Thanksgiving 2014: A Look Back!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, let's take time to pause and take a quick look back at this special holiday. Thanksgiving marks the start to the holidays; a season filled with feasting, indulging, and spending time with family and friends are always special. Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for giving thanks, and while this may seem like a natural celebration, the United States is only one of a handful of countries to officially celebrate with a holiday!

Although Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November,  giving thanks for a bountiful harvest are not new, but the modern day holiday in the U.S. can be traced to a celebration at Plymouth in Massachusetts in 1621.  This feast of thanksgiving was inspired by a good harvest, and the tradition was simply continued on.  At first, the colony at Plymouth didn't have enough food to feed everyone present, but the Native Americans helped by providing seeds and teaching them how to fish, and they soon began to be able to hold a feast worthy of the name.  The tradition spread, and by the 1660s, most of New England was hosting a Thanksgiving feast in honor of the harvest.

Today, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with the best of Americana. From feasts and football games to getting ready for the start of the Christmas shopping season, Thanksgiving means roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, and of course, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!  No matter how you celebrate this momentous day, pause for a moment to give thanks for your friends, family, and all the bounties that God has provided.  Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless,
DRT

Tis The Season...The Dental Connection!

Unfortunately, it's that time of year again, when cold, flu, and stomach bugs seem to fly around offices and schools faster than a crowded kindergarten.  Make this the year that you stay healthy and bug-free with God's help and a little education about the transmission of these pesky bugs!

Although most people think that the toilet seat would be one of the "germiest" places in the world, because it gets sanitized often, there are actually about 400 times more bacteria on a desk top! While most cold and flu viruses can last about two to three days on surfaces, stomach viruses can last up to 30 days!

GERMIEST PLACES: 

• Phone
• Desktop
• Computer keyboard and mouse
• Copy and fax machines
• Elevator buttons
• In the Break Room: Coffee pot handles, microwave buttons, sink areas and table tops

REDUCING YOUR RISKS:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• After washing, turn off the faucet with the paper towel to prevent recontamination.
• Alcohol based hand sanitizers work best like Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer.
• Don't touch your nose, eyes, or MOUTH with your fingers or hands.
• Adults touch their faces about 16 times an hour, which spreads germs!
• Get a flu shot.
• Wipe off the "germiest" places once a day with disinfecting wipes.
• Limit hand shaking.
• Try to get plenty of fresh air.
• Stay at home if you are sick!

Hopefully, with God's help, these tips can help reduce the risk of encountering these common illnesses this season!  If you have any questions, or are simply in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

21st Century: The Dental Connection!

There was a recent study that stated that during the first decade of the 21st Century, the amount of adults who regularly visited their dentist declined.  In fact, the study found that the percentage of adults who had regular check ups every six months declined from 41 percent in 2003 to 37 percent in 2010.  The largest decline in dental care occurred in the 35-to-49 year old age group.  That's down from 43 percent in 2003 to just 38 percent in 2010.

Although the statistics have headed in the wrong direction, the American Dental Association continues to educate the general public about the importance of regular dental care. While daily home care hygiene habits are essential to good oral health, professional dental cleanings and examinations ensure that you and your child's teeth are treated to a more thorough level of cleaning and evaluation. In addition to the more thorough cleaning and teeth polishing, regular visits help to detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and gum disease.  During your dental visit, we check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue for symptoms of any oral disease. We also check old fillings and restorations for any wear that occurs from normal chewing, clenching, or grinding at night.

If it's been over six months, or even a decade, since your last cleaning and dental examination, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Good Nutrition: The Dental Connection!

Although the most common oral health diseases are tooth decay and periodontal (gum disease), they are among the easiest to prevent! One of the best ways to boost your oral health is by improving your diet, because you and your mouth are truly what you eat.  A healthy diet can lead to a healthy mouth and body, while an unhealthy diet can to lead to the exact opposite.

The Role Nutrition Plays

While diet is not the only exact factor that leads to periodontal disease, studies suggest that the disease may be more severe among patients whose diets lack essential nutrients.  Poor diets will generally lead to a weaker immune system, leaving your body more susceptible to all kinds of aliments, including periodontal disease.

A Well-Balanced Approach

There is no "magic" diet to improve your oral health, but the most important thing is to seek a well-balanced approach in your eating.  Meals should include a balance of lean meats or healthy protein sources, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats.  Foods containing substantial amounts of sugar and salt should be consumed in moderation.

Soda and Sugar: A Dangerous Duo

Millions of gallons of soda are consumed every day in America, but sipping on a cold soft drink can be very harmful to your teeth.  Many of these beverages, including diet pop, contain citric acid, which can wear down or dissolve the protective coating of the enamel on teeth!

If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT