and Tea - Believe it or not!  These popular beverages contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants. They reduce inflammation and combat cell damage.

These are just some of the everyday foods we eat that help fortify and promote the health of our teeth and gums. 

So, Eat, Drink and be Merry!

Enjoy These Dental Fun Facts!

Just a little bit of trivia for your enjoyment! 

* People whose mouth has a narrow roof are more likely to snore!

* 85% of the population can curl their tongue!
* Expect to gain 256 colonies of bacteria from kissing!
* If your mouth was completely dry, you would not be able to distinguish the taste of anything!
* Taste is the weakest of the senses!
* Whichever hand you use to write is the side you will chew your food!
* Humans have unique tongue prints just like the fingertips!
* The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body!
* There are about 9,000 taste buds on the surface of the tongue!
* Humans produce about 37,854 liters of saliva in a lifetime!

Keep Smiling!

Does Oral Bone Loss Mean You May Have Osteoporosis?

 Your teeth have been cleaned, x-rayed and examined. You're ready to schedule your next 6-month check-up and be on your way. But instead, your dentist delivers some surprising news: you may have osteoporosis.

You may think your dentist is kidding, but that's probably not the case. Signs of osteoporosis can often be seen on dental x-rays and exams. Oral health and bone health can be directly related. Your dentist can find possible signs of osteoporosis by examining your jawbone, gums and teeth.

Although your dentist may suspect the disease, you can't tell for sure from an x-ray alone, but to diagnose osteoporosis, you will need to see a doctor for a bone density test.  

Keep Smiling!

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

 By definition, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine,  Dental Sleep Medicine is an area of practice that focuses on the management of sleep-related breathing disorders, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, through the use of oral appliance therapy and/or upper airway surgery.

More and more dentists are entering into this field of treatment.  The way it works is this: A qualified physician diagnoses the condition through a series of studies done on the patient, then the dentist provides treatment; ( i.e. usually a custom fitted oral device, worn during sleep and designed to keep the airway open by supporting the jaw and tongue.)

A loved one may notice heavy snoring or interrupted breathing patterns that can happen many times during the sleep cycle, however, if you live alone the following signs could be an indication that you may need to be checked out:

                  Mild to heavy daytime sleepiness
                  Morning headaches
                  Depression
                  Decreased libido
                  Inability to concentrate

Additionally, if you are overweight  you may have a higher risk for sleep apnea.  Essentially, through oxygen deprivation and lack of refreshing sleep, this disorder can wreak havoc on your body over time. It can put you at risk for high blood pressure, stroke and even heart attack, not to mention the risk of sudden death while sleeping due to the closing of the airway.

Many people have this disorder and are unaware of the danger it poses.  It is effectively a silent killer.  If you think you or a loved one may have this, contact your healthcare provider and arrange for a screening.  

It could save your life!

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

 

Do you have a young child who needs to visit the dentist? Are you worried about how they will handle the visit?

Preparation is the best method when it comes to going to the dentist.

Here are a few tips on preparing your child for their first trip:

• Choose a dentist wisely - Seek out a dentist that will fit your child's needs. You may want to consider a pedodontist (pediatric dentist) these dentists specialize in children's dentistry and usually their offices are very inviting to children such as they have games while waiting, a theme throughout the office. etc.
• Let them observe - Take your child to one of your dental appointments and let them watch. The best observation is a dental cleaning!
• Sunglasses - This will help keep the bright out of their eyes and allow them to keep their eyes open to reduce anxiety.
• Trust the staff - This is not the first time they have worked with children, they will have tricks up their sleeve to help make the experience go smoothly. 

Always remember that the office staff wants you to have a great experience!