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January 2008 | Volume 2, Issue 1 | HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Welcome, 2008!
Happy New Year to one and all! I hope your 2007 holidays were wonderful and joyous.
Let’s make 2008 the best year ever.
This is the perfect time to focus and set new goals for the upcoming. Whether they're health-related, professionally driven, or relationship-oriented, may your goals be truly unique and important to you, and may they be achievable. I pray we try to slow down in 2008, so we may enjoy the simpler things life has to offer.
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"We need to readjust the definition of success to account for
time outside of work and satisfaction of life." – Betty Friedan
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Be on the lookout for many new and exciting things from our office in 2008. Remember, we're not just a dentist's office. We recognize that a healthy mouth is just part of living well. We hope you'll come to consider us a lifestyle resource center, dedicated to enriching the quality and enjoyment of your life.
Awesome new reconstruction methods, state-of-the-art implant services and even uncommonly cool cosmetics are but a few of the innovations only Weglos Comprehensive Family Dental brings you. Come see us soon to discover all the great new ways we can enhance your smile and your life! Till then, visit our website.
Yours for a better smile,
Dr. Mark |
Something You Can Keep:
Five Oral Hygiene New Year's Resolutions
Instead of setting yourself up for an inevitable, self-defeating failure, make it easy for yourself: Set attainable goals and not too many of them. Easy, right?
Everyone has different needs and goals, but we offer the following list of five simple-to-remember and easy-to-achieve goals to nudge you to a healthier 2008 for your mouth. Here’s to healthy starts and happy endings!
1. Decide on a regular oral hygiene routine and stick to it.
Establish a regular schedule of brushing, flossing and any other steps important for you individually, and prioritize it in your daily schedule. At least two minutes brushing, flossing with appropriate material and rinsing as necessary are basic mouth care activities to any routine. No other single thing has as much bearing on your oral health as a thorough routine, closely adhered to.
2. Treat diet as part of your oral hygiene regimen.
Studies repeatedly show that what you eat and drink profoundly affect the health of your mouth, as well as other parts of your body. The same things that cause obesity and related diseases such as Type II diabetes — too much sugar and carbs — wreak havoc on your teeth, gums and mouth tissue, as well. Soda and many citrus drinks are acidic and attack tooth enamel.
If you eat sweets or drink sugary beverages, be sure to brush regularly afterward. If you can’t do that, at least chew sugarless gum and rinse with water. Better yet, cut back or eliminate these items from your diet. Your teeth will thank you.
3. Schedule regular check-ups and keep the appointments.
Prioritize fitting regular dental check-ups and cleanings into your schedule, no matter how busy you are. It takes far less time and other resources to prevent tooth decay and other problems that affect your oral health than it does to try to fix them once they happen.
4. Change your toothbrush regularly…really.
Toothbrushes are critical tools in the care of your teeth, gums and tongue. Make sure yours is performing at optimal levels by replacing it regularly. Manufacturers suggest that effective toothbrush life is 2-3 months on average. They wear out from use, the bristles breaking down and losing their ability to reach into all the crevices between teeth.
Toothbrushes, no matter how well-rinsed, can also provide prime incubation for bacteria and fungus. Then, if stored touching other brushes, they can spread cold germs and flu viruses to other brushers. The herpes viruses that cause cold sores and ulcers can also live in your toothbrush.
Orthodontic appliances such as braces cause more wear and tear on toothbrushes, so wearers of braces should change theirs about every two months. The rest of us can take the beginning of each of the four seasons as a signal to switch to a new brush.
5. Do one extra thing.
This year, add just one extra thing to your routine that you haven’t done before. If you’re a before-ed-only brusher, add a post-breakfast brush before leaving for work or school. If you’ve only ever brushed, begin flossing. If you’re a dedicated brusher and flosser, add an oral rinse. There are all kinds that help do everything from freshening breath to preventing periodontal disease to rebuilding tooth material. Adding just one extra step to your routine yields great benefits for a very small investment.
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Do YOU Brush with Sonicare?
If you're like most people, you assume that electric or battery-powered toothbrushes are more effective than their manual counterparts because they're more expensive. This is a commonly held misconception. The reality is that most electric toothbrushes are, by and large, no better than their traditional plastic-and-rubber, soft-bristled brethren.
Unless you're talking about the Philips Sonicare® Power Toothbrush.
 No power toothbrush comes more highly recommended by more dentists than the Sonicare, and with good reason. Its effectiveness is rooted in advanced technology, and it’s designed to deliver superior results. The high velocity of bristle movement creates cleaning action that allows for direct contact with each tooth. Even so, the bristle design is extra gentle on teeth and gums.
Sonicare is clinically proven to reduce gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease. Each model of Sonicare is designed to reduce the periodontal pockets that form between teeth and gums when gingivitis is left untreated. These pockets are especially dangerous because they allow plaque and bacteria to collect. Eventually, this can result in the loss of teeth.
Is Sonicare expensive? It does cost more than many power toothbrushes, but you don’t buy price, you buy value. Independent research results back up the company's claim that Sonicare is a far superior tool, one that reaches way beyond the capabilities of a regular toothbrush. In fact, Philips Sonicare is supported by more than 140 abstracts of research conducted at more than 40 universities and institutions.
