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Links Between Your Oral Health And Heart Disease

March 9, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:10 pm

IF YOU’RE LIKE OUR OTHER PATIENTS HERE AT OUR PRACTICE, you want to take the very best care of your heart, right? Of course! Well, did you know that your lowly toothbrush ranks right up there with your gym membership when it comes to keeping your heart healthy? It’s true! There are a number of recent studies that suggest gum disease—and other oral health issues—are DIRECTLY related to heart problems.

In a recent American Academy of Periodontology study, it was reported that people who have periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. Another study found that common oral health problems, including missing teeth, gingivitis, and/or cavities areas good at predicting heart disease as are bad cholesterol levels!Crazy, huh!?

While there’s still a LOT MORE to learn about these connections, the evidence seems to be mounting each year. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums, and then get clumped up in your arteries. One theory suggests that they stick to the fatty plaques in your bloodstream, directly contributing to blockages.There are other theories that revolve around your body’s defenses against bacteria, including the natural response of inflammation. Oral bacteria traveling through your bloodstream can cause blood cells to swell, which can lead to narrowing of arteries and clot risks.

Though the EXACT relationship between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease is still unclear, today’s research continues to conclude that there’s definitely a connection. This DOESN’T mean you can ignore all of the other things you can do to keep your heart healthy, and just focus on brushing! Keep eating healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take care of risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

And, since it’s SO EASY to clear up any periodontal disease problems with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell’shelp, why not take advantage? Your oral and overall health will thank you. EARLY DETECTION goes a long way in preventing problems in the future.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!We love visiting with you—our friends and patients.

Oh, and don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook page by clicking on the image below!

Is A Canker Sore Irritating Your Smile?

March 2, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 4:15 pm

CANKER SORES ARE NO FUN, especially when it’s time to brush your teeth. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways in which the pain from these bothersome blisters can be relieved. However, before we get into the best ways to treat canker sores, let’s talk a bit about the causes.

Though the exact cause is unknown, one theory suggests that canker sores can result from certain mouth washes and toothpastes that dry out the mouth. Try to avoid toothpastes with the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate if you are prone to getting canker sores. Others theories suggest that stress, genetics, mouth trauma, and immune system reactions are responsible for this unwanted pain.

If you happen to be suffering from a canker sore, don’t despair—like we said, they are easily treated, so stop enduring the pain!

 

Here are a few at-home treatments you can try:

  • Rinse your mouth several times a day with a mixture of warm water, salt and baking soda.
  • If you’re up for a little extra pain, dab the sore directly with some salt or baking soda and leave it on for a few minutes. This will desensitize the pain as well as speed up the healing process.
  • Licorice Root. This plant has actually been getting rave reviews for healing canker sores!
  • Vitamins.
  • Yogurts with live cultures. This delicious food is useful for more than just breakfast—simply hold it in your mouth for a few seconds, and swallow!
  • Stress Relief. Don’t overwork yourself—your body will suffer.
  • There are also many remedies that can be purchased at local drug stores and pharmacies to help treat the pain! Talk to Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell if you need a prescription!

How Can I Best Prevent Canker Sores In The Future?

  • Avoid foods that irritate your mouth, specifically those that are spicy or contain a high acidic content
  • Avoid excessive gum chewing—this can cause unwanted irritation!
  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush after each meal, and floss daily to keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a canker sore.

When Should I Visit My Dentist About A Canker Sore?Luckily, canker sores rarely last over 10-14 days, and the pain goes away even faster. However, please come see us if you have any of the following symptoms…

  • Unusually large sores
  • Sores that seem to be spreading
  • Sores that last longer than 3 weeks
  • Intolerable pain despite pain resultant from trigger foods and over-the-counter medication
  • Difficulty drinking enough daily fluids
  • A high fever that accompanies your canker sores

We hope you have learned everything you need to know about canker sores. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ASK US! Your health and comfort are our #1 priorities.

Also, don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook Page so that you can stay informed about all the exciting things going on at our practice.We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Here’s Some Information You May Not Believe!

February 24, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 11:13 pm

WELL, WE THOUGHT WE HAD HEARD ABOUT ALL the crazy dental trends here at our practice, but apparently we were wrong.

Remember the “tooth gap” fad that became popular back in the 1970s? Supermodels and celebrities caused young fans with perfect teeth to want a gap between their two front teeth! Well, if you thought that trend was surprising, you might not believe this new fad in the East!

Tokyo Dental Salon Specializes in Giving Girls “Crooked” Teeth:

images via OddityCentral and InventorSpot

Yup. Women in Japan are actually paying to make their teeth crooked. You heard us correctly. What we call “fangs” and “snaggle teeth,” are being referred to as “yaeba” in Japan—a term that directly translates to “double tooth.”

Famous celebrities and various blogs have begun popularizing this unique new look. These fang-like yaeba teeth are supposed to make the girls seem more cute and approachable, causing men to be more attracted to them. Consequently, women are spending upwards of $400 on these “stick-on” fangs. The procedure simply consists of a dentist applying the plastic teeth directly onto existing teeth with glue. Imagine how much harder flossing would be if you had a few extra teeth glued to your existing ones!

