http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/hygiene-tips/6-tips-to-cure-bad-breath.htm This is great general information, if you would like a custom consultation and recommendation, please contact my office @ http://successfulsmiles.net
Considering teeth whitening? You are not alone. Here is a brief overview or ‘Cliff Notes’ on teeth whitening options. Please contact our office for a consultation to discuss the best teeth whitening treatment for you.
Teeth-Whitening Option No. 1: Laser Bleaching at the Dentist's Office
· Strongest concentration of bleach.
· Laser activated.
· Only available under treatment of a Dentist.
· Instant gratification.
· Most expensive option.
· Longest lasting results.
Teeth-Whitening Option No. 2: Professional Bleaching Trays
· A hybrid between Laser bleaching and OTC.
· Dentist creates mold of your teeth; you treat at home 1-3 weeks.
· Good results.
· Medium price.
Teeth-Whitening Option No. 3: Over-The-Counter Teeth-Whitening Kits
Happy New Year Friends, I hope you have enjoyed the last few weeks with your families and are well rested and ready to kick off a new year of #2012. I was taking a few moments to read various health sites today and couldn’t help but share these interesting facts about each of us.
· This will really make your skin crawl: Every square inch of skin on the human body has about 32 million bacteria on it, but fortunately, the vast majority of them are harmless.
· Don't stick out your tongue if you want to hide your identity. Similar to fingerprints, everyone also has a unique tongue print!
· You may not want to swim in your spit, but if you saved it all up, you could. In a lifetime, the average person produces about 25,000 quarts of saliva -- enough to fill two swimming pools.
· If you say that you're dying to get a good night's sleep, you could mean that literally. You can go without eating for weeks without succumbing, but eleven days is tops for going without sleep. After eleven days, you'll be asleep -- forever!
Source: Discovery Fit & Health
Pregnancy and Dental Care
This article was originally posted on http://colgate.com
Can Oral Health Have an Effect on Pregnancy?
Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and premature, underweight births. Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.
More research is needed to confirm how gum disease affects pregnancy outcomes. But it appears that gum disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Data also suggests that when gum disease worsens during pregnancy, there's a higher risk of having a premature baby.
What Can I Do to Ensure I Have a Healthy Pregnancy?
The best advice to women considering pregnancy is to visit their dentist for a checkup and to treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant.
During your pregnancy, your teeth and gums need special attention. Regular brushingand flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems that accompany pregnancy.
What Oral Problems Might Develop During My Pregnancy?
Studies show that many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis — when dental plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums. Symptoms include red, inflamed and bleeding gums.
Pregnancy gingivitis occurs more frequently during pregnancy because the increased level of hormones exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque. However, it's still plaque — not hormones — that is the major cause of gingivitis.
Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline, will help dramatically reduce or even prevent gingivitis during your pregnancy. And substituting sweets with more wholesome foods such as cheese, fresh fruits or vegetables is better for your teeth.
What Can I Expect When I Visit My Dentist During My Pregnancy?
First, be sure to let your dentist know you're pregnant when you schedule your appointment. It's best to schedule your dental visit during the fourth to sixth month of your pregnancy. This is because the first three months of pregnancy are thought to be of greatest importance in your child's development. During the last trimester, stresses associated with dental visits can increase the incidence of prenatal complications.
Typically, X-rays, dental anesthetics, pain medications and antibiotics (especially tetracycline) are not prescribed during the first trimester, unless it's absolutely necessary. During the last three months of pregnancy, sitting for long periods of time in the dental chair can become uncomfortable. And there is evidence that pregnant women can be more prone to gagging. Your dentist, however, is prepared for this situation.
If you need to schedule an emergency visit, let the office know about your pregnancy before you arrive. Discuss any stresses, past miscarriages and drugs you are taking as these can all have an influence on how your dentist attends your needs. Your dentist may also want to consult with your physician before any treatment is started.
If you have any doubts or concerns, insist that your dentist and physician discuss your particular needs. If your dentist prescribes medication, do not exceed the prescribed dosage. This includes aspirin.
Note: Dr. Gary Adams and Associates is a family practice. We serve entire families regardless of age and have a lot of experience treating pregnant women and those considering pregnancy. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
I took this from a press release we sent out today. Pretty good read :)
The Employee Benefits Research Institute reports that employees with medical flexible spending accounts deposit an average of more than $1,100 annually and an average balance of $100 is left in the account at year end.
We have entered the busy and lively Holiday Season. It is not uncommon for people to put off routine medical and dental appointments until the ‘rush’ is over. Unfortunately that costs many people in our area to lose on average $100. in FSA funds they have already committed via payroll deductions.
In an effort to accommodate current and future clients, Dr. Gary Adams and Associates is offering flexible appointment times. Patients (existing or new) must contact the Dentist office at http://successfulsmiles.net or call 301-468-6200 and advise the front desk they need to use FSA dollars.
“Studies show that many people eligible for the FSA benefit do not participate because they are afraid to lose money. My office would like to help people not lose it this year and educate everyone that can enroll in 2012 to the huge benefit of FSAs”, said Dr. Adams. He went on to say, “We often see new patients to our practice have extensive treatments they have ‘put off’ due to out of pocket expenses required to correct. If they had an FSA they could submit the entire bill even if it is January and they have not completed the entire 12 month payroll deduction. FSAs save (people) money and provide peace of mind for the unexpected medical or dental expense.
About Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
One of the few ways workers can cut out of pocket medical expenses is through medical flexible spending accounts (aka, flex spending account or FSA). A medical flex account is an employer-provided benefit that allows you to contribute a set amount from your paycheck in order to cover out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses such as health insurance co-pays, uninsured treatments, or even over-the-counter drug purchases.
The funds are usually deducted through regular, equal payroll deductions. The good news is that money deposited in a flex account is exempt from federal, state, and payroll taxes. Because taxes are not calculated on your contribution, your paycheck is not reduced by the full amount you set aside. Using this concept of “pre-tax” dollars can reduce your medical costs by as much as 30% depending on your tax bracket. Let’s say you have a $100 per pay period deduction….your actual check may only be $75 smaller because a smaller amount of taxes were withheld.
Unfortunately, use it or lose it and medical flexible spending accounts discourage many workers from participating.
About Gary Adams and Associates:
Gary Adams and Associates, located on Montrose Road in Rockville is a full service dental practice treating the entire family. They offer general, cosmetic and pediatric dentistry. The state of the art facility uses the most advanced equipment and treatment to shorten appointment times, perform multiple treatments (reducing the need for follow-up appointments) and has calming views from their 10th floor suite. The practice serves all patients with or without insurance and is locally owned and operated. Visit http://successfulsmiles.net for more information. To stay up to date on everything dental for patients, visit his blog.
Do I need a Sports Mouth Guard?
Dental injuries are the most common oro-facial injury sustained while participating in sports. The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety cites an athlete is 60 times more likely to incur damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. It is estimated the custom mouth guards professional designed by dentists prevent approximately 200,000 injuries each year in high school and college football!
Sports guards, mouth guards and mouth protectors all describe: a device worn over your teeth to protect them from injury during sporting events. Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment for everyone regardless of age and sport being played. Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth. They are intended to protect against broken teeth, abrasions to the lips and other painful injuries.
A mouth protector may be recommended by our office for the lower teeth. Typically this recommendation is based on hardware in your mouth (ie braces, bridges etc…)
Different Types of Mouth Guards?
Regardless of the type you choose, it should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should also fit properly and not restrict your speech or breathing. The three types of mouth guards are:
· Custom-made mouth guards — In our opinion, the best choice if your budget allows. Custom mouth guards provide the most comfort as they are unique to your mouth. Not surprise, they are likely to provide the most comfortable fit and best protection. During an office appointment, we make a mold or impression of your teeth and then construct the mouth guard over the model. Most athletes prefer custom made mouth guards. If you would like to learn more or set up an appointment, please visit our site.
· Boil and bite mouth guards — These are a hardened, pre-shaped plastic that can made pliable by boiling in water, then biting into the softened plastic for a customized fit. They can be bought at many sporting goods stores. They are not as good as custom made mouth guards by a professional, but are better than stock mouth guards.
· Stock mouth guards — These are inexpensive and not the best choice. They are pre-formed (but remember one size does not fit all!) Typically they are uncomfortable and inhibit speech and breathing.
Life Expectancy of Mouth Guard?
Adult mouth guards should ideally be replaced after each season to maintain optimum efficiency and protection. Adolescents should absolutely replace after every season as their mouths and teeth are continuing to grow changing the fit and protection of their mouth guard.
Best Practice – Most athletes will get their custom mouth guard replaced every 6 months during their bi-annual cleaning and check up.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Lost Dog Rescue http://lostdogrescue.org is holding an adoption event on Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., at Petco. The address is 1507 Rockville Pike. Please visit their website to learn more about adoption; fostering and volunteering.
See my latest tweet, #RockvilleDental http://twitter.com/rockvilledental I have been writing a piece on the true cost of dental care with or without insurance.... obviously I need to finish it and get the word out. People need to understand that lack of dental insurance should not equate to lack of care. My condolences to this man and his family.
If you need help, please visit my website and set up a consultation. http://successfulsmiles.net
Dr. Gary Adams, DDS
Who hasn't been on a date and had the thought of how fresh is my mouth/breath.... before I kiss this person? LOL. This article covers that and good advice to make sure you are always kissable.
Does chewing gum promote good dental hygiene?
The answer is yes, if you first read the ingredients and choose a chewing gums which contains xylitol.
Many studies have shown the benefit of chewing gum sweetened with Xylitol is good for oral health and oral hygiene. Xylitol is a polyol or sugar alcohol that makes an excellent sweetener, as it has many of the same properties as table sugar (sucrose). However, xylitol gum has some added benefits.
Not only does it have fewer calories and less effect on blood sugar than sucrose, but xylitol gum has the added benefit of inhibiting the creation of acid in the mouth. This minimizes the damage done to your teeth, as well as allowing your teeth to heal at a faster rate. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7, compared to sugar's level of 83.
Chewing gums with xylitol content in it can clean the tiny bacteria that remain on teeth after brushing. It is recommended to chew xylitol gum after meals and snacks. Trident is an example of commonly found chewing gums with xylitol.
Since we can’t be brushing teeth all the time, consider chewing gum as a quick replacement and save your trips to the dentist for preventative maintenance, not problems.
If you need to find a dentist or want to learn more about teeth cleaning cost please contact the office of Dr. Gary Adams DDS & Associates.
We are conveniently located in Rockville, MD.