Philips understands that the expense of a Sonicare model might make it feel like a luxury, but the company stands behind its product with a 90-day, no-risk guarantee, and a 2-year limited warranty. You have absolutely nothing to lose by trying the tool, and we conveniently offer it right here at our office.
No other toothbrush has been proven to remove plaque, clean teeth and gums, shrink periodontal pockets, and whiten teeth. That's right—the sonic technology helps whiten teeth by up to 2.5 shades in 2 weeks. Even folks with mouths full of restorative dental work can use Sonicare without problems — it's that safe.
So why not give it a try? Call our dental office, or stop by and pick one up. With regular use, you'll notice the difference. And so will we.
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Start-the-Year-Right Special
Restore Your Teeth's Integrity
 Let this be the year you make one of your New Year’s resolutions treating yourself to a new and improved smile!
Are you tired of seeing those ugly, grayish-silver fillings in your teeth? Are your teeth sensitive, or becoming more sensitive? Do you suffer from discomfort or pain when you chew your food?
If you have one or more of these symptoms, your existing dental restorations may be failing, or -- even worse -- decaying. Many times, if these teeth are left untreated, they can fracture. This unhappy situation can cause extreme pain and even tooth loss, but you don’t have to wait until it happens to you.
Make your checkup appointment today, so we can evaluate the condition of your fillings. In just an hour, my professional team and I will evaluate your needs and develop an individualized, all-inclusive plan to give you the smile of your dreams. We’ll match the restoration material to your own tooth tint, and make sure your new fillings take into account any existing restorations. We’ll even tailor a payment plan that keeps your wallet as healthy and comfortable as your mouth.
I guarantee you’ll be happy, since you’ll not only improve your smile, you’ll improve your overall health. Look better. Feel better. What’s not to like? And here’s a little nudge in the right direction:
Mention this e-newsletter, and we’ll take $75 off the cost of any tooth-colored filling or crown.
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Pregnancy Affects Oral Health, Too!
Pregnancy can affect oral health so intensely that some women find out they're pregnant from their dentist, even before they suspect their condition.
It's true. Hormone changes are responsible for the effect of pregnancy on oral health. Unlike the joy many women experience as their hair grows faster and their skin glows, pregnancy hormones can really do a number on a soon-to-be-mama's mouth.
December is the month when most women conceive, probably because of holiday vacations. That being the case, if you suspect you may be pregnant, now is the time to start protecting your mouth. Fifty to seventy percent of all pregnant women are affected by pregnancy gingivitis, which causes red, swollen and/or tender gums that tend to bleed as you brush.
The cause of pregnancy gingivitis has its roots in the increase in the body's production of progesterone. The increase in this hormone leads to a buildup of plaque. And the plaque is what leads to gingivitis.
Another quirky oral condition that may surface during pregnancy is an overgrowth of gum tissue. Commonly referred to as "pregnancy tumors," these swellings or growths usually appear between teeth in the second trimester. Experts believe these are also related to excess plaque. They bleed easily and are recognizable by a red, raw surface. Some women have them removed once the baby is born; others find they go away on their own.
What You Can Do
First of all, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and help is as close as your dentist’s phone number. Let your dentist know you're pregnant, and try to schedule a visit during the fourth to sixth month of your pregnancy. Any oral disorders will begin developing in the first trimester, so by the second, your dentist will be able to more easily see just what's going on.
While it's wise to know what changes might occur during pregnancy, there is no need to accept them as your fate. As soon as you discover you’re pregnant, simply do what you do in other health-related areas of your life: Pay close attention and take extra good care of yourself.
In terms of oral health, brush teeth even more thoroughly, twice daily, with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss each time you brush, and remember that a balanced diet is best not only for your developing baby, but for your body and your mouth.
Recent data suggests that gum disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that can induce labor and result in premature birth. Preventing pregnancy-related oral health conditions is easier than "curing" them, so be mindful of your body, respect the messages it sends you, and work with your dentist to practice preventive mouth care.
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Something Good From Chef Doc: January's Recipe
My work as a professional chef taught me that the cold, dark days of mid-winter call for hearty fare, so this month’s recipe brings home some serious comfort food. Simple to make and versatile, this stroganoff adds lots of flavor to this often dull time of year. Enjoy!
 Beef Stroganoff
2 pounds of beef cubes (you may substitute venison, if preferred)
1 large onion, large diced
6 carrots, peeled and large diced
10-12 oz. carton button mushrooms, quartered
2 large red peppers, large diced
6 large cloves of garlic, minced
2 large shallots, minced
10-12 oz. snow peas, stems removed
2 cups red wine
2 quarts (32 oz.) beef broth
1/2 stick butter
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp. tomato paste
1 cup sour cream
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Lea & Perrins’ Worcestershire Sauce to taste
Thyme, pinch
Cornstarch to thicken
Season meat cubes with salt and pepper, dust in flour. In Dutch oven-style pot, melt butter and mix with olive oil. Brown meat cubes, then remove. Add garlic, shallots, onions, carrots and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Next, add red peppers and sauté for one minute. Add tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine and de-glaze pan. Reduce for 4 minutes. Add beef broth. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, returning meat and snow peas in the last 10-15 minutes. Mix cornstarch with water to form paste and add to broth. Thicken until it coats spoon, then remove from heat. Stir in sour cream.
Ladle over cooked egg noodles and serve with Merlot or dark beer.
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