FOR OUR MOTHERS

Felicia and Audrey sharing a tearful goodbye before Audrey moved to Spain for two years.

WE ARE THRILLED TO celebrate all of the wonderful mothers out there today! They fed us, clothed us, read books to us and raised us. But most importantly, they LOVE us!  

Mother’s Day has a particularly special meaning for our office because we have a mother-daughter duo working here. Felicia has been a hygienist at our office for more than 20 years and her daughter Audrey recently joined our team. Audrey says what she loves most about her mom is her kind heart. “She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She never has anything bad to say about anyone. She would give her everything just to make my siblings and I happy. I love her to pieces.”

See what other members of our team had to say about their moms. 

Suparna and her mom, Sudesh, on a trip to Arkansas.

Suparna : "I thank God every day for blessing me with a mother like her. She’s not just my mom but one of my best friends and I love how she understands me."

Ashley with her mom Loretta at a family wedding in California.

Ashley: "I love my mom because she brought me into this world and taught me respect, selflessness, and bravery!"

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day, All!

DETECTING ORAL CANCER

One of the most troubling statistics about oral cancer is that it often goes unnoticed in its early stages. This makes the cancer particularly dangerous because it’s likely to spread to other areas, like the lymph nodes, before it’s been detected.

Oral cancer is most common in people over the age of 40 who use tobacco. But heavy consumption of alcohol is also a contributor. In fact, studies show that people who smoke and drink are 15 times more likely to develop it. Other risk factors include excessive sun exposure as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV).  These causes aside, there are still a large number of people diagnosed every day that DO NOT use tobacco and have obtained the cancer through means not identified above. And these numbers among those aged 30 and under continue to rise. Researchers are still trying to find out why.

Regular visits to the dentist help to catch signs that may otherwise slip by undetected. Through routine exams, your dentist scans your gums, tongue, lips and face to check for any abnormalities.  Some of the signs to watch out for at home are:

• Sores, swellings, lumps or thick patches anywhere in or around your mouth or throat

• Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips

• The feeling of a lump or object stuck in your throat

• Swellings that make wearing dentures uncomfortable

• Numbness, pain or tenderness anywhere in your mouth, including your tongue

• Pain in one of your ears but without any loss of hearing

• Trouble moving your jaw or tongue, or problems with chewing, swallowing or speaking

• Loose teeth with no apparent dental cause

• Lingering sore throat or hoarseness 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month.  All information provided by The Oral Cancer Foundation and Colgate.

HEALTHY FOODS THAT HELP YOUR TEETH

We often forget that what we eat not only affects our physical health, but also our oral health.  A balanced diet that includes all five food groups is key for good oral hygiene. It provides the necessary nutrients your body needs and helps your mouth to resist infection.  In honor of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' National Nutrition Month this month, below is a list of seven nutritious foods that will help keep your smile top notch!

Cheese raises the pH of your mouth, thus lowering the risk of dental decay. It also contains calcium and protein, which help strengthen your teeth and improve tooth enamel.

Yogurt is high in both calcium and protein, and it also contains probiotics, the good bacteria that work against cavity-causing bacteria.

Leafy Greens are a great source of calcium that will help strengthen your teeth.

Apples produce saliva which helps to rinse away bacteria present in the mouth.  Sometimes called “nature’s toothbrush,” they also help to stimulate your gums.

Celery is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, both of which help your gums.

Like apples, carrots also produce saliva to help wash away bacteria. They also are a good source of fiber and Vitamin A.

Almonds are another source of calcium and protein.

Next time you want a snack, opt for one of the seven healthy foods listed above. Your teeth will thank you.

Check out more information on National Nutrition Month here.

All information courtesy of Colgate and Delta Dental. 

$59 NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

TIME'S ALMOST UP.....

 to schedule a first-time cleaning, comprehensive doctor exam, and x-rays in our office for our $59 new patient special. The special is only good for appointments scheduled during February, so call our office NOW to schedule your appointment!

* Offer is valid for new patients only. Cannot be combined with any other offers or reduced-fee plans. Regularly priced at $301. Valid thru 2/29/16

National Children's Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children's Dental Health Month?  During a time of year when most of us can be found munching on pink candy, and heart-shaped baked goods, the AAPD wants you to remember the importance of your child's dental health.  While we're all coming off the sugar rush from the long holiday weekend, here are some important tips and tricks to remember about kids and oral hygiene.

• Healthy habits are best started young, and preventive care is the key to good oral health!  Help your kids get into the habit of brushing twice a day for a full two minutes, and they will have a lifelong leg up on their oral hygiene.

• Make brushing fun!  Bookmark these snappy tunes to accompany brushing time and make it something your kids look forward to doing each day.  Click here to download a set of fun activity sheets that will help your child understand the importance of their dental health!

• A child's dental health includes more than just brushing and flossing.  Make sure kids are choosing healthy snacks  by providing access to lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and limiting sugary foods like candy, juice and soda, which can cause decay.  A balanced diet also provides a child with the nutrition needed for those healthy adult teeth to develop and grow!

• Keep your child's smile sparkling with frequent visits to the dentist for a cleaning and check-up!  Starting visits early helps to make children's oral hygiene a priority!  

So, if there's a child in your life, join the sugar wars, and help support a happy, healthy smile!  If you're concerned about your child's dental hygiene, contact us to make an appointment.  We can help with effective ways to protect your child's smile.