If It Were You? Every day, patients ask us about their dental care. Should I have a crown or a filling? A root canal, or an extraction? Should we fix a "baby tooth?" Or will it just fall out? Is teeth whitening safe? Often the final question we're asked is, "What would you do if it were you?" Our answer is always the same. Our recommendation to you is the same as if it were a member of our own family. We have the [...]
Let Us Know If You've Been Diagnosed With Hypertension Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, masquerades as...nothing! No visible symptoms create alarm in the victim or family members. No pain alerts the victim to the danger. Yet hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for heart attack and stroke. It's also one of the most easily controlled. The best way to combat hypertension is by following the doctor's orders and these tips: Have your blood pressure checked regularly Reduce salt and other sources [...]
Discuss All Drug and Medication Use to Avoid Harmful Reactions Let's face it, some people take anti-depressants, some are prescribed antibiotics. Some smoke marijuana, and fewer, thankfully, use cocaine, methamphetamine or other drugs. But here in the office, the message remains the same for all. Tell us what you're taking, and when. Why? Because the drugs we administer during dental procedures might have unforeseen interactions with the drugs you're already taking, whether they be legal prescriptions or illicit "street" drugs. So let us know [...]
Non-Prescription Doesn't Mean Non-Hazardous Most patients know that doctor-prescribed medication is pretty serious stuff. But if you can buy it at the drug store, how much of a problem could it be? More than you'd think. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) routinely risks acute liver disease–more so than alcohol or hepatitis. Long-term use of pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can raise blood pressure, harm the stomach, liver, and kidneys. None of these products are hazardous if used only occasionally. It's consistent use that [...]
Common Problems of the Oral Cavity Most people associate dentistry with teeth. But the fact is, our focus is on the continued good health of your entire mouth–the oral cavity, as we dentists call it. The Tongue It's a highly helpful indicator of what may be going right–or wrong–inside the mouth. A smooth, or red tongue might suggest some sort of vitamin or mineral deficiency, while a chronically painful tongue may simply suggest poorly-fitting dentures. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Beyond just being uncomfortable, dry mouth [...]
How Bad is it? Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The diabetes epidemic affects more than 29 million Americans, and 7 million of those don't know they have it. It is marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defective insulin production, function, or both. The symptoms of diabetes develop gradually and include: fatigue, frequent urination, blurred vision, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, and slow healing of sores. And unfortunately, some individuals experience no symptoms at [...]
Are You Trying to Give up Nicotine? Nicotine continues to be popular with teens and young adults, and there are more ways to become addicted than ever before. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco remain, while e-cigarettes and vaporizers are now available in tempting flavors. We all know about the numerous side effects tobacco and/or nicotine can have on health, so there are plenty of reasons you might want to kick the habit! Here's How: Slowly Reduce Instead of quitting cold turkey, pick a target date [...]
Women Encounter More Challenges to Their Oral Health A woman's oral health is often directly related to her stage of life. Changes in hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause all impact the chemistry of what's going on in her mouth. It is important for everyone to practice good habits of brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental check-ups, but women need to remain extra vigilant during certain times of increased vulnerability. Dental Problems for Women can be Caused By: Puberty During puberty [...]
You may have noticed that whenever we work inside your mouth (or touch something that will be going into your mouth) we will ALWAYS be wearing medical gloves to prevent contamination. Keeping Germs Out The subject of sterilization is more important than ever as we become more aware of the various communicable diseases that can be transmitted in the environment of a dental office. You may well ask if we wear gloves and masks to protect us from disease patients may carry. The truth [...]
Shrug Them Off, or Seek Help? Cold sores, aka fever blisters, are known to medical professionals as outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus. Most of us have experienced them at one time or another, on the lips or inside the mouth. They can be spread by kissing or by sharing spoons, cups, or razors with an infected person. Once you get it, the virus remains for the rest of your life. So if you have it, be careful not to spread it. Cold sores [...]
