“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina


Now that March has passed, we can actually say that spring is here.  I can’t speak for you, but this is the time of year that makes me open up my windows to let the fresh air in and clean everything to freshen up.  With that thought in mind, here are some tips to go along with the “spring cleaning” mentality.

1. Why not take stock of your old toothbrushes and replace them with new ones? You can use the old ones to clean your grout or sneakers.
   
2. Better still-replace your toothbrush with an electric one. At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to the average of 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning.
   
3. If you haven’t done so, schedule an appointment for a dental check-up and “spring” cleaning.  You may even want to consider doing bleaching as we are heading in to the summer months. A brighter smile can be yours for the summer.
   
4. Floss.
   

Enjoy these spring days because summer will be here before you know it along with the sweltering heat.
Dr. Rachel

 Well, here we are-headed right into February.  January has flown by so fast.  I think of February as the month of the heart because we are inundated with Valentine’s Day.  Walk into any store, pick up a magazine or newspaper, and there it is.  Anything and everything pertaining to love and Valentine’s Day. February also happens to be Heart Month. Heart month was created to focus on heart health.  It’s convenient that Valentine’s Day and Heart Month fall together in February.

Did you know that dental health and heart disease are related?  Dental health and heart disease are intricately linked, and the cost for avoiding advanced periodontal disease or even something as mild as gingivitis may very well prove to be the cause of serious medical problems in the future.

Be good to your heart beginning with good oral health. The foundation of good oral health begins with a checkup and cleaning.  Are you due for a checkup?  Has it been awhile since you’ve been, and do you keep putting it off?  Give yourself a valentine’s gift by scheduling that appointment.  Your heart and your valentine will thank you.

February is also Children’s Dental Health Month.  This was created to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.  If we can start our children early learning the benefits of proper brushing, flossing and having their teeth cleaned, we are establishing the foundation for their future health.  In this advanced digital age, there are even fun free apps you can get on your phone or tablet to encourage brushing and make it fun.

Stay warm and healthy this February.

 
Dr. Rachel

With the month of October comes Halloween, and we promise not to be complete scrooges.  If you have children, taking them trick or treating and having lots of candy is part of the Halloween process.  While your kids and you (yes, you-I know you eat that candy too) enjoy it, here are a few tips to keep in mind to prevent cavities.
 
Sticky chewy candy, like caramel, taffy, gummy bears, and dried fruit are the worst.  They stick to the chewing surface and in between the teeth.  The general rule is that the stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth.  A survey by Delta Dental states that 57 percent of kids eat chewy candy at Halloween.
 
The ever popular candy corn has a lot of sugar that produces acid that breaks down your teeth.
 
Also, sour flavored candy has high acid levels that eat away at tooth enamel.
 
Hard candies such as peppermints or jolly ranchers sit in your mouth a long time, drenching it with sugar.
 
Chocolate and peanut butter cups are better because they dissolve and don’t stick to the teeth.
 
The best prevention of all is to bring all of your candy to me, and I will take care of it for you.  If not, then enjoy the candy, but be sure to brush and floss after you enjoy it to prevent cavities from forming. If you are unable to brush and floss, at least rinse off your teeth with a glass of water.
 
Have a wonderful October,
 
Dr. Rachel

Dental X-rays- Are They Really Necessary?

 

It seems everyone these days is concerned about the x-rays taken in the dental office.  There are concerns about the exposure to the radiation and the long term effects on health. I would like to use this as an opportunity to explain what an x-ray is, along with a few of the different types of x-rays taken, and the purpose they serve.

 

Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments. 

 Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth and how the teeth touch each other in a single view. These X-rays are used to check for decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up.

Periapical X-rays show an entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-rays are used to find dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone changes linked to some diseases.

Panoramic X-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and temporomandibular (jaw) joints.  These X-rays do show problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and fractures.

 A full mouth series of x-rays consists of 14-21 periapical x-ray films.  They are most often done during a person’s first visit to the dentist.  Bitewing x-rays are usually used during check-ups to look for tooth decay.  Panoramic x-rays are commonly used at the oral surgeon or orthodontist office.

 We are exposed to radiation in everyday life.  Radiation can be found in certain foods, as well as in housing and other areas.  With the onset of digital radiographs, the amount of radiation in the dental office has decreased.  X-rays provide your dentist with valuable information that helps you maintain a healthy mouth.  Your dental health is our primary goal!

 Here’s to September!

 

Dr. Rachel

For years I have had a desire to go on a dental mission. This year was the first time everything worked out.  I found an amazing organization through the New Orleans Catholic Diocese called “Christ the Healer” that is completely medical focused.  I am grateful I was able to be part of their team. I went to Grenada, Nicaragua.

I was able to treat 10-15 people daily, Monday through Friday.  I visited an active volcano.  I swam in a lake created by a volcano.  I toured three separate orphanages. The week I was there was a life changing experience.  I served.  I gave.  What I was given back was more than I gave.

 It’s easy to be participating in your life, living your life.  Not realizing the little bubbles we live in that are our lives.  I love my life and my bubble.  Seeing others outside of that bubble was an eye-opening experience.  It was powerful to help meet the most basic human needs of the Nicaraguans.  I witnessed their gratefulness and contentment in what they had and where they were.

In these times of unrest and division, I encourage you to step out of your bubble and look around.  We have so much to thankful for, to be grateful for.  I hope you have a wonderful August.

 

Rachel