THEY’RE SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS “e-cigs” or “vapes”. Regardless of what they’re called, they’re not good for your health—or your smile.

A New Twist In The Same Ol’ Story

The oral health risks associated with traditional cigarette smoking are widely understood and accepted:

• Smoking increases periodontal disease risk by 7 times
• People who smoke are twice as likely to lose teeth
• Smokers increase their oral cancer risk by 5 to 10 times

Technology DOESN’T Change Everything

E-cigarettes are being marketed as a cleaner, healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. And while it’s true that a couple of unsavory side effects aren’t present (like smoke and stained fingers) e-cigs still pose health risks to your teeth and body.

E-Cigs Still Contain Nicotine

Nicotine is a “vasoconstrictor” that restricts blood flow, inhibiting our mouth’s natural cleaning and disease-fighting functions. Nicotine also reduces our body’s ability to heal and create new healthy tissues and cells. E-cigs contain vaporized nicotine, derived from tobacco. And when a person uses nicotine, gum disease is more likely to thrive.

E-cigs can also contain MANY other chemical substances. France’s National Consumer’s Institute recently conducted a study that found 3 out of 10 e-cigs contain hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde and diethylene glycol.

Learn More About E-Cigarettes:

The Takeaway Message…

1. If you’re a smoker trying to quit, e-cigarettes may be a transitional help.
2. If you don’t smoke, don’t get lured in by this trend. Signing up for a nicotine addiction is dangerous—in any form.
3. If you’re a parent, share this post with your children. Since e-cigs are not technically tobacco, in many states children can purchase them and the companies that sell them are marketing to teenagers.

Let Us Know What You Think

Do you have experience with, or questions about this trend? If so, let’s visit. If you’re a smoker (in any form), or if someone you care about smokes, remember that it’s even more important to schedule regular cleaning and checkup appointments.

ARE YOU SETTING WEIGHT LOSS GOALS? GREAT! Just remember to stay healthy—and that includes taking good care of your teeth while dieting!

Connections Between Oral Health & Whole Body Health

Our bodies are amazing. Sometimes we forget about the connections between each system. If you’re working to lose weight, be aware of how those diet decisions may affect your teeth. Here are four quick, useful tips:

#1: Be Careful With Juicing & Smoothies

Juicing and drinking smoothies are a recommended part of many diets. They are great ways to consume nutritious fruits and veggies. But remember they can be high in sugar and acids. Also, their strong pigmentation can stain teeth. Consider using a straw and always rinse your mouth with water when finished.

#2: “Grazing” Can Make Your Mouth A Constant War Zone

Some diets have you snacking less and some have you snacking more! Keep in mind that every time you eat something, your mouth works hard to regain its pH balance—battling acids and washing away debris. You can help by finishing up with a “scrubber” food like celery. And again, rinsing with water is super important.

#3: Some Diet-Friendly Snacks Are Not Tooth Friendly

One of the major offenders can be diet soda. It may be great for dieting but it’s loaded with acid that can be very hard on your teeth. If you drink diet soda, DON’T sip on it throughout the day. Drink it, rinse with water, then stay away from it. Other diet-friendly snacks to be careful with include dried fruits that stick to your teeth, nuts, and acidic citrus foods.

#4: Drink Plenty Of Water And Get Enough Vitamins & Minerals

A change in your diet can decrease saliva flow, especially if you’re taking dietary pills or supplements. Drink a lot of water to compensate. Also, vitamins and minerals fuel healthy operations throughout your body. They reinforce tooth enamel and help you resist infection.

Here’s a short video from an NBC News affiliate:

Let Us Know If You Have Questions

We’re cheering for you! Good luck with your diet! Let us know if you have any questions about how dieting can affect your smile. Be sure to keep your regular cleaning appointments so that any potential problems are identified early.

Thanks for the trust your place in our practice. We appreciate having you as our valued patient.

WE REALIZE THAT TEACHING HISTORY ISN’T one of our core services! But we also know that regardless of the subject matter, many of our modern-day comforts are the fruits of other people’s labors.

Today, remarkable dentistry is more accessible, comfortable, and life changing than ever before. It’s also a big part of our overall body health and wellness. Pierre Fauchard is one of the historical figures we have to thank for that.

Three Interesting Facts About The Father Of Modern Dentistry

1. Back Then, Teeth Were Extracted By Barbers

In those days, practicing dentistry required no specific education. Many times the local barber took care of teeth too. At age 15 Pierre became interested in mouth diseases when he began surgical training in the French navy and spent many months at sea with the sailors. Later he worked in the university city of Angers in western France where he began perfecting his art and was referred to by local physicians and surgeons.

2. Pierre’s Landmark Book Set Many Standards Still Expected Today

After making his manuscript available for peer reviews for five years, Pierre published his book Le Chirugien Dentiste ou Traité des Dents in 1746. The book was unlike anything that had been written before, and included:
– full descriptions of teeth anatomy
– classification of over 100 dental diseases
– details about dental operations and instruments
– case studies and illustrations

3. Treating Patients In A Chair, Rather Than On The Floor

Pierre became very successful in his dental practice and was known for treating patients with a dignity that was uncommon during that time. He reportedly was one of the first to provide a comfortable horsehair easy chair that patients could sit in during treatment, rather than sitting or laying on the floor.

Pierre Fauchard considered teeth important for both health and speech in addition to appearance. He exposed the dangers of brick dust powders sold at the time for whitening!

Interested In More Dental History?

Have you ever visited the U.S. National Museum Of Dentistry in Baltimore?

Thanks…

We want to express thanks to TWO people today—Pierre Fauchard and YOU! Pierre helped make our profession what it is today. And, thanks to you for being our valued patient!

Never hesitate to let us know if there’s ever anything that we can do to help you be more comfortable, healthy, and confident with your smile! Have a great week!

PEOPLE JOKE ABOUT A SO-CALLED MIDLIFE “CRISIS”. But instead, let’s consider it a “midlife wake-up”! Changes during midlife are very real. They can stress our bodies and our lives…

• hormonal shifts happen to both men and women during midlife
• lifestyles change as children move out, or as needs increase for aging parents
• people experience anxiety, fear, regrets or frustration about life’s accomplishments
• there can be an awakening to signs of aging, wondering “when did this happen?”

For Many, A Beautiful Smile Provides A Powerful Boost

Signs of aging can be especially noticeable in our smiles. One day you may suddenly notice that your teeth aren’t as bright, or that they’re chipped and worn looking. Sometimes, as our faces change, our teeth can even take on a “sunken” appearance.

The good news is that many of these issues can be improved through awesome dental care, whether there’s reconstructive work that needs to be done (such as a missing tooth), or you just want to make your smile more beautiful through cosmetic treatment.

• A brilliant smile defies time. Check out a recent studyfrom the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
• An Oral B Britain study concluded that simply whitening your smile can make you look—on average—five years younger.
• Smiles are essential to great first impressions. Often during midlife wake-ups, new opportunities present themselves.

This is a cool blog post showing how new smiles can dramatically change the way people look:

An Amazing Smile Can Make All The Difference

When life knocks us around a bit—whether that be in the workplace, in relationships, or wherever… Smiling can boost our moods, increase the positive energy we exude, and even help with our overall health. Smiling can also affect our job opportunities, romantic opportunities, and interactions with friends and acquaintances.

Be sure you’re confident in your smile.

Interested In More Information About Midlife Wake-ups?

Thanks For Your Trust In Our Practice!

Talk with us anytime about refreshing your smile. Whether you want to look at very conservative options, or you would like to consider more dramatic cosmetic options, we have the resources and expertise to help you make a plan. We appreciate having you as our valued patient!