Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

THE INTERNET has brought mountains of information to our fingertips. But without some “context” for the “content” it’s simply overwhelming.

Our Social Media Objective Is To Better Empower You

Your oral health, comfort, and appearance are SO important to us. That’s why we’re passionate about providing you with tools and information that helps.

One of the ways we’re trying do this is by connecting with you through social media. Doing so helps us share, remind and coax with two goals in mind… Sound oral health that contributes to your whole body health, and a beautiful, confident smile.

Typical Topics We Enjoy Tackling

• “Is a particular new health fad going to hurt or help my teeth?”
• “Which snacks are dangerous for my teeth?”
• “How does gum chewing affect my smile?”
• “Am I actually brushing correctly each night?”
• “How can I have a more beautiful smile?”

Yes, Sometimes It’s OK To Have A Little Fun Too

The daily routines of life can be heavy. That’s one reason why we try to mix in a few fun things too. Relationships are meaningful and we like to think of you as part of our dental family.

Do You Have Requests? How Can We Better Serve You?

Are there topics that you would like addressed? How can we better provide context for all the oral health content out there? Please let us know. We’re listening. Honest.

Thank you…

Thanks. We’re so grateful to all of you who participate with us through social media. We’re also thankful for your kind referrals of friends and family. We appreciate your recommendations and your participation. If there’s ever anything we can do to make your experience as our patient more enjoyable, we’re all ears.

Our social media door is always open.

DID YOU KNOW THAT A DENTIST discovered anesthetic? It’s true. Life-saving surgeries were made possible in part by a dentist’s attempts to make his patients more comfortable!

Before the days of “preventative” dental care, painful tooth extractions were a way of life. Here are a few people who helped change that…

Horace Wells Discovered Nitrous Oxide At A Street Performance

Horace Wells was a Connecticut dentist. In 1844 he watched a traveling street show using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to entertain passersby. Noticing that it dulled pain, he began experimenting with it in his dental practice!

The Power To Cure, From A Surgical Perspective

W.T.G. Morton and Dr. Wells were colleagues who experimented together to discover better pain-relief methods for their patients. Looking for something more consistent and powerful than nitrous oxide, W.T.G. Morton started using ether in his practice. The end result of that idea revolutionized medicine, as explained in this short video:

The Early 1900’s Brought Localized Anesthetic

Novocaine, administered to numb specific areas of the mouth, was discovered by German chemist Alfred Einhorn, and was brought into medical use by surgeon Heinrich Braun. Although novocaine is perhaps the most well-known local anesthetic, most dentists today use lidocaine, which is commonly considered less likely to prompt allergic reactions and is more consistent and efficient.

We’re On Dentistry’s Leading Edge For YOU!

Since Wells’ and Morton’s time, methods in patient comfort have been refined and perfected. We keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques to provide the best oral health solutions for YOU, our valued patients and friends. If you ever have any questions about your dental comfort, please ask! We love to hear from you.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

WE’VE ALL BEEN IN SITUATIONS WHERE we’ve wished we had a toothbrush—but didn’t. Perhaps it was on a recent camping trip. Perhaps it was right after lunch, on a day when you were headed into an important business meeting. Regardless of when it was, you knew that a fresh, sparkling smile would bring the comfort and/or confidence you needed.

Certain types of foods can help you in a pinch.

Introducing Nature’s Tooth Scrubbers

Scrubber foods naturally clean your teeth–not perfectly, but enough to help you smile with confidence. As you chew scrubber foods they remove plaque and leftover particles from other foods you’ve eaten. They also increase saliva flow, which helps clean your mouth as well.

Most Scrubbers Are Crisp, Firm, And High In Fiber

Here are a few common scrubber foods:

• Apples
• Celery
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Cucumbers

All of these foods are excellent at freshening your mouth. Use them at the end of a meal or after a snack. Remember that these foods cannot be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing. But, they can be little helpers until you get to your toothbrush.

Try It Yourself!

Try finishing up meals with scrubber foods instead of sweets and let us know if you notice the difference. You may never go back! Do you know of another great scrubber food that we haven’t mentioned? Share your tip below.

Thanks for your continued trust in our practice!

IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU CARE FOR SPENDS SIX HOURS A WEEK or more in a swimming pool, listen up! This is super important information to know…

Prolonged Pool Water Exposure Can Affect Teeth

Most swimmers are surprised to learn about the potentially corrosive effects pool water chemicals can have on teeth. When maintaining a pool it’s a constant battle keeping the temperature, chlorine level, and pH level balanced. When the pH level isn’t properly balanced (and sometimes even if it is) your smile can be exposed to excessive acidity levels.

So if you’re on a swim team, play water polo, swim daily for exercise, or have children who spend their entire summer in the pool, watch for these potential problems:

Swimmer’s Calculus

Swimmer’s calculus reveals itself as hard brown tartar deposits that show up primarily on front teeth. It’s difficult to remove by yourself, but it can be removed during a deep dental cleaning.

Eroded Enamel

Regardless of where acids come from—whether it’s from sports drinks, certain foods, soda pop, or pool water—acids can eat away at tooth enamel. Thin enamel can lead to accelerated decay and uncomfortable sensitivity.

A Simple Idea That Helps

Drink water! NOT pool water… Drinking water! For example if you’re swimming laps, set a bottle of drinking water poolside that’s easily reachable from inside the pool. Take a drink often and swish your mouth with fresh water. Also, be sure to drink and swish a lot right after your workout.

Typically, This Doesn’t Apply To “Casual Swimmers”

If you’re only in pool a couple hours a week, or at the hotel on vacation, chances are you don’t need to worry about this. However, pass this information along to others! Most people have a friend, extended family member, coworker, or mail carrier who spends a lot of time in a pool.

Enough Of The Serious Stuff… Try This For Fun:

Thanks for the trust you place in our practice.

Call us if you any questions about this topic, or leave a comment below. We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

THEY’RE SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS “e-cigs” or “vapes”. Regardless of what they’re called, they’re not good for your health—or your smile.

A New Twist In The Same Ol’ Story

The oral health risks associated with traditional cigarette smoking are widely understood and accepted:

• Smoking increases periodontal disease risk by 7 times
• People who smoke are twice as likely to lose teeth
• Smokers increase their oral cancer risk by 5 to 10 times

Technology DOESN’T Change Everything

E-cigarettes are being marketed as a cleaner, healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. And while it’s true that a couple of unsavory side effects aren’t present (like smoke and stained fingers) e-cigs still pose health risks to your teeth and body.

E-Cigs Still Contain Nicotine

Nicotine is a “vasoconstrictor” that restricts blood flow, inhibiting our mouth’s natural cleaning and disease-fighting functions. Nicotine also reduces our body’s ability to heal and create new healthy tissues and cells. E-cigs contain vaporized nicotine, derived from tobacco. And when a person uses nicotine, gum disease is more likely to thrive.

E-cigs can also contain MANY other chemical substances. France’s National Consumer’s Institute recently conducted a study that found 3 out of 10 e-cigs contain hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde and diethylene glycol.

Learn More About E-Cigarettes:

The Takeaway Message…

1. If you’re a smoker trying to quit, e-cigarettes may be a transitional help.
2. If you don’t smoke, don’t get lured in by this trend. Signing up for a nicotine addiction is dangerous—in any form.
3. If you’re a parent, share this post with your children. Since e-cigs are not technically tobacco, in many states children can purchase them and the companies that sell them are marketing to teenagers.

Let Us Know What You Think

Do you have experience with, or questions about this trend? If so, let’s visit. If you’re a smoker (in any form), or if someone you care about smokes, remember that it’s even more important to schedule regular cleaning and checkup appointments.

ARE YOU SETTING WEIGHT LOSS GOALS? GREAT! Just remember to stay healthy—and that includes taking good care of your teeth while dieting!

Connections Between Oral Health & Whole Body Health

Our bodies are amazing. Sometimes we forget about the connections between each system. If you’re working to lose weight, be aware of how those diet decisions may affect your teeth. Here are four quick, useful tips:

#1: Be Careful With Juicing & Smoothies

Juicing and drinking smoothies are a recommended part of many diets. They are great ways to consume nutritious fruits and veggies. But remember they can be high in sugar and acids. Also, their strong pigmentation can stain teeth. Consider using a straw and always rinse your mouth with water when finished.

