Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

THE LEGEND OF THE TOOTH FAIRY has been around for ages. But you may not recognize the winged pixie you know and love from these old traditions…

Originally, Parents Hid Children’s Teeth

Centuries ago in Europe, parents buried their child’s lost tooth in a “tooth garden”. This was believed to prevent an evil witch from stealing the tooth and casting a spell on the child! The same superstition spread around the world. Early American settlers placed children’s teeth in flowerpots. Some people even believed that swallowing the tooth was the best way to protect children from evil.

The Tooth Mouse Helped Children’s Teeth Grow Strong

Another interesting idea was that if an animal swallowed the child’s tooth, that child’s new adult tooth would resemble the teeth of the animal that swallowed it! This superstition evolved into the story of the “tooth mouse”—a French story in which a fairy turns into a mouse and hides under an evil king’s pillow. To save the queen, the mouse proceeds to knock out all of the king’s teeth while he sleeps!

Eventually, Teeth Were Exchanged For Coins

As the tooth mouse tradition grew, children began putting their teeth into their shoes. While they slept, the mouse exchanged the tooth for a coin or two. Many cultures still hold to the tooth mouse tradition, but in others, the tradition morphed from a mouse to the magical tooth fairy!

The “Making” Of A Tooth Fairy?

Do You Have A Favorite Tooth Fairy Memory?

What was YOUR experience with the tooth fairy when YOU were young? What traditions have you held on to with your own family? We’d love to hear them. Please comment below, or on our Facebook page!

Top image by Flickr user IndyDina With Mr. Wonder used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

TONGUES ARE REMARKABLE ENGINEERING WONDERS. They help us nourish ourselves and clean our teeth. They’re a vital part of our oral and whole body health. How do we keep them clean and healthy?

Brush Your Tongue Daily

Your tongue hosts up to 10,000 taste buds. It also harbors billions of bacterium. That oral bacteria can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Brushing our teeth isn’t enough. We should be gently brushing our tongues every day while we’re in there!

Tongue Scrapers Can Be Helpful Too

Many patients find that tongue scrapers are more effective for them than simply brushing their tongues with their toothbrush. This can be really helpful in fighting bad breath too. More details in this short video…

Tongue scrapers can reduce the presence of volatile sulfur compounds significantly (caused when amino acids and bacteria interact). Tongue scrapers can also help reduce build-up in the back of your throat caused by a sinus infections or allergies. Just be gentle when you scrape.

The Benefits Of Keeping Your Tongue Clean

• Some people believe that by reducing the amount of bacteria we swallow in our saliva all the time, we can stay healthier.
• A cleaner tongue can actually make food taste better!
• When your tongue is cleaner, your entire mouth—including teeth and gums—stays cleaner.
• It’s a great line of defense against bacteria-caused halitosis!

Give Your Tongue The Respect It Deserves!

We love being your complete oral health partner. Dental health not only requires caring for your teeth, but caring for your gums and tongue as well. If you have questions, please let us know.

Thanks for your trust in our practice.

Top image by Flickr user Benny Mazur used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

SOCIAL MEDIA HAS BECOME PART OF the fabric of our lives. But, we’re not using social media because it’s a trend… We use it to help us best serve you!

Social Media Helps Our Practice:

1. Be Accessible

Our in-office hours may be limited, but we’re always available via social media.

2. Listen To Your Feedback

We appreciate it so much when you help us better serve you by providing us with insights and feedback on how we’re addressing your needs, cares, and concerns.

3. Strengthen Relationships

You’re so much more to us than a name with teeth. Thank you for being our valued patient and friend. We also deeply appreciate when you share our practice with others.

4. Protect Your Health

We carefully select and share information that helps empower all of us to make smart choices about our oral health, diet, hygiene habits, and lifestyle.

5. Share An Occasional Light Moment

Life’s too short to not take a moment to show off your healthy, beautiful teeth through a giggle or smile…

Thanks For Helping Us Best Serve You

When you participate with us via social media—through your comments, Likes, re-tweets, shares, and feedback it helps us be the best we can be. We’re a “social practice” with purpose. Thank you for being part of it.

We love having you as part of our practice family!

Top image by Flickr user Nicolas Vigier used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

MILLIONS OF CHILDREN TODAY aren’t receiving basic, recommended dental care designed to detect and prevent disease. In fact, various surveys conclude that over half of children and adolescents did not visit a dentist in the past year.

Preventative Care For Children Is Essential For Lifelong Health

Childhood caries are the #1 chronic infection in children—AND they’re preventable! Through regular cleanings, topical fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and dental sealants to shield tooth surfaces, tooth decay can be dramatically reduced.

If children don’t visit the dental office until decay is advanced—causing pain and damage—they’re much more likely to associate the dental office with fear and pain. Children build lifelong patterns based on these experiences. They may grow up to avoid the dentist, despite pain and damage that occurs as a result of neglect.

