Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Men Take Charge of Your Oral Health

The Academy of General Dentistry shares the following information regarding Men's Oral Health: (Dr. Clark's edits)


"An online poll of 289 general dentists and consumers confirms the traditional stereotype that men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.


Why? Nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men don't see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 percent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. Almost 18 percent revealed that men just don't have the time for a dental visit, and about 5 percent felt that men don't even have a regular dentist.


Why is periodontal disease a problem?

Periodontal disease is a result of plaque, which hardens into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The acids produced and released by bacteria found in (plaque and) tartar irritate gums. These acids cause the breakdown of fibers that anchor the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more bacteria. Researchers have found a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes. See your dentist if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums during brushing
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose or separating teeth

Do you take medications?

Since men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, they also are more likely to be on medications that can cause dry mouth. If you take medication for the heart or blood pressure, or if you take antidepressants, your salivary flow could be inhibited, increasing the risk for cavities. Saliva helps to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria found in your mouth (and helps neutralize the acid produced by oral bacteria).

Do you use tobacco?

If you smoke or chew, you have a greater risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women, and 95 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 40 years of age.

The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery and even death. More than 8,000 people die each year from oral (mouth) and pharyngeal (throat) diseases. If you use tobacco, it is important to see a dentist frequently for cleanings (and oral cancer screenings).

Do you play sports?

If you participate in sports, you have a greater potential for trauma to your mouth and teeth. If you play contact sports, such as football, soccer, basketball and even baseball, it is important to use a mouthguard, which is a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you ride bicycles or motorcycles, wear a helmet.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR TEETH


To take better care of your oral health, it is important to floss daily, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings. Here are some tips to better dental health:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you've been sick.
  • Choose a toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.
  • Brush properly. To clean the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum tissue. Spend at least three minutes brushing.
  • Floss properly. Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other."
There are so many reasons why you should visit our office at least twice a year.  We hope that if you are struggling to make the time to take care of yourself, this article has helped you find a few more reasons to take a step in the right direction by scheduling your appointment today!  We are here to serve you!  

Call today to schedule your free consultation!
(541) 451-1440 or TEXT us at 541.6DC.DDS2


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The Straight Talk Continues



Invisalign - Have you heard about it?

Invisalign is a revolutionary solution to straightening teeth.  Many adults who were not able to receive orthodontic care as a child or teenager find themselves hesitant to put braces on.  They worry about their jobs, peers and the overall effect braces can have at this stage in their lives.


One of the best things about Invisalign is the minimal impact it has on your everyday life. Since the aligners are comfortable, you should be able to wear them for 20-22 hours a day without much effort. They are simple to remove for eating and cleaning and do not add extra minutes to your already hurried morning routine!


Click here to see the remarkable results that one of our patients has experienced with Invisalign. It is so exciting to watch this process unfold.  You simply pop in a new set of custom made aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the smile that you've always wanted.  The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth!






Keep in mind that Invisalign is not just for adults. Teens across the nation are experiencing great results as they too receive this revolutionary treatment.  Invisalign is especially beneficial for teens who are involved in sports.  No more cut up mouths and lips for them!


You may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable this option can be.  We have many payment plan options to work with any budget.

Call us today to schedule a 
free consultation 
about Invisalign.
(541) 451-1440


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Hold the Soda Please!

Photo Courtesy Dentalworld.org
Everyone loves a sweet refreshing drink from time to time, however, hidden in the decorative soda cans that so attractively line our grocery shelves is an enemy to our teeth!


You brush and floss regularly and feel like you've got an edge on the whole oral hygiene routine right?  But what about that regular soft drink that seems to find it's way in your hands? Is there cause for concern?  The answer is yes!


American's love to drink soda, and in fact, a recent study reported that Americans consume around 50 gallons of soft drinks a year!  


World Dental.org reports:
"If you drink such sodas on a regular basis, your teeth are exposed to a great risk of damage. The carbonated soft drinks and sodas contain extremely large amounts of sugar. For instance, a 12oz can of soda can contain even up top 10 teaspoons of sugar.  Now, make your calculations and see how much bad sugar you eat every day, if you drink about 2 to 3 such sodas per day.
 Mountain Dew is a brand loved by kids and adults alike, but a 20 ounce bottle contain about 20 teaspoons of sugar, which is a huge amount of sugar for only a soft drink which is supposed to hydrate and give you some energy.
The other big danger of carbonated drinks is the acid. These drinks generally contain large amounts of harmful acids that eat away your tooth enamel. Then, your tooth structure becomes exposed, and dental decay is the next problem that appears. Tooth enamel erosion is extremely harmful, and you should stay away from these types of drinks no matter what.
For example, if you would like to drink something healthy, which has also got a special aroma, you should choose the flavored bottled water. This is healthy, and you can find all kinds of flavors available from lemon water or raspberry water and up to mango and banana flavor.
Do not bathe your teeth in acid if it is not necessary. Make healthy choices, and protect your teeth from enamel erosion and dental decay!"
Some of the statistics and numbers can be a little alarming, however knowledge is power. If you like to have a sweet drink from time to time, remember to brush your teeth regularly and choose a sugar free gum, preferably with xylitol, to help protect your teeth from these harmful sugars.

Call us at (541) 451-1440 or Text us at 541.6DC.DDS2
to schedule your next check up!



Wednesday, July 4, 2012

History of the 4th of July


We thought it would be fun to highlight the history of the 4th of July with this video.  Maybe you'll learn something you didn't know!



Click here to be directed to the video courtesy of History.com.



Happy 4th of July 
from
Dr. Clark & His Team!