#2: “Grazing” Can Make Your Mouth A Constant War Zone

Some diets have you snacking less and some have you snacking more! Keep in mind that every time you eat something, your mouth works hard to regain its pH balance—battling acids and washing away debris. You can help by finishing up with a “scrubber” food like celery. And again, rinsing with water is super important.

#3: Some Diet-Friendly Snacks Are Not Tooth Friendly

One of the major offenders can be diet soda. It may be great for dieting but it’s loaded with acid that can be very hard on your teeth. If you drink diet soda, DON’T sip on it throughout the day. Drink it, rinse with water, then stay away from it. Other diet-friendly snacks to be careful with include dried fruits that stick to your teeth, nuts, and acidic citrus foods.

#4: Drink Plenty Of Water And Get Enough Vitamins & Minerals

A change in your diet can decrease saliva flow, especially if you’re taking dietary pills or supplements. Drink a lot of water to compensate. Also, vitamins and minerals fuel healthy operations throughout your body. They reinforce tooth enamel and help you resist infection.

Here’s a short video from an NBC News affiliate:

Let Us Know If You Have Questions

We’re cheering for you! Good luck with your diet! Let us know if you have any questions about how dieting can affect your smile. Be sure to keep your regular cleaning appointments so that any potential problems are identified early.

Thanks for the trust your place in our practice. We appreciate having you as our valued patient.

WE REALIZE THAT TEACHING HISTORY ISN’T one of our core services! But we also know that regardless of the subject matter, many of our modern-day comforts are the fruits of other people’s labors.

Today, remarkable dentistry is more accessible, comfortable, and life changing than ever before. It’s also a big part of our overall body health and wellness. Pierre Fauchard is one of the historical figures we have to thank for that.

Three Interesting Facts About The Father Of Modern Dentistry

1. Back Then, Teeth Were Extracted By Barbers

In those days, practicing dentistry required no specific education. Many times the local barber took care of teeth too. At age 15 Pierre became interested in mouth diseases when he began surgical training in the French navy and spent many months at sea with the sailors. Later he worked in the university city of Angers in western France where he began perfecting his art and was referred to by local physicians and surgeons.

2. Pierre’s Landmark Book Set Many Standards Still Expected Today

After making his manuscript available for peer reviews for five years, Pierre published his book Le Chirugien Dentiste ou Traité des Dents in 1746. The book was unlike anything that had been written before, and included:
– full descriptions of teeth anatomy
– classification of over 100 dental diseases
– details about dental operations and instruments
– case studies and illustrations

3. Treating Patients In A Chair, Rather Than On The Floor

Pierre became very successful in his dental practice and was known for treating patients with a dignity that was uncommon during that time. He reportedly was one of the first to provide a comfortable horsehair easy chair that patients could sit in during treatment, rather than sitting or laying on the floor.

Pierre Fauchard considered teeth important for both health and speech in addition to appearance. He exposed the dangers of brick dust powders sold at the time for whitening!

Interested In More Dental History?

Have you ever visited the U.S. National Museum Of Dentistry in Baltimore?

Thanks…

We want to express thanks to TWO people today—Pierre Fauchard and YOU! Pierre helped make our profession what it is today. And, thanks to you for being our valued patient!

Never hesitate to let us know if there’s ever anything that we can do to help you be more comfortable, healthy, and confident with your smile! Have a great week!

PEOPLE JOKE ABOUT A SO-CALLED MIDLIFE “CRISIS”. But instead, let’s consider it a “midlife wake-up”! Changes during midlife are very real. They can stress our bodies and our lives…

• hormonal shifts happen to both men and women during midlife
• lifestyles change as children move out, or as needs increase for aging parents
• people experience anxiety, fear, regrets or frustration about life’s accomplishments
• there can be an awakening to signs of aging, wondering “when did this happen?”

For Many, A Beautiful Smile Provides A Powerful Boost

Signs of aging can be especially noticeable in our smiles. One day you may suddenly notice that your teeth aren’t as bright, or that they’re chipped and worn looking. Sometimes, as our faces change, our teeth can even take on a “sunken” appearance.

The good news is that many of these issues can be improved through awesome dental care, whether there’s reconstructive work that needs to be done (such as a missing tooth), or you just want to make your smile more beautiful through cosmetic treatment.

