Dairy: Your Children's Dental Connection!

Healthy eating, combined with regular physical activity, play a vital role in your child's health and well-being.  Dairy foods are naturally nutritious, packed with ten essential nutrients that help your child feel good for life.  But did you know that dairy is also great for your child's dental health?  In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, dairy products also help fight cavities!  Dairy products have a specific role to play in dental health as they contain a unique combination of special anti-decay nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and the protein, casein.  Cheese is especially useful, as eating a small piece of cheese after consuming sugary foods or drinks can help protect teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

If you have any questions about the importance of dairy products in the role of dental health or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Good Grades: The Dental Connection!

As a parent, you want the best for your children, and that includes doing their best in school.  You can support them by taking an interest in their activities, being enthusiastic about attendance, and helping them with homework.  There may also be one more way that you can help your children succeed at school.  Surprisingly, research now suggests that children with better oral health are likely to do better in school!

A study in North Carolina looked at risk factors for poor school performance among school-aged children and found that, as expected, poor performance was linked to low socioeconomic status, low parental education and poor overall health.  However, it also found a strong link between poor oral health and poor school performance, with children classified as having poor oral health 40 percent more likely to struggle in school. Furthermore, dental conditions account for a loss of 51 million school hours among school children each year!

To help your child improve oral health and do better in school, be sure that your child's homework is complete, as well as their dental home care routine is consistently completed, which includes two minute twice daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check ups!

If you have additional questions about the dental connection to school performance or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

History: The Dental Connection!

Although seeing your local dentist for your regular cleanings and exams may yet be just another routine to fit into your hectic life, there are many historical figures, past and present, that have achieved acclaim and celebrity coming from a profession that is not typically associated with such regard! Take a look...

Doc Holliday

Perhaps most famous for his gun at the O.K. Coral alongside his buddy, Wyatt Earp, but "Doc" also had a day job as a dentist.  He was trained in Pennsylvania and later opened a thriving dental practice near Atlanta.  He had to close his dental practice and move west due to an illness, and we all know the rest of the story!

Mark Spitz

Known around the world as a champion swimmer, Spitz was actually accepted into dental school before he became an Olympic gold medalist.  While he ultimately decided not to attend school in favor of pursuing his swimming career, he successfully amassed seven gold medals!

Paul Revere

The most famous dentist to come out of the American Revolution.  Besides being known for warning the colonies of the impending British troops attack, he was also a silversmith and a dentist. More specifically, he specialized in making false teeth for people in need!

Doc Severinsen

The most famous band leader of Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show Band, was nicknamed "Doc" because his father was a dentist. Although "Carl" was not a dentist, his father, Dr. Severinsen, DDS, was credited for allowing his son to become the accomplished trumpet player that he became.  For the younger generation that may not know, The Tonight Show, is the same show that is currently hosted by Jimmy Fallen!

Miles Davis, Jr.

Yet another famous musician that had a dentist for a father.  Dr. Davis, Sr. had a thriving dental practice that financially supported his son's musical aspirations, allowing Miles Davis, Jr. to become one of the most acclaimed and influential jazz musicians of all times!

Although our team may not have any celebrity connections, our desire is to treat each patient in a caring manner that provides you excellent care!

God Bless,
DRT

Valentine Chocolates: The Dental Connection!

From a student handing out sweets for her classmates to an older married couple exchanging boxes of candy, Valentine's Day is the time of year when people like to show affection by gifting sugary treats to their loved ones.  Whether you are on the giving or receiving end of Valentine's Day candy, you can celebrate the holiday in a healthier way by making dark chocolate your confection of choice.

According to clinical studies, cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain flavonoids, which can help protect the body against damage from various toxins.  Flavonoids may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and the brain.  Dark chocolates typically contain a higher amount of flavonoids than other types, making them a great choice for chocolate lovers.

Although candy can contribute to the formation of tooth decay,  one study has shown that chocolate could actually benefit your teeth.  The tannins that are present in cocoa beans may actually help prevent cavities by interfering with the bacteria's harmful interaction with teeth.  Just like flavonoids, tannins have been found to be present more often in dark chocolates, rather then milk chocolates, giving you another great reason to choose the richer, sweet varieties.

One more benefit of choosing chocolate over other candies is that it is less likely to get stuck in the crevices and spaces between teeth.  Gooey sweets like taffy can stay lodged in the mouth for longer periods of time, increasing the risk for tooth decay.  When choosing chocolate, be sure to avoid types that also contain sticky ingredients like caramel or marshmallow, instead opt for the plain varieties.

Finally, remember that the health benefits that you can receive from dark chocolate are largely based on eating the candy in moderation.  With that being said, it is easy to make this delicious and health conscious switch when you are out shopping for your sweetheart, friends, loved ones, and yourself! Happy Valentine's Day!

God Bless,
DRT

Kids & Canker Sores: The Dental Connection!

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, roughly one in five children suffers from canker sores. Canker sores are small sores that appear inside the cheeks, on the lips, on the surface of the gums and under the tongue.

Even though canker sores are NOT contagious, they do tend to run in families. There are several reasons a child may suffer from canker sores.

RISK FACTORS

• Vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid deficiencies
• Food allergies
• Lip of cheek biting
• Any injury to the mouth
• Brushing too hard
• Toothpaste ingredients
• Emotional stress

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

• Avoid Acidic Foods
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush
• Avoid mouthwash and toothpaste that contain SLS
• Avoid known food allergy items

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

God Bless,

DRT