Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

INDEED… DENTISTRY IS SERIOUS business. But that doesn’t mean we have to take ourselves TOO seriously all the time, right?

9 Dental-Related Fun Facts

1. A typical elephant’s molar weighs nearly nine pounds.
2. In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope to escape!
3. The first toothbrush with animal hair bristles was made in China in 1498.
4. A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but can have 25,000 teeth inside!
5. Some of the world’s most choked on objects are toothpicks! Be cautious when picking your teeth or holding one in your mouth.
6. Like cows, humans actually chew side to side—not just up and down.
7. In North America, over 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased each year… Enough to circle Earth 120 times!
8. When you skip flossing, you’re missing 35% of your teeth’s surface area!
9. The first modern(ish) braces were constructed in France in 1728. They were made from metal and string.

Some Interesting Animal Teeth Trivia

Thanks for trusting us to keep your mouth and teeth healthy!

We know it’s a big responsibility and we take it very seriously. Any time you have questions about your oral health, let’s visit.

A SIP OF COFFEE, A SPOONFUL OF ICE CREAM… you never thought that these simple pleasures could cause pain! But when you have sensitive teeth, your favorite foods and beverages can turn against you. Even sour foods and cold weather can drive you crazy!

Sensitive teeth are a common problem. Here are four great tips for easing the discomfort:

#1: Check Your Brushing Technique

Sometimes the problem is that you’re actually TOO enthusiastic with your routine care. If you’re brushing too much or too hard, it can contribute to receding gums. When gums recede, sensitive areas of your teeth are exposed. Always brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently in a circular motion without sawing back-and-forth.

#2: Minimize Acidic Foods & Drinks

One major culprit in an over-acidic diet is soft drinks—but sports/energy drinks, fruit juices, and sour candies can also contribute. Acid erodes your tooth enamel.

Detailed Info About The Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

#3: Consider Changing Your Toothpaste

Do you use a whitening toothpaste? Check the usage instructions. Whitening toothpastes can be more abrasive which can contribute to sensitivity. If your teeth are hurting, try a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth instead.

#4: Come Visit With Us!

If you’re experiencing continued sensitivity, we should take a look. Receding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Sensitivity could also indicate a cavity, or be a warning that you’re grinding your teeth at night. To be sure it’s not a serious problem it may be necessary for us to take a look.

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate you!

If you have questions about tooth sensitivity, please ask below! We love to hear from you. Or message us directly on our Facebook page.

THE HEALTHY ENAMEL THAT COVERS YOUR TEETH is the hardest substance in your body… It’s even harder than your bones! That’s great news when you consider the amount of pressure our jaw muscles exert on our teeth.

However, your teeth can still be cracked and chipped. Here are four “don’ts” for avoiding a cracked tooth.

#1: Don’t Chew On Ice

High powered blenders have special blades and settings for crushing ice. So imagine what chewing on ice can do to your teeth! Some people do it out of habit—and others do it when they’re nervous or bored. Just stop! It can chip or crack teeth.

#2: Don’t Chew Hard Sweets

Hard candy isn’t good for your oral health anyway. Besides the high sugar content, and the long periods of time the sugar sits on your teeth, hard candy can also crack your teeth. Jawbreakers, suckers, and frozen candy bars are common culprits. If you enjoy these occasionally, consider licking them instead to avoid damage.

#3: Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

We know that they’re difficult to avoid! When you’re enthralled in a movie, the last thing on your mind is the popcorn you’re enjoying. Just try to be aware of those pesky unpopped kernels!

#4: Don’t Use Teeth As Tools

They’re not bottle openers. They’re not scissors. They’re not pliers. You get the idea.

Contact Us Immediately If You Crack A Tooth

Together, we’ll figure out the best course of action.

Thanks for the trust you place in us. We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

TODAY THERE ARE AS MANY WOMEN AS THERE ARE MEN in dental schools. But 150 years ago it was very different. We admire and honor those women who paved the way.

Unofficially, Women In Dentistry Go Back A Long Way

Although a dental education wasn’t available to women until fairly recently, women have been practicing dentistry for a long time. This ranged from neighborhood women using traditional remedies, to women like Emeline Roberts Jones and Amalia Assur.

Amalia Assur learned dentistry in her family’s business… Her father was a dentist, and so was her brother. In Sweden, the Royal Board of Health granted her special permission to independently practice dentistry in 1852.

