Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS, IT MAY SEEM AS THOUGH there are only two options—either suffer in silence with a bottle of ibuprofen, or go to the doctor for something stronger. However, experts say that as many as 95% of migraines may be linked to dental issues. So if you, your child, or other family member suffer from migraines maybe it’s time for a chat with our practice instead.

Your Migraines May Be Caused By TMJ or TMB

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint responsible for jaw movement—talking, crunching, grinding, clenching, etc. It’s a complex system of bones, muscles, and tendons. When something interrupts the function of this system, it’s referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder.

If your jaw is misaligned, your muscles are strained trying to put (or keep) your jaw in its proper place. Soon it starts impacting all the surrounding muscles, including your neck, your head, and even your spine.

Some TMD Symptoms Include:

• Popping or clicking jaw
• Sore teeth
• Facial pain
• Aching neck muscles
• And of course, Migraines

Treating TMD

TMD research is still a developing science and treatments can range from fitting a mouthpiece to actually adjusting one’s bite. If you’re suffering from pain in your jaw, your teeth, your face or head, or migraines (with or without other symptoms) come in and ask us about it. We can check your bite and see if dental issues may be to blame.Our team is not only concerned with your oral health, but we’re also concerned about your overall health and comfort. If you have questions about TMJ or TMD, leave us a comment below, send us a direct message on Facebook, or contact us for an appointment.

As always, thanks for the trust you place in our practice!

MOST OF US HAVE BEEN TOLD (and many of us tell our children) that drinking milk builds healthy teeth and bones. But our nutritional and dietary preferences are not only widely varied, they also change from time to time. Does milk really “do a body good”? Some believe it does, and others believe it doesn’t.

Regardless of your take, you’re not alone. Today, millions of people follow vegan or vegetarian diets, and tens of millions of people are lactose intolerant. Whether or not you choose to avoid dairy for health or other personal reasons, here are some thoughts from our team and a prominent nutritionist.

Calcium And Vitamin D Are Important To Oral Health

It’s true that dairy products are full of calcium, and often supplemented with vitamin D (which helps your body absorb calcium and other bone-building minerals). While people on specialized diets (including vegans and vegetarians) are typically very careful about eating healthy, there’s still a risk of calcium and vitamin D deficiency.

One of the dangers in calcium and vitamin D deficiency is the increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease. In addition, these deficiencies can weaken your teeth and lead to tooth decay. Without the right vitamins and minerals, your mouth’s defenses may be down.

There ARE Alternatives To Dairy Products

The good news is that, if you choose, you can get these nutrients from alternative sources. For example, just one ounce of sesame seeds contains almost as much calcium as an entire glass of milk. Other major sources of calcium are dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens.

When it comes to vitamin D, surprisingly, your best source is the sun! When exposed to the sun’s radiation, your body naturally produces vitamin D. But of course, be careful and use common sense—you also know the potential problems associated with prolonged/unprotected sun exposure.

There are also a number of things we can eat and drink that are “fortified” with calcium and vitamin D including soy milk, orange juice and some breakfast cereals. You can also consider taking supplements.

Do you have questions about this topic? Contact us! Do you have suggestions for others who may be wondering about other sources for their daily calcium? Let us know! Leave a comment below, or on our Facebook page. We love hearing from you!

And, as always, thank you for being our valued patient!

FOR US, IT’S ALL ABOUT ONE-TO-ONE RELATIONSHIPS and being easily accessible to you—our valued patients and friends.

It’s Simple, Really

Our website is adequate for conveying static information—things like our address, etc. It can also list our services. But, there are a few things that are cool about connecting with us on Facebook that a traditional site can’t provide.

• First, it helps us improve and better serve you in a timely, responsive way.
• Second, it allows us to get to know you better!
• Third, it can assist you in better understanding (and sometimes, demonstrating) more details surrounding the things we do here.
• Fourth, we try to include content that’s relevant about your (and/or your family’s) comfort, health, and appearance—things you’ll use and find interesting.
• Fifth, because it’s transparent, fluid, and current it gives you a sense of the practice culture we have instead of some dated, snapshot in time. People prefer associating with people they know and feel connected to. It’s human nature.
• Sixth, sometimes it’s just fun. Life is short—and sometimes it’s OK to just take a breath.

Get To Know The Features Of Our Page

Not EVERY Business Is “Likeable” Or Belongs On Facebook!

We thought you might find this funny and ironic…

Entities like the TSA aren’t “relationship-based” and provide little or no value using social media. We hope you see value in the things we provide on our Facebook page.

We’re listening. Let’s stay connected.

Again, thanks for the trust you place in us. Let us know how we can keep improving and adding value for you, your family, and friends.

CHANCES ARE YOU DON’T THINK MUCH about smiling. It just “happens” once in a while, right? You hear something funny. You meet someone new. You cuddle your newborn daughter.

Smiling feels good, and studies show that people who frequently smile are perceived to be more in control, at ease, and attractive than those who smile less often.

But did you know that smiling can also improve your health? It’s true.

Awesome TED Talk About Your Smile’s Untapped Power

Although this video runs about 7 minutes, it’s worth the time. Enjoy…

The Health Benefits Of Smiling

Serotonin, Pain Killers, And Endorphins—Oh My!

Studies show that smiling actually releases natural pain killers, endorphins and serotonin (a neurotransmitter believed to help people feel happier) in your body. Yes, a smile may be the simplest, natural, legal drug.

Stress Relief And Reduced Blood Pressure

Chronic stress can do significant damage to both mind and body. According to Columbia University PhD, Mark Stibich, increased smiling may help reduce many symptoms associated with anxiety including improved digestion, lower blood pressure, etc.

And Finally, People Who Smile More May Actually Live Longer

Living longer—now THERE’S a serious health benefit. Could this really be true? A 2010 Wayne State University study examined the relationship between smile intensity and longevity among 230 pro baseball players from a ’52 baseball registry. They found that players with big smiles lived an average of five years longer that those who didn’t (or barely) smiled. Even players with small smiles lived longer than those who didn’t smile.

Facial expression and smiles have long been shown to be a good indicator of people’s emotions—and those with positive emotions are even shown to have better interpersonal skills and more stable marriages.

The Moral Of The Story? Smile!

Our team is passionate about doing everything we can to help you and your loved ones feel confident when you smile! Our hunch is that if you feel confident when you smile, you’ll smile more often—and THAT could make your life (and the lives of those around you) healthier and happier.

Do YOU have a great story about the power of a smile? If so, post it on our Facebook page!

Be sure to contact us if you ever have any questions about the services we provide. You can also leave a comment or question below and we’ll respond right away.

Thanks for the confidence you place in our practice. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

IT ISN’T VERY OFTEN that we get a chance to extend a big “virtual hug” to you—our valued patents and friends—for the trust and confidence that you demonstrate in us each time you recommend our practice to your extended family members, neighbors, friends, and coworkers.

Thank you. And thank you again.

The new patients who discover our practice through their own trusted relationships (you!), and their circles of influence, tend to become our very best new patients.

Whether you’re fairly new to our practice yourself—or a long time patient—we hope you already know how much we love what we do and how much we appreciate you. We hope you sense that every time you visit us.

If there is ever anything we can do to make your visits even more pleasant and comfortable, please never hesitate to ask.

We Invite You To Share

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below and we will respond quickly. Also, by clicking on the Facebook link to your right, you can send us a direct message on Facebook any time.

We’re listening, and we value your feedback. It helps make us a better practice.