Here we are-in September.  If you’re like me, you are probably trying to catch your breath.  The summer has certainly been filled with confusion, sadness, frustration, despair, and grief.  But also, love and kindness have been in abundance to give us hope.  I, for one, will be glad to welcome autumn.
 
I know many of you were directly affected by the flooding.  I am so very sorry.  My own home flooded as well.  Those whose homes did not flood are helping those whose homes did.  Everyone is affected in some way.
 
I think, in these times that are trying our souls that it’s important to adhere to whatever normal that is.  Our day to day routines that we struggle to return to.   That means taking care of you, and finding time for yourself.  Flossing is a part of that normal, and goes a long way in contributing to your overall health.
Also, not that many of you are thinking about your dental health, but don’t forget that we are approaching the end of the year when your dental benefits may be drawing to a close and renewing in January with new deductibles and maximums.   If you need to have a cleaning, exam, or any restorative work to be done, take a minute and schedule it for the next month or two after things have started to calm down.  If you’re not a fan of flossing and fillings, think of it like this-while you are in the dental chair you will have a moment to relax and catch your breath. 
 
I also welcome patients who may have a dentist that they normally see, but has been displaced due to flooding and reconstruction.  I am happy to help with your dental needs until your dentist is back on his or her feet.
 
Here’s to better days-and better weather
 
Dr. Rachel
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“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

My blog post this month is courtesy of the ADA-I'm re-posting it from them because it bears repeating.  Getting oil changes, stopping for gas and going through the car wash are the things you do without a second thought to keep your car in tip-top shape. So what are you doing for your teeth? Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to taking care of the things you depend on most. Get the most mileage out of your mouth by using these strategies in your dental care routine.

 Watch What Gets In Your Grill
 A grill on a car keeps harmful things from getting under the hood. Think of your own grill as a filter system for your entire body. Everybody’s mouth is full of germs—some good, some bad. The bad ones can cause cavities and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Severe gum disease is also associated with other medical problems, like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
 You wouldn’t put just anything in your fuel tank, so be aware of what you're putting in your mouth. Keep your engine running with a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.

Practice Preventative Maintenance
 Your car won’t get very far without fresh oil and proper tire pressure. Your teeth also need regular care. Daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.

 Get a Tune Up
 Taking your car in for a tune up can extend the life of your vehicle and catch small repairs before they turn into big fixes. Regular visits to your dentist and good dental habits can prevent many dental diseases and will keep you smiling for years to come. –Courtesy of the ADA

 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

I know this time of year typically we reflect and ponder on the many things we have to be grateful for.  I try to be mindful of my many blessings every day. Every day- not just one time yearly when I am reminded by everything I see telling me to be grateful.  So, I am switching it up this year and thinking of things I am NOT grateful for.  To be honest, it feels good!

• Time change-I know and understand how it came to be.However, that doesn’t make it any easier when it’s only 5:30 PM and my mind is telling me that it’s close to 10 PM, and I need to get ready for bed.
• Cox Cable and their updating to all digital and making us get those little boxes by December 1st or risk losing the ability to watch TV without it.Also for charging $2.99/monthly for additional boxes that we may need to watch their cable in other rooms of the house.
• All of the political ads and mudslinging-it’s going to be a looong year…..
• Intolerance and whining-it’s gone too far.
• Bruce Jenner-AKA Caitlyn Jenner, the Kardashians, and Kanye West-enough said about that.
• Miley Cyrus-again, enough…

The things we are not grateful for during the year-the petty annoyances, the “one more things” that we deal with-only reinforce the good things we experience and make those times sweeter.  Enjoy your times-good and bad-the grateful for and the un-grateful for-because that is what makes the spice of YOUR life.

Happy Thanksgiving

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

Cool is in the eye of the beholder, and I understand that oral piercing is a way of expressing your individuality….But I have to say…IT’S BEST IF YOU JUST DIDN’T DO IT!

Here’s why…

The gums of people with piercings are exposed to high amounts of all types of bacteria, and that can cause your gums in the front teeth to recede, leading to periodontal disease.

The stud can rub along the lower front teeth, wearing the gum tissue down, leading to eventual tooth loss.

Half of people with tongue piercings wind up with chipped teeth, mostly in the back of the mouth. The cost to repair the teeth that are damaged by the stud is much more expensive than the cost of the initial piercing.

The tongue is where bacteria find a niche. And these germs set up little communities called biofilms on the surface of the studs. The bugs create little fortresses that make the bacteria resistant to mouthwash and even antibiotics. Studs made of stainless steel make the best homes for these colonies of bacteria and ones made of the plastic called polypropylene make the worst. Bacteria in your mouth cause increased inflammation in your body.  Many doctors think that this type of inflammation can lead to all sorts of problems, including heart disease.

So, the simple act of piercing your tongue can lead to all sorts of dental and medical problems.

Nerves and blood vessels may be permanently damaged.

Increased saliva production can cause drooling.

Do you like to taste your food? Do you really want to damage some of your valuable taste buds by getting your tongue pierced?

 If you’re thinking about getting your tongue pierced, please re-think your decision.  You may look cool around some of your friends, but the damage that tongue piercing does to your mouth isn’t worth it.

If you already have piercings, contact your dentist or physician immediately if you have any signs of infection—swelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red-streaked appearance around the site of the piercing. Check the tightness of your jewelry periodically (with clean hands). This can help prevent you from swallowing or choking if the jewelry becomes dislodged.

When taking part in sports, remove the jewelry and protect your mouth with a mouth guard.  Be sure to keep up with your checkups at the dentist, and stay on top of your daily oral care-brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

If you have any questions or concerns about oral piercings please don’t hesitate to contact me or schedule an appointment.

 

Have a wonderful July!

Dr. Rachel