Around the same time in America, Emeline Roberts Jones was married to a dentist and served as his assistant for years. When her husband died in 1864, Emeline continued serving their patients. Later, she was awarded an honorary membership into the Connecticut Dental Society.

Lucy Hobbes Taylor Was The First Woman To Receive A Dentistry Degree

Lucy Hobbes Taylor earned her dental degree in 1866, but her road there was long and hard. She was initially denied entrance to medical school based on gender. Looking for a warmer welcome into dentistry, she started studying under the dean at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. She applied for the college in 1861 and was denied.

Lucy persisted in apprenticing under several prestigious dentists, then boldly opened her own practice. After successfully treating patients for years and being admitted to the Iowa State Dental Society, she was finally accepted to the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in November, 1865. Because of her experience, she was only required to take one course before she was awarded her D.D.S. in 1866.

A Short Video Tribute From The University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Many Others Made A Difference

Other women struggled through societal restrictions, bureaucracy, and disadvantage to contribute to the field of dentistry. These include Ida Gray Nelson Rollins, the first African American dentist, and Grace Rogers Spalding, who co-founded the American Academy of Periodontology and helped spearhead the preventative dentistry and gum care movement.

Thanks for your trust in our dental practice!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient. If you have comments about these great women, we’d love to hear them in the comments section below. And, you can always reach out to us on our Facebook page!

Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor photo courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society
Emeline Roberts Jones photo courtesy of The New Haven Museum & Historical Society

OUR TOOTHBRUSHES fend off plaque and bacteria, help keep our teeth sparkling, and leave our mouths feeling squeaky clean! But how squeaky clean is your TOOTHBRUSH?

Toothbrush DON’Ts

Don’t Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed, Dark Space

A moist, enclosed environment (like a container or cupboard) is not a good place to keep your toothbrush. Bacteria thrive in dark, wet conditions without circulation.

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush (Gross)

When you share your toothbrush you share bacteria, including bacteria that can cause dental decay and periodontal disease.

Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush Near The Toilet

Put your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible—at least six feet is a good rule of thumb. Because of “airborne particles”, always flush with the lid down. Enough said.

Toothbrush DOs

Replace Your Toothbrush

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get frayed. This not only ensures that it cleans your teeth better, but it eliminates the bacteria buildup issue. If you’ve been sick or are recovering from a cold, consider changing your toothbrush.

Rinse Your Toothbrush After Using It

Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water after each use. Rinsing it washes out debris and bacteria left behind. You can also deep clean it by swishing it around in mouthwash.

Keep Your Toothbrush Dry

Store your toothbrush upright in the open air. This allows it to dry out and not develop mold.

Care For Your Toothbrush And It Will Care For You

Keeping your toothbrush clean will help both your overall health and your oral health. Where do you keep YOUR toothbrush? Let us know in a comment below. We love to hear from you!

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

YES, YOU’RE PRETTY TOUGH… You kill it at work, you’re a remarkable significant other, you’re training for your next triathlon, and you volunteer at the soup kitchen on weekends. But guess what? You’re no match for gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer without a little assistance.

Men’s Oral Health Risks Are Higher

Medications

Do you take medication for a heart condition, or to regulate blood pressure? Because this is more common in men than women, men are more likely to suffer dry-mouth side effects—and dry mouth increases gum disease and cavity risk.

Tobacco and/or Alcohol Consumption

Men tend to consume more alcohol than women, which greatly increases oral cancer risk.

Routine Oral Hygiene

Men are less likely than women to brush twice a day. Score: Men 66%, Women 86%. C’mon guys…

Regular Checkups

According to a 2011 study, women are almost twice as likely as men to have received a regular dental check-up in the past year.

Your Oral Health Is Connected To Your Body Health

Consider these facts:

• Some studies have linked periodontal disease to heart problems, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
• Men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely to get kidney cancer, and 54% more likely to get pancreatic cancer.
• Gum inflammation is connected to prostate inflammationwhich affects many men as they age.
• Oral cancer kills one person every hour, and the majority of those are men. Screenings during regular check-ups is the best preventive strategy.

This Isn’t JUST About Your Health!

In your professional life, a confident smile helps establish authority and supports memorable business connections. In your personal life, it can open doors in amazing ways. Most importantly, you should feel confident about your healthy, functional, engaging smile.

No More Neglecting Your Oral Health, Guys

Now that you’re convinced how important this topic is, pass the information along to your buddies. And thanks for being our valued patient. We’re interested, and we care about you.