Think About The Kids You Love…

Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, neighbor, coworker or friend… We all have children we care about in our lives. Do those children visit the dentist every six months? Are they educated on the best ways to care for their oral health? Are they protecting their teeth from tooth decay with fluoride and sealants?

Help Protect Those You Love Through Education

Protect children’s smiles and oral health! If there’s anything that we can do to help, give us a call.

Thank you for allowing us to be your trusted partners in health. We appreciate you!

Top image by Flickr user Philippe Put used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped from original.

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH CALCIUM? Think about your nutrition habits, and the habits of those you love and care for. Daily calcium intake is critical to great oral and whole body health.

Adults Require 1,000 mg Per Day

The most well-known calcium source is milk. About three cups provides 1,000 mg. But if milk’s not your favorite, don’t sweat it! Calcium is also found in leafy greens, seeds, nuts, and other great foods. Here are some high-calcium foods, and how much of each you’d need to eat to get 1,000 mg.

• 1-1/4 cups of sesame seeds
• 5 cups of white beans
• 2 cups fortified orange juice
• 2 cans of salmon
• 1 cup of tofu
• 2-1/2 cups of almonds
• 5 cups of spinach

Obviously, you’ll want to mix and match each day. Very few people eat a whole cup of sesame seeds!

Here are the daily calcium amounts recommended by the National Institutes of Health:

Know What Nutrition Labels Mean!

We see these labels all the time! But do you know how to benefit from that information? Most people don’t. Take a minute to watch this video:

Calcium Deficiency Affects Your Whole Body

Calcium fortifies our teeth against decay. It also helps our nerves, blood vessels, and bones work properly. Improper calcium intake can lead to muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, and lethargy. However, the most common and severe side effect is osteoporosis.

Many people know that osteoporosis increases the risk of broken bones. It can also greatly increase our risk of tooth loss! Our jawbone anchors our teeth, and if the jawbone isn’t strong, teeth can become unstable. In fact, people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to lose teeth than those with healthy bones.

Take a few minutes to learn how calcium affects your bones:

Do You Have Any Tips For Getting Sufficient Calcium?

Let us know! Leave a comment below, or on our Facebook page. We love hearing from you!

Thanks for the trust you place in our practice.

We appreciate having you as our valued patient and friend. Please share this information with others!

Top images by Flickr users bluewaikiki and cookbookman17 used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Images cropped and modified from originals.

THERE ARE MORE BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH RIGHT THIS MINUTE than there are people on this planet. Thoughtful dental health is about SO much more than avoiding cavities. Preventative dental care is essential to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Mouth Bacteria Can Spread To Other Parts Of Our Bodies

Neglecting one’s oral health can have very serious consequences. Something as seemingly harmless as bleeding gums—a sign of gum disease—is equivalent to an open wound that allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body.

Many Studies Link Dental Health To Whole Body Health

A growing body of research suggests that gum disease can increase your risk of dangerous health problems, including…

• Diabetes
• Endocarditis & Cardiovascular Disease
• Osteoporosis
• Strokes
• Alzheimer’s Disease

A First Line Of Detection For Serious Diseases

It surprises people to learn that dentists are often first to discover health conditions like HIV, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. In part, that’s because we typically see you more often than your physician does. Another reason is that certain health problems affect conditions inside your mouth and we’re trained to see that. So it goes both ways… Our oral health provides clues to our whole body health, AND our whole body health can affect our oral health.

What Can You Do?

It’s as simple as it is important. Consistently and thoroughly brush and floss to keep bacteria under control. Never skip regular cleanings and checkups. Let us help you monitor the critical relationship between your oral and overall health.

Thank you so much for the trust you place in us. We appreciate you.

Top image by Flikr user Nan Palmero used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped from original.

LET’S TALK ABOUT TWO THINGS. First, the importance of wearing a mouthguard if you (or someone you care for) is involved in just about any type of sport. And second, the importance of maintaining that mouthguard.

Mouthguards provide far more value than simply protecting teeth. They also help prevent head injuries. How? Mouthguards act as a “shock absorber” to help cushion the head against sports-related concussions. Young or old athlete, and regardless of the sport, they just make sense.

Whether You’re An NFL Linebacker, Middle-Aged Weekend Warrior, Or Little League Short Stop

Take a couple of minutes to learn about mouthguards from this short video:

3 Ways To Keep Your Mouthguard In Great Condition

Clean It Frequently

• Rinse it with cool water after every use.
• Gently brush it occasionally with toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Avoid hot water as it may change the fit.
• For a deep cleaning, try denture cleaner.

Be Responsible

• Don’t chew on your mouthguard.
• Keep it in a hard, protective container that allows for air flow.
• Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car. This can distort the guard.

