Beware Of Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.

So even though at the office of Darlene Hildebrand,D.M.D.. we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshippers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise?

But February 14^th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

• Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another
• Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s processing of emotions, pleasure and pain
• Serotonin, which affects a person’s mood and feelings
• Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body’s fight-or-flight response

 

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

• Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.
• Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay – we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)
• Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
• If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.
• Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.
• See you dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

Here at the Hildebrand Healthy Smiles, we want you to have a kissable February 14^th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 866-SMILE-08. We are here for you!

 

You Say You Want A Resolution?

As 2012 approaches, you have probably already started your list of New Year’s resolutions. If you are like most people, this list probably includes: go to the gym, lose weight, take tango lessons, call your mother more often, find the cure for cancer, etc… But let’s face it – EVERYONE has those resolutions, and they are all usually broken by January 10^th.

So let’s shake it up a little this year and try ten “Dental Resolutions” which are not only easy to keep but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health. Here they are!

1)      CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have long-standing sentimental value. The fact is – you should replace your brush every two months or so. If the bristles don’t look almost brand new, chances are your teeth aren’t being cleaned well and your toothbrush is harboring lots of yucky bacteria.

2)      FLOSS EVERY DAY

Look – we’re dental professionals. We know that most people don’t floss. But that really is a shame. Flossing every day helps to prevent gum disease – so not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances of heart disease and others illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will significantly decrease. If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don’t be embarrassed! Our fantastic team will be glad to show you how.

3)      WEAR YOUR SEATBELT

We all know that seatbelts save lives, but even in a minor accident teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward. So buckle up and save your smile!

4)      USE A MOUTHGUARD

Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable. There’s a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouthguard – and it’s not to scare their opponents. Give us a call and we will fit you (and the entire tiddly winks team) with beautiful custom mouthguards.

5)      GET RID OF SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS

We all need to hydrate, but we don’t need excess sugar and artificial chemicals. These drinks are bad for your body and pull an all out assault on your pearly-whites. Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, it will save you money as well!

6)      TEEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING

Please don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else. Nibbling on your friends is optional (with their permission, of course).

7)      SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH

As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren’t reason enough to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo. There are so many reasons to quit smoking – so please make this the year!

8)      BUT THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOU!

The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well. Yes – eating your veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts not only increases your overall health, it boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums. Added benefit: crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

9)      WHITEN YOUR SMILE

There is no question that a nice white smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to others. If you’ve been putting this off – make 2012 the year you finally will be showing your beautiful smile to the world. There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be – give us a call or stop on in and we will be glad to show you how.

10)   DON’T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS

We know that visiting Hildebrand Healthy Smiles may not be at the top of your “things to do” list for the New Year, but by seeing us on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from ever occurring. It’s a small investment with a big payoff – a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, fresh clean breath, and so much more. Please give us a call at 866-SMILE- 08 today and get 2012 off to a great start!

 

Don’t Be A Dental Turkey!

When the pilgrims left England on the Mayflower, they were looking for a land free of persecution. By the time they landed in Massachusetts 66 days later, they found the journey to be a lot more grueling than they originally planned.

Among the many health issues they encountered was “scurvy” – caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. The lack of fresh food on board, especially fruits and vegetables, caused horrible symptoms, including spots on the skin, weakness, extreme drowsiness, spontaneous bleeding, and eventually death. Oh yes – this disease also caused the pilgrims to have bleeding gums and tooth loss!

This Thanksgiving, be sure to prepare a meal that is not only delicious but healthy for your teeth and gums too! Some vitamins and nutrients which are good for your oral health are vitamins A, C and D, phosphorous, and calcium. A delicious Thanksgiving dinner can include them all!

Here are a few things that will make your chompers thank you.

• Turkey is high in phosphorous, which is not only healthy for developing teeth but can actually help rebuild tooth enamel.
• Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients including vitamins A, C and B6 and are thought to be much healthier than regular white potatoes.
• Greens and winter vegetables are great sources of vitamins A and C, both of which are excellent for gum health.
• Cranberries contain flavonoids which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth and forming plaque.
• Pumpkin pies are loaded with vitamin C and calcium – important for gum health and developing teeth.

“Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need many essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy,” says Ontario Dental Association Past- President Dr. Ira Kirshen. “In fact, to ensure proper tooth development and strength, adults, children and seniors alike need a lot of calcium, vitamins and minerals.”

Dr. Kirshen goes on to say:  “Many take oral health for granted, but countless studies have shown that there is a strong association between good oral health and good body health. Spending time with your loved ones at Thanksgiving is even better when everyone is healthy and happy.”

Thanksgiving is a great holiday, and it can be a healthy one for your teeth, gums and body as well! Here at Hildebrand Healthy  Smiles, we want you to be healthy! Remember, prevention is the key, so be sure to stick with your recommended dental care schedule for the best health of all! Call 866-SMILE-08 to schedule your appointment today! Enjoy a fantastic holiday, and even though your schedule may be hectic this time of year, don’t forget to take care of your teeth, gums, and entire body!

Why The Heck Do You Need To Know That?

When you come in for your dental visit, you may notice that we do a lot more than examine your teeth and gums.

 One of the most important parts of your visit is when we ask you questions about your general health.  But many people have said to us:

 “What does that have to do with my dental check up?”

 The answer – a lot!

 More and more research is being published linking dental health to overall health, and at Hildebrand Healthy Smiles we are concerned about both!

 Did you know that diabetes, especially when it is undiagnosed, can be a huge factor in gum disease, eventually causing tooth loss?

 A recent study by Columbia University concluded:

 “Gum disease is an early complication of diabetes.” It continues:

 “Since 70% of adults see a dentist at least once per year” this is a perfect opportunity to screen for diabetes and other diseases.

 According to a recent article in The British Dental Journal, it works the other way around too, as gum disease can be a contributing factor in heart disease, oral cancer, and other illnesses.

 Are you taking any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter? Many of these can lead to dry mouth, gum inflammation, and other dental problems.

 And it’s even more complicated for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause many changes in dental health. (Isn’t everything more complicated for women?)

 So the good news is, unlike a visit to your physician – you get to keep your clothes on and won’t be poked and prodded anywhere other than your mouth! But as you can see, it is extremely important that we know about your total physical health and any medications you are taking. Not only can we save your teeth – we may actually save your life!

 If you want to know more about your dental health and how it relates to your overall health, please let us know. If you have any questions or want to schedule your next appointment, just give us a call at 1-866-SMILE-08.

We are here for you!!

 

Football Season Can Be A Penalty For Your Teeth!

Nothing says football season like a big tub of Gatorade being dumped on the winning coach at the end of a game. But for you and your kids it could be offsides and holding on your dental health.

Originally developed at The University of Florida in 1965 (and named after their sports teams – “The Gators”) Gatorade was intended for athletes such as football players who endured rigorous workouts in the hot sun. But somehow this potent drink has become a staple of our popular culture, and its combination of sugars, salt and electrolytes can be anything but healthy for all but the most strenuous exercisers. The fact is, for just about all of us, including children, water remains the healthiest drink either with meals or during and after exercise.

“For most children engaging in routine physical activity, plain water is best,” said Holly J. Benjamin, M.D., a member of the executive committee of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. “Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don’t need, and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It’s better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals.”

Even worse are “energy drinks” –which contain huge amounts of stimulants including caffeine, guarana and taurine.  Some of these drinks contain more than 500 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of 14 cans of soda!! Combine that with huge amounts of tooth rotting and obesity causing sugar, and you’ve got a formula for health disaster. To make things worse, some schools actually have “pouring contracts” where they are paid to promote and serve unhealthy sodas and sports drinks.

Good old fashioned tap water, fortified with fluoride, not only remains the healthiest drink but it’s the least expensive as well.

So please enjoy football season, but remember not to let energy drinks and sports drinks blitz the dental and overall health of you and your children.

The Battle Of The Sexes – Dental Style

In 1965 James Brown sang “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” A few years earlier Harry Belafonte sang to us “That’s right – the women are smarter!” So who is right when it comes to dental health?

It turns out one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, fewer areas of bleeding gums, and lower incidents of gum disease. This group also is twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with treatment recommended by their dentist.

To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist! So just who are these dental superstars?

According to the Journal Of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease – it’s the “fairer sex” who has the advantage when it comes to dental health. Maybe it’s true that “the women are smarter!”

So does that mean females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath? Sorry guys – the answer is yes.

The good news is – it seems to have nothing to do with genetics or the fact that women and men have a different chromosomal arrangement. It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.

So how about it guys? It’s time to “get on the stick” – or at least the toothbrush. Start taking better care of your teeth and gums, and be sure to give us a call at 866-SMILE-08 to schedule your next appointment! And women – keep up the good work!

At  Hildebrand Healthy Smiles office we care about ALL of our patients – men and women! We are always here for you to answer any questions you should have about your dental health. Give us a call today!

Are Your Teeth in “Deep” Trouble?

Sometimes tooth damage can be caused by the most unlikely of sources. Recently a man complained to his dentist that his teeth were extremely sensitive, were rapidly picking up stain, and actually losing enamel. After much research, the culprit was found – his swimming pool!

It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the chemicals properly. This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.

According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, “Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis.”

The fact is, we always need to be careful about things which can negatively affect our dental health. Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content. And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth!

Medications and other factors which can cause dry mouth are also playing peril with your dental health. And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!

At Hildebrand Healthy Smiles, we care about you, your teeth and gums, and your overall health. Please make sure to brush several times per day, especially after exposing your teeth to potentially harmful substances. And don’t forget to floss either! (If you are not sure how to use dental floss or can’t do it comfortably, be sure to ask one of our friendly team members for instructions!).

Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” – it’s a crucial part of your overall health care.

If you have any questions about this or any other issue, we are here for you! Please give us a call at 866-SMILE-08. And this summer, please enjoy your fun outdoor activities such as swimming – but don’t forget your pearly whites!

Your Teeth Deserve A Vacation!

The suitcases are packed, the car is loaded, the dog is at the kennel – and it’s time for summer vacation!! There is no better time for relaxing at the beach, exploring a fascinating city, or enjoying the outdoors. Being miles away from home always makes it less stressful and more fun too!

But being miles away from home means that you are also far from us – your favorite dental office! And while there is no way to prevent a dental emergency from happening while you are away from home, there are a few items you can bring on vacation to make things more pleasant should an emergency situation emergency arise. You can even throw them together into a cosmetics bag and make your own “Dental Emergency Kit!”

Here are some items to include:

Pain relief: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil or generic) is usually safe and effective to use for minor dental discomfort.

Lost filling or crown: “Dentemp One Step Filling Material” is a good temporary solution for replacing a crown (cap) or protecting an area exposed by a lost filling. This is available at most drug stores and on the internet.

Broken denture: “The D.O.C. Denture Repair Kit” works as a short term measure to adhere a lost denture tooth or repair a cracked denture. Also available at drug stores and online.

Lost tooth: Carry a prescription medicine vial. Should an accident occur and an adult tooth is lost with the root intact – DO NOT clean or handle the root. Place it in the medicine vial along with some liquid (preferably milk) and seek dental attention immediately.

Food or other item stuck between teeth: This can be a very uncomfortable situation, so be sure to have dental floss on hand to remove any item stuck between the teeth. Hey – you should be carrying dental floss anyway!!

Cuts on gums, lips or tongue: Clean gauze or cloth. As with bleeding anywhere on the body, pressure with a clean gauze or cloth is the first line of treatment. If bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention immediately.

For many minor dental irritations of the teeth, gums and mouth, a good old-fashioned warm salt water rinse can give temporary relief. We are not big fans of medications like Anbesol Gel as there are many side effects and over usage can harm the mouth tissues.

So there you have it – your very own travel dental emergency kit! The most important thing to remember is that all of the solutions presented here are temporary in nature. Should any emergency arise, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

At Hildebrand Healthy Smiles, we are always here for you, even if you are far away from home. If you have any questions about a dental emergency or anything else dental related, please give us a call at 866-SMILE-08. Have a safe, healthy summer vacation, and don’t forget to brush and floss!

The Sahara Desert And Your Mouth??

Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?

If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental cavities and gum disease, and most noticeably to some, bad breath. If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth, this could be the culprit!

So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth?”

According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water!!), and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease – so it is not something to take lightly.

Of course our good old friends (actually enemies) – excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are among the leading causes of this problem, so if you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on the booze, now is a great time!

There are several things you can do to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, including:

• Chewing a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
• Drinking plenty of water
• Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
• Frequent brushing and rinsing with a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
• Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
• Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute

Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND cause and increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us immediately at 866-SMILE-08 for an appointment or visit our website at www.hildebrandhealthysmiles.com. Your health is important to us and we are here to help you.

Your Teeth Aren’t In Kansas Anymore!!

Recently a famous celebrity doctor (whose last name sounds like a land where Dorothy from Kansas found a great and powerful wizard) recommended a simple at-home whitening formula. The recipe? Coat your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice before brushing.

Does this really work? Well, it certainly may remove some stains. But unfortunately it can also be a recipe for disaster.

Lemon juice is an acid, so even though fruits are generally healthy, large concentrations of the juice can actually wear away enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Once that erodes, not only are teeth quite unattractive – they are incredibly prone to cavities and difficult to repair.

Baking soda is an abrasive material, kind of like sandpaper. So even though in very small amounts it can polish your teeth nicely, use the wrong amount and you may as well be sanding your teeth away!

Our suggestion? Put the lemon in your tea and use baking soda in the kitchen! When it comes to whitening your teeth, your best bet is to ask a dental professional.

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and whitening products from the drug store can do a decent job on lightly stained teeth, especially for those in their late teens and early twenties. But we find that most people who express the desire for whiter teeth need what only a dental office can offer.

There are many different treatments available, from take home systems with custom molded trays to much stronger products that must be supervised by a dentist. At Hildebrand’s Healthy Smiles, we will be glad to tell you which one is right for you. Or we may even recommend that you keep your teeth as they are!

As far as that TV doctor – we wish him the best and hope he doesn’t grind his teeth away. When it comes to dental advice, please ask a member of the dental profession!

Please remember that at Hildebrand’s Healthy Smiles, we are here for you! If you have any questions about this or anything else concerning your dental health, please give us a call at 866-SMILE-08, or visit our website at www.hildebrandhealthysmiles.com