DO YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT MEETING OR INTERVIEW TODAY? Or perhaps a big date? Worrying about bad breath can mess with your confidence. Don’t mess with your confidence. You know the “usual” foods to avoid like garlic and onions. But there are a few others we don’t often think about… Read on!

Bad-Breath Culprits That May Surprise You

Acidic Foods

Foods containing lots of citric acid, like lemons, pickles, and grapefruit can turn your breath from bad to worse. Citric acid fuels the bacteria in your mouth, increasing sulfuric compound production.

Alcohol & Foods That Dry Your Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the MOST COMMON CAUSES of bad breath. That’s because saliva helps clean our mouths and manage the bacteria. Alcohol is a drying agent. Foods, drinks and mouthwashes that contain alcohol may add to your problem.

High Protein Foods

When protein is metabolized it produces ammonia and ketones—both of which can fuel bad breath. This doesn’t mean cutting out all the protein—just use moderation.

Sugar (Yep!)

Sugar is one of bad-breath-bacteria’s favorite foods! When you eat lots of sugary mints, candies or drinks you can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth. If you do need a mint or gum, choose sugar-free options. Gum sweetened with xylitol has been found to actually fight plaque and bad breath.

Taking Care Of Your Oral Health Helps Take Care Of Your Breath

Remember that one of the best ways to combat bad breath is to keep up with your daily oral hygiene. Make sure you brush, floss, and schedule regular visits for cleanings and check-ups.

If you are concerned your bad breath may be a result of something more serious, give us a call! We can help.

Thanks for the trust you place in us.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE, are you smack dab in the middle of the whole dating scene? Some of us are young, never been married, etc. Others of us find ourselves “back” in the dating scene as a result of life’s twists and turns (such as divorce, etc.).

Either way… Does it feel a little overwhelming? Even scary? The primping, the get-to-know-you-small-talk, worrying about the infamous goodnight kiss, etc.?

Your Confident Smile Is Your Greatest Dating Asset

Forget about having a fancy car! It’s not that important! A Match.com survey of over 5,000 singles found that the #1 feature people notice in the opposite sex is their teeth!

Are You Confident When You Smile?

Here are 3 tried-and-true dating tips. You’ll notice that each one is partially dependent on your smile!

Be Positive

Many people find themselves dating again after a divorce or long-term committed relationship. It can be disheartening. Don’t let it get you down. Smile! Smiling can improve your mood and make it easier to shake off the blues. Smiling releases serotonin and endorphins that provide a feeling of happiness and well-being. Even a forced smile can release some stress.

Be Friendly & Inviting

Don’t worry about flirting “techniques”. All you need is your confident smile! It’s the universally recognized signal that you’re having fun and appreciate the person you’re visiting with.

Be Confident

It’s a fact… You appear more confident and successful when you’re smiling. You deserve the confidence that comes from knowing that your smile is looking its best.

Let Us Help

Don’t neglect your most important dating accessory! Let us help you take care of your smile. Often, it doesn’t need to be something major—just some subtle improvements. If you have questions about how you can turn a tired smile into a show-stopper, let’s visit.

Thanks for the trust you place in us. Now go out there and enjoy the dating scene!

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A LITTLE SUNSHINE? Not only does it feel fantastic, but it also has numerous health benefits. Sunshine improves our mood, our immune functions, and catalyzes vitamin D production in our bodies.

Vitamin D Is Important To Our Healthy Smiles

Vitamin D supports oral health in two ways:

It Helps Our Bodies Absorb And Utilize Calcium

One of vitamin D’s major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals—including calcium. Calcium fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. That’s why we fortify milk (a great source of calcium) with vitamin D.

This is referenced in numerous studies that have shown greater cavity risk for people living in regions with little sunlight… Sometimes as much as double the risk.

It May Help Fight Periodontal Disease

Vitamin D also functions as an anti-inflammatory. Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults, and it’s a result of inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria.

Several studies have found that people who have high levels of vitamin D are less likely to experience bleeding gums and gum detachment.

Getting Our Daily Dose Of Vitamin D

It doesn’t take long to get the vitamin D your body needs from the sun. But for those times when you can’t get daily sunlight, you can also obtain vitamin D from these foods:

• egg yolks or fatty fish
• fortified milk, soy milk, orange juice and cereals
• vitamin D supplements

Grab A Little Sunshine Today!

Of course, we need to be careful about how much sun exposure we’re getting. You don’t need to sunbathe all day to get the vitamin D your body needs! Take this blog post as an excuse to go outside today and drink up a few rays.

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