Get It Checked Regularly

• Bring your mouthguard with you when you visit us. We’ll make sure it fits correctly and protects your smile.
• If you wear braces or have a protruding jaw, talk to us about the best options.

Take Good Care Of Your Mouthguard, And It Will Take Care Of Your Smile

Mouthguards are the best defense for your smile on the field and on the court. Don’t have a mouthguard? Talk to us. And if you have any questions about mouthguards, please let us know.

Thanks for trusting us with your dental health!

SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST LUCKY! They seem to look fantastic in every photograph! Naturally photogenic. For the rest of us… Well, sometimes we just don’t know what to do (or what to think about) when the camera comes out. Here are some great tips:

1. Try Smiling With Your Eyes Too

This can be the difference between a genuine smile and a fake-looking smile. Practice thinking of something that makes you laugh right before the camera clicks.

2. Work With The Angles

Straight-on photos are rarely the best angle. Turn your body slightly away from the camera, and/or tilt your head a little to catch the light. Not sure which angles look best on you? Start paying attention, then practice!

3. Wear Lipstick That Makes Your Smile Pop

The right shade(s) can make your teeth look whiter and your smile brighter!

4. Be Confident In Your Smile

Sometimes it’s less about how you look, and more about how you feel! The best photographs happen when we’re feeling confident, attractive, and healthy. If you’re not satisfied with your smile, we can help.

Ready For Some Close-Ups?

Are there holidays or special events coming up in your life? If so, chances are there are going to be lots of photos taken. Everyone has a camera now, right? Let’s visit about ways to help you prepare your smile. Sometimes, something as simple as a cleaning and polish can give your smile that extra shine.

Thanks for being a valued part of our practice!

We appreciate having you as our patient.

HAVE YOU EVER accidentally bitten down on a little piece of aluminum foil? Have you experienced that quick zap of pain?

That Jolt Is Called Galvanic Shock

Perhaps a little piece of foil was clinging to the tortilla when you unwrapped your taco during lunch. When that foil came in contact with metal in your mouth (such as an amalgam filling, a metal crown, or braces) it created a little electrical shock!

Here’s How It Works

The discomfort comes from two different types of metal interacting with each other. These dissimilar metals—with help from our saliva—create something akin to a very low powered battery. When we bite down the stored electric charge flows through the teeth to our nerves, and our brain interprets the nerve’s signal as pain.

4 Aluminum Foil Uses That Are Better Than Biting It

• Sharpen dull scissors. Just fold up a few strips and start cutting!
• Soften brown sugar by wrapping it in foil and baking it for 5 minutes at 300° F.
• Moving a couch? Put foil (dull side down) under the legs to glide across the floor.
• Clean your iron by ironing over a piece of foil to get rid of build-up.

Share Your Story OR A Foil Recommendation

Steer clear of sneaky foil pieces in food! If you have another useful tip for using aluminum foil, share it below!

Thanks for being a part of our practice family!

HERE IT COMES! The season of ghosts, ghouls, witches, and, of course… candy! If you’re savvy about it, there’s no reason for your Halloween fun to come at the expense of your dental health.

Rule 1: A Little Candy All At Once Is Probably Better Than Candy All Day Long

When it comes to your oral health, if you must have some candy, a little “candy-binge” is better than grazing on that Halloween loot all day long (or all month long!). Our mouths are always working to restore optimal pH balance and to utilize our saliva to cleanse our smiles. So enjoy your candy once, and then brush and floss.

Rule 2: Keep Eating Good, Healthy Meals

Continue eating three nutritious, square meals a day. This has two purposes. First, being full of good food will make you less likely to indulge too much in unhealthy candy. Second, eating a little candy with a meal continues to stimulate saliva production, and helps your mouth clean itself and restore a good balance.

Rule 3: There’s Bad Candy… And There’s Worse Candy

Some candies are more harmful than others. The biggest bad candies you need to watch out for are:

• Sour ones, which are loaded with acid.
• Chewy ones that stick on and between your teeth for a long time.
• Hard ones, like suckers, that rest on your teeth for a long periods of time—and can crack or chip teeth.

Chocolate Can Be A Less Harmful Choice

On the other hand, most chocolates, especially dark chocolates, may be better for your teeth than those listed above. Chocolate dissolves quickly and doesn’t linger as long on your teeth.

Contrary to popular belief, not all dentists hand out toothbrushes and floss at Halloween. Over half say that they give out candy. And of those who give out candy, about 80% of them choose to hand out chocolate over other candies.

Don’t Go TOO Crazy Healthy… You Don’t Want This!

If You Have A Little Extra Time…

Of course, there are some fun non-candy options for Halloween treats, too:

Check out some others by clicking here.

Have A Great Holiday!

We hope that you have a great Halloween. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Check out our Facebook page for more Halloween fun.

Thanks for being a part of our practice family. We appreciate you!