Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Bad Breath? Read this blog.

It is a topic that most people don’t want to discuss too readily, but bad breath is more than just a social problem. Studies show that more than 80% of people deal with bad breath on an ongoing basis.

Usually, bad breath can be remedied with good attention to cleaning and dental hygiene. Regular visits to see for check-ups and cleanings will keep you on a good path for oral health. And, regular visits allow me to make sure than symptoms like bad breath are not the signs of something more serious like gum disease.

Proper brushing and regular flossing will keep your teeth clean. This is one of the main causes of bad breath. Brushing after each meal and flossing to clean out between teeth removes any food remains that can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is what can cause bad breath.

And, when you are brushing, brush your tongue. Bacteria can accumulate on your tongue, too, and this can cause bad breath, as well.

If you are a smoker, here is another good reason to quit. Tobacco products leave behind a smell that will give you bad breath. This one is a particularly hard-to-cover odor.

See, it is not that uncommon. If you contend with bad breath of one degree or another, then you are not alone. If you have any questions, please come in to visit me for a cleaning or a check-up and we can talk about it.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Fun Household Remedies

Did You Know? that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately--without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers".

Did You Know? Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from the flu? Mix 1 tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly--even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes--cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking you toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protections--to prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop Maybeline Crystal Clear Nail Polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Cleaning liquids that double as bug killers--If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Kills fleas instantly--Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritation. Good bye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor--next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief-- it's not for breakfast any more! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 min, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Thanks Cynthia for the fun home remedies!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Fever Blisters and Canker Sores

Whether through personal experience, a family member or your friends and co-workers, you are all too familiar with the tremendous pain associated with Oral Herpetic lesions know as "Fever Blisters or "Cold Sores". The pain is both physical and emotional. They appear at the edge of the lip or nose and are typically caused by herpes simplex type I virus.
I have had literally hundreds of patients, family and friends come to me for advice an/or treatment for fever blisters. Unfortunately, there has been little that could be done to effectively treat this problem. Over 150,000,000 Americans suffer from Cold sores/Fever Blisters.
We are now aware of a tremendously effective treatment available to dentists. "Viroxyn" has shown to be superior to other topical agents rapidly reducing the pain, itching and burning associated with this type of lesion if caught at early onset. It also eliminates the side effects of taking systemic nucleosides like "Zovirex" and "Valtrex."
Just as painful are those that form inside the mouth know as "Aphthous Ulcers" aka "Canker Sores." For those who suffer from canker sores, visit the website, www.ora5.com ----they make a very effective product for this type of lesion. Or on your next visit if you have a question or concern in regards to this information ask your hygienist. 866-76 SMILE

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Showing some passion for your smile and dental health.

As a dentist, my passion for my patients’ smiles and their dental health is pretty apparent. If I did not love what I did and I did not think it was important, you would feel like just another patient with just another mouth when you visit me. However, part of the reason I write this blog and part of the reason why my team works so hard to make you feel at home in our office is because we have that passion for your smile and dental health. And, we want you to have it, too!

One of the reasons I have taken advanced training as a dentist is to make the experience as beneficial as I can for all my patients. I believe in the saying that “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” This is why I pursued cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry and it is why I invest in the latest treatments and training. It is all part of a passion to offer you the best. My office staff makes the extra effort and time to make sure that when you visit us you feel like a guest and that you are appreciated.

Now it is your part. Surely, you should care as much about your dental health and smile as we do! So many people do not prioritize their visits to the dentist. And, even more do not think of what a little cosmetic work could do for them. White, straighter teeth… a healthier smile… any little pains or discomforts in your mouth treated…. If you want any of these things but are not doing anything about it, join my team in showing a little passion for your dental health. Call me if there is anything I can do for you.