So, now we want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on these yaeba? Would you spend money to have us make your teeth crooked?

Two Minutes, Twice A Day

February 17, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 10:11 pm

EXCUSES FOR NOT BRUSHING OFTEN are all over the map! In a recent survey conducted by the Chicago Dental Society, more than half of the dentists surveyed said that their patients’ top excuse for not brushing or flossing is that they don’t have enough time. We’ve definitely heard that excuse before here at our practice.

Fortunately, proper brushing techniques don’t require a lot of time at all! Simply brush for two minutes, twice a day…that’s only 240 seconds total. If it really is a time issue you’re dealing with, set your alarm clock back 2 minutes. Your oral health is worth it and your smile will thank you!

Now, although two minutes really isn’t very long in the grand scheme of things, it can seem like a long time to brush your teeth if you’re used to a 20-second scrub. So, next time you’re in the bathroom brushing, bring along your phone and time yourself!

To properly brush your teeth, use gentle strokes and pay extra attention to your gum line, those hard-to-reach places, and the areas surrounding your fillings or crowns. If you concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section of your mouth, those 2 minutes will fly by!Here is a great video by Colgate that illustrates proper brushing techniques:

By the way, among the most interesting responses from that same survey suggested that pets crave toothbrushes as well as homework. But now that you’re motivated to take your brushing and flossing seriously, you won’t need to pretend like the dog ate your toothbrush! You’ll be a brushing pro.

If you have any additional questions about maintaining good oral hygiene, feel free to leave a comment below!

Oh, and be sure to Like us on Facebookand visit our website for additional information!

Request an appointmenttoday.

Are You Using Mouthwash?

February 10, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:31 pm
EVEN THE MOST DILIGENT FLOSSERS AND BRUSHERS sometimes forget about the added benefits of mouthwash.

But don’t worry—even if you already brush, floss, AND rinse with mouthwash everyday, you’ll find this content useful. The affect that mouthwash has on your oral health is often dependent upon the type of mouthwash you use.

So, before we get into the do’s and don’ts of choosing a mouthwash, let’s talk a little bit about why we recommend it.

Not only can mouthwashes make our mouths feel and smell fresher, they help prevent cavities and periodontal disease. They also help reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in our mouths. However, don’t let these facts fool you into depending on mouthwash alone! Brushing and flossing are still essential to our oral health as rinses cannot adequately remove food and plaque on their own—they simply help prevent plaque.

Now, what’s the key difference between all the varieties of mouthwashes? Frankly, some help more than others, and some may even contain ingredients that should probably be avoided. For example, fluoride helps prevents cavities, but sodium lauryl sulfate tends to dry and irritate mouths, especially if you suffer from canker sores.

Be careful when choosing your mouthwash, and feel free to ask Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellfor a recommendation that will suit your specific dental needs!

Here’s a little cheat sheet of ingredients to look for that should help you in the meantime.

If you have any additional questions regarding mouthwashes or dentistry in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Facts About Teeth

February 3, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:46 pm

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CURIOUS about all the odd facts dental professionals like Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell have floating around in their heads all day? Well, it’s your lucky day! Let’s switch things up a bit and devote a post entirely to random dental facts. Sound fun?

Did you know…

  • Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in a human’s body.
  • Toothbrush bristles were originally made from cow hair.
  • A shark goes through about 40 SETS of teeth during its lifetime.
  • A person’s teeth set is unique—much like their fingerprints. Even identical twins do not have exactly the same set of teeth. Did you know that your tongue print is also unique?
  • The average woman smiles about 62 times a day! A man? Only 8!
  • Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Adults… just 15.
  • According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day. The recommended amount of time is 2-3 minutes.
  • People who are right-handed typically chew their food on the right side of their mouth. Left handers? The left side.
  • 50% of people consider the smile the first facial feature they notice.
  • 80% of people are not happy with their smile.
  • 78% of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17.
  • 32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of a co-worker.
  • According to the recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, 92% of Americans believe that an attractive smile is an important social asset.

Well, there you have it! We hope you enjoyed those facts! It never hurts to know a little more about your smile. Contact us if you have any other dental-related questions or to set up an appointment!Oh, and please “Like” us on Facebooktoo!

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

Frenectomies Greatly Help People

January 26, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:55 pm

TROUBLE STICKING OUT YOUR TONGUE OR SPEAKING CORRECTLY? A FRENECTOMY MAY BE JUST THE SOLUTION FOR YOU….

The muscles of the lips and cheeks are attached to the gums by a piece of soft tissue called a frenum. Sometimes, a frenum can be attached too high on the gums, resulting in recession or spaces between the teeth, and even preventing baby teeth from coming through. Unfortunately, the problems don’t end there. For many, this condition also interferes with speech, causes limited tongue mobility and results in severe discomfort. Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell can help!How many of you recently saw The King’s Speech? In the film, King George VI deals with a speech impediment caused by a large frenum that limits his tongue movement, forcing him to enlist the help of a speech therapist.

Learn more about the movie by clicking image below:

And here is the actual recording of King George VI!

