Back-to-School Dental Emergencies

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In our dental practice, we sometimes see young patients being rushed into our office with injuries to their teeth from school-related activities.  The injuries we have seen have ranged from a small chip on a tooth from a fall on the playground or hallway to teeth being completely knocked out by a Lacrosse stick or even another child’s head. So, what are you as a parent to do when you get that call from the school? [Read more…]

A Woman’s Guide to Hormones and Dental Health

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Hormones can affect many aspects of a woman’s health – their weight, their mood, and even their dental health. You may be surprised to learn that women are more susceptible to gum disease during periods of hormone surges such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. While changing hormones are a fact of life, being aware of how hormones affect our oral health can help us manage and prevent their impact. [Read more…]

Finding a GOOD Dentist for Your Family

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As a mom of three, I know the pressures we moms feel in making decisions for our kids’ health.  We buy organic when possible, we try to make sure our kids get outside and aren’t glued to their electronics all weekend, and we research online and among neighbors when trying to find healthcare providers like pediatricians and dentists. But how do you really know if a dentist is “good?”  Do you seek the opinions of neighbors and co-workers?  Co-workers and neighbors can be good resources for recommending a dentist based on the dentist’s personality, gentleness, and appearance of the office, but may not always know if the work being done is of high quality.  However, word-of-mouth recommendations are a good place to start. Reading online reviews next to be sure that others have the same great experience is important as well. [Read more…]

The Importance of Early Orthodontics (Braces)

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In my practice parents often ask me if it is better to wait until their child’s baby teeth are all out before seeing an orthodontist.  They tell me that they “don’t want to have to do braces twice.” But seeing an orthodontist early on, by the age of 7, can often help many children avoid complicated orthodontics later, as early intervention may prevent teeth from erupting improperly and can aid in the proper formation of the jaws. [Read more…]

The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Heart

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As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped candies, cards, and decorations, have you thought about the health of your own heart? And did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease?

In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time resulting in tooth loss. It is estimated that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontitis. [Read more…]

Dr. Cheek’s Sleep Apnea Story

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Sometimes the caregiver needs care. Here is Dr. Cheek’s testimony about her personal experience with sleep apnea.

In my early forties, I began waking up during the night with my heart racing and had trouble falling back asleep. I visited my MD who prescribed me anti-anxiety and sleep medications, but even on these medications, I woke most nights, sometimes with a gasp, and then lay there awake for a couple of hours. [Read more…]

Common Mouth Sores

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Mouth sores that appear on the lips, roof of the mouth, tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks can be ugly, painful, and annoying.   Eating and speaking can be difficult as any movement of the affected tissue can cause discomfort.  Two common types of painful mouth sores are canker sores and cold sores. [Read more…]

BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL TIPS

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As another summer ends and a new school year approaches, many of us parents begin the task of preparing our children for their first day back to school. We shop for the necessary school supplies, we update their wardrobes, and we ensure they have the immunizations and booster shots necessary to continue in school. Children should also have a dental exam before returning to school to ensure they have a healthy mouth and the tools they need to maintain it. [Read more…]

No ice cream for these sensitive teeth!

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I love the warm weather of the approaching summertime – a time when my family enjoys the beautiful sunshine and eats cold watermelon and homemade ice cream outside on our back porch.  For people with sensitive teeth, however, this activity that my family so enjoys is not a treat.  Cold foods and beverages make their teeth ache.  [Read more…]