Dental Blog
 Each month we will share a couple of educational articles about dental health. If there are topics you would like us to write about, we invite you to contact us and share your ideas!
Latest Posts:
Why Preventative Dentistry is So Important |
Posted on 8/23/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
We've all heard the saying 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' and this holds especially true for dental care. Preventative dental care will not only help you avoid disease and illness, it will also save you money in the end. Regularly scheduled cleanings are much more affordable than procedures like dental implants or root canals. Most of the problems that we see in our office are a result of poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss regularly and missing your regularly scheduled cleanings are a quick ticket to bigger problems down the road. Early Detection With regular preventative care, our dentists will be able to recognize potential problems and detect them early. When dental problems are detected early, they can usually be treated quickly...
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Why Lying About Flossing Can Hurt Your Health |
Posted on 8/13/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
Your mouth is your body's primary entryway, which is why poor oral health has overall negative consequences on your body. This is also why you need to take good care of your teeth and gums by flossing on a regular basis. Bad oral health results in numerous problems. Cardiovascular Disease Inflamed gums lead to periodontal disease. This bacterium can enter your bloodstream, causing arteries to build up plaque and harden. From there it can cause blood flow problems, heart blockages, impact your arteries, causing you to have a stroke, and even give you a heart attack. Dementia Poor oral health affects your brain because your gums will release its infectious bacteria there where it starts killing brain cells and causing memory loss (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer's)....
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Making Your Family More Proactive About Their Health |
Posted on 7/20/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
The best way to have good, healthy habits is to start young. Perhaps when you were a child you had bad experiences with a dentist, but things have changed and new technologies make procedures that were painful, very smooth. Dental professionals place great importance in patient comfort. We want you to take care of your mouth and we do everything in our power to treat you without pain. Making your family more proactive about their health can be one of the most important things you do. Healthy, happy kids, usually grow up to be healthy, happy adults. If you created the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, your family will not need to visit a doctor, other than for annual checkups or physicals, and they can also avoid painful dental procedures later in life. Eating Healthy...
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Does It Harm Your Teeth if You Do Not Get Enough Sleep? |
Posted on 7/10/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
Your body is an amazing, well-tuned machine where all the systems are connected and things like sleeping habits can affect not only the body as a whole, but also all of the individual parts of it. You may not think that getting a good night's sleep affects your oral health, however, lack of sleep can cause jaw and gum problems which can lead to other severe issues. Gum Disease and Lack of Sleep A group of students at the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine examined 200 workers and their lifestyles, including their diet, exercise habits, and stress levels. During the study, the researchers used periodontal probes to monitor the changes in the subject's oral health. They discovered that the workers who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, had a lower risk for...
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Do Your Teeth Need Protein? |
Posted on 6/23/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
If you want to have strong muscles, you need to have an adequate amount of protein in your diet. In fact, protein is even required to maintain a healthy smile. Find out why you need to increase your protein intake in order to support your oral health. What is Protein Used for in the Mouth? Protein serves an important role in the mouth. It is used to make up the tooth structure, and it also plays a role in mucosal and connective tissue development. Plus, protein is crucial when it comes to healthy immune function. Depending on the source, protein can also help with saliva production. For example, cheese is thought to increase saliva, which is important to keep your teeth healthy. Proper amounts of saliva are needed to wash away bacteria and acids before they can damage your...
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Do Your Teeth Get Healthier When You Use Mouthwash? |
Posted on 6/13/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
Your teeth are made to last a lifetime, so you need to make sure they are healthy and well cared for. Fortunately, mouthwash can help them to stay healthy. By making mouthwash a daily part of your oral hygiene routine, your teeth will be healthier and will look beautiful. Removes Plaque One of the main benefits that mouthwash has to offer your teeth is plaque prevention. Mouthwash can prevent plaque buildup on the gums, the surface of the teeth, and those tough-to-reach spaces between the teeth. However, the use of mouthwash should never become a substitute for brushing. While mouthwash can prevent plaque buildup, it cannot remove existing plaque. Prevents Cavity Formation The regular use of mouthwash can fight cavity formation and decay. Most mouthwashes contain fluoride,...
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Poor Oral Health Can Severely Affect Your Confidence |
Posted on 5/25/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
There have been several studies about how poor oral health can severely affect your confidence. From avoiding showing your teeth while speaking, to avoiding social situations altogether, having a mouth that is not healthy is detrimental to your mental health. People who live in developed countries, such as the U.S. and other western nations, have a much better chance of having good oral hygiene habits and access to a dentist. However, many choose to stay away of their own choice for several reasons including fear or cost. Whatever the reason for not visiting a dentist or practicing good habits at home, poor oral health can severely affect your confidence in your everyday life. What is Poor Oral Health? Poor oral health is not only not visiting the dentist for regular...
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Oral Health Dangers of Getting Too Stressed Out |
Posted on 5/15/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
Being stressed out can increase your blood pressure and make certain medical conditions worse, but did you know that it can also affect your oral health? Stress can actually cause some problems with your gums, teeth, and mouth. If you notice any of the following, it could be a sign that you're under more stress than you realize. Canker Sores We've all had those little white spots show up in the mouth. These canker sores often appear for no reason at all, and medical experts don't even know what truly causes them. One thing studies have confirmed, though, is that people who are under a lot of stress tend to get more canker sores than those who aren't. These sores aren't really dangerous, but they're annoying and can hurt. Cold Sores Then there are cold sores. These...
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