Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Get to know the Dental Specialists team

Here's a video with the Dental Specialists team talking about how we use technology in our office and why we love what we do. Enjoy!

Give us a call if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment. Also make sure to visit our Facebook Page to receive regular updates.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Moooooove over gum disease!

Dental Specialists want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Monday, January 10, 2011

When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of you have asked a doctor at Dental Specialists about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

How to Freshen Bad Breath [Video]

The office of Dental Specialists found this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways to avoid it. In most instances, bad breath can be avoided by using common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard about from Drs. Paul Ouellette, Jason Ouellette, and Ryan Collins, such as brushing and flossing regularly. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!