Drs. Bradley and Dr. BoswellCould Have Helped King George VI…

What if we told you that those years and years of speech therapy could have been replaced by a 5-10 minute procedure from Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell?! Well, it’s true!

Frenectomies are simple procedures where either part, or all of the frenum is removed in order to return the mouth to a healthy balance. Recovery time is usually within minutes, and never more than a few days. Too bad King George VI didn’t have Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell in his life.

If you experience pain when stretching your tongue, or are struggling with speech problems, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’d love to help you say goodbye to those speech impediments for life!

Also, don’t forget to follow us on our Facebook Page to keep up with everything going on in our practice! We look forward to connecting with you there.

From Silver To White

January 19, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 8:01 pm

HAVE YOU RECENTLY VISITED WITH a friend or coworker and had a flash of silver catch your eye? We’ve all seen them, and some of us may still have them. To what are we referring? Those unsightly silver amalgam fillings that used to be the standard way of filling all cavities.

Fortunately, today’s advances in dentistry and oral health awareness are causing these silver alloy fillings to gradually become thing of the past. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we now offer you, our valued patients, beautiful white composite fillingsthat match your teeth. When you open wide and visit with people, your fillings will no longer draw unwanted attention. In fact, it’s practically impossible to even tell the fillings are there!If you still have silver amalgam fillings from your past, we recommend that you consider having them replaced—and not just because of their less aesthetically-pleasing appearance. Silver amalgam fillings don’t bond as well to teeth—in order to make sure the filling is held in place, it has to be prepared with “undercuts” that can weaken the tooth structure and result in fractures. Amalgam fillings can also corrode over time as they swell and expand, putting you at risk for cracks. Additional problems can also occur as moisture and bacteria leak through microscopic spaces that develop between the tooth and the filling over time. Often, if not given immediate attention, this can cause a tooth to decay completely and/or break.

White composite fillings don’t require undercuts in your teeth, making them much more proficient in bonding, and definitely superior. In fact, such fillings can actually help strengthen teeth. And of course they’re much more aesthetically pleasing.

Still have questions about silver amalgam fillings and what to do about them? Set up an appointment with us. We’d love to go over all the options with you.

And don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook so we can stay connected with you!

I Don’t Have My Toothbrush, But I Have Cheese!

January 12, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 7:27 pm

GOOD ORAL HEALTHCARE IS SOMETHING most of us are great at when we’re at home…However, most of us don’t bring along our toothbrush and floss when we’re out and about…

So, here are a few ways you can prevent cavities while you’re away from home…

Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, cucumbers, and celery can help to mechanically clean food debris and bacteria from your teeth.

In addition, fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, and apples contain nutrients that decrease the stickiness of the bacteria that cause cavities. Green and black teas also contain minerals that can reduce the growth of bacteria on your teeth.

And best of all…Cheese. While the mechanism is not completely understood, numerous studies have shown that eating cheese after eating a sugary snack greatly reduces the damage to your teeth. Cheese tends to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth which helps keep cavities at bay. Cheese can also help neutralize the acid that bacteria produce. Calcium, phosphorous, and proteins in cheese may also help remineralize damaged tooth enamel. The best thing is that cheese just tastes so darn good.

So, at your neighbor’s next block party, hit up the cheese tray and fruit & veggie platters after you scarf down that chocolate cake and banana cream pie…Your oral health will thank you, and so will your dentist!The only thing better than a beautiful smile, is a beautiful smilethat’s healthy and cavity-free!Contact us if you have any additional questions, and don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook!

Reflections On A Career In Dentistry

January 5, 2012

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 12:18 am

CLEANING TEETH AND BRINGING PATIENTS SOUND ORAL HEALTH is not only our job here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, it is our passion. We love what we do every day—dentistry makes us happy…and we feel quite blessed to be able to say that!Dental work is a mix between science, management, engineering, and artistry. Each day is different and challenging.

Technological advances in the dental profession happen every day as techniques, materials used, and procedures become increasingly advanced. The opportunities to learn and improve are endless.But, best of all, the dental profession provides us all with the opportunity to help people and to make a difference in their lives. It may not seem like much, but the personal fulfillment that comes from being a dentist and helping people feel better about their smile and/or oral health is fantastic. Sometimes “feeling better” means “physically” better (if someone is uncomfortable or in pain). Sometimes “feeling better” means “emotionally” better (such as helping someone have the self confidence to smile again).

We want all of you to know how much we appreciate you, our valued patients. YOU are what make us smile.

We are also lucky here at Lake Oconee Dentistry to be able to work with such talented, great friends.

Some of you may be in the early early stages of choosing your own career paths—OR, you may have children or grandchildren who are making career decisions right now.

If we can ever be of help to you—or to somebody you care about—in answering questions about the varied careers in the dental profession, please let us know.

Thanks again for being friends of our dental practice.

In case you’re interested, attached below are a brochure AND a short video that will help you learn more about careers in dentistry.

(You can click directly on the brochure to read it or download it.)

By the way, we sure appreciate having you “Like” on our Facebook page. If you haven’t visited our page yet, simply click on the logo below. Thanks!

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