• A brilliant smile defies time. Check out a recent studyfrom the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
• An Oral B Britain study concluded that simply whitening your smile can make you look—on average—five years younger.
• Smiles are essential to great first impressions. Often during midlife wake-ups, new opportunities present themselves.

This is a cool blog post showing how new smiles can dramatically change the way people look:

An Amazing Smile Can Make All The Difference

When life knocks us around a bit—whether that be in the workplace, in relationships, or wherever… Smiling can boost our moods, increase the positive energy we exude, and even help with our overall health. Smiling can also affect our job opportunities, romantic opportunities, and interactions with friends and acquaintances.

Be sure you’re confident in your smile.

Interested In More Information About Midlife Wake-ups?

Thanks For Your Trust In Our Practice!

Talk with us anytime about refreshing your smile. Whether you want to look at very conservative options, or you would like to consider more dramatic cosmetic options, we have the resources and expertise to help you make a plan. We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

IT HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US… Our good intention to go through our nightly oral hygiene ritual before bedtime is there, but once in a while it just doesn’t happen! Not to worry. A rare, occasional slip-up isn’t a problem—but skipping your nighttime brushing and flossing routine as a habit can have negative effects.

Why Brushing And Flossing At Night Is So Important

When we sleep our metabolism slows. Our body reduces the amount of saliva we produce so we’re not always having to swallow all night or gag on our spit! Pretty cool, yes.

But without that moisture our mouths dry out, the tissues start becoming inflamed, and bacteria can proliferate (especially when they have something to feed on, like the cookies the lady in the photo above just ate) causing gingivitis and eventual periodontal disease.

Now, all that is worst-case scenario. However, it doesn’t minimize the importance of developing great habits.

5 Ways To Make Your Nightime Routine Most Effective

1. Brush & Floss Right Before Bed – Use a gentle, soft toothbrush. Spend two full minutes to treat every cranny, nook and surface.

2. Brush You Tongue And Roof – Teeth aren’t the only important things inside our mouths. Your tongue and the roof of your mouth can harbor bacteria. Gently brush them too.

3. Floss, Floss, Floss – Of all the great habits you could develop, making it routine to floss each time you brush is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your smile. Don’t neglect those very, very back teeth either.

4. Don’t Cheat – If your routine happens too early in the evening, you’ll be tempted to cheat… That is, you’ll eat another cookie before retiring to bed! If that happens, better go through your routine once more.

5. Brush The “Right” Way

Great Habits Reap Great Rewards

One of the most important ingredients for great oral health is a great routine. This week, take a moment to re-examine your nightly habits and see if there’s something you can improve! If you have questions, let us know!

Thank you for being our valued patient. We appreciate you.

A STRAW? HOW ON EARTH can a straw help protect my smile?! Well, it’s pretty simple, actually. Read on…

Straws Can Help Minimize Exposure

Beverages like iced coffee, sports drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks, and colas contribute to tooth staining, decay and erosion. Sipping them through a straw can help protect your teeth.

Staining

Strongly pigmented beverages—such as berry smoothies and red wine—can stain teeth. A straw can help.

Decay

Your soft drink consumption habits may be apparent by simply looking in your mouth. For some, it’s the back molars that see a lot of decay due to swishing and letting soda pool in their mouths before swallowing. For those who sip on soda throughout the day, decay may be more evident in their front teeth. Straws can help, especially when positioned correctly in your mouth.

Sensitivity

Reducing opportunities for sugar and acid to attack your enamel helps protect it against sensitivity caused by erosion and decay. Straws can also help reduce those jabs of sensitivity caused by cold or hot drinks.

Is Your Straw Positioned Correctly?

Get into the habit of positioning straws at the back of your mouth so that drinks have minimal exposure to teeth. You can further reduce harmful effects by:

• NOT swishing beverages around in your mouth.
• NOT continuously sipping on harmful drinks throughout the day.
• Following your drinks up with water, sugarless gum, or celery.

Don’t Rely On Straws To Do All The Work

Even fun straws can’t do all the heavy lifting for you…

Practice good eating habits and brush your teeth morning and night, and don’t forget to floss! Keep your regularly scheduled appointments, and if you have questions about staining, decay, or sensitivity give us a call! You can message us on our Facebook page too!

Thanks for being our valued patient!