| STEPHEN M. LAWRENCE DMD |
- We're a certified Invisalign and Perio Protect Practice
| 1500 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA 18704 570-288-5588 |
ABC's of Oral Care A - Eat a diet high in calcium and vitamins C and D. Avoid sugary foods: When oral bacteria ferment sugar, they create tooth-eroding acids. B - Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria C - See your dentist twice yearly for checkups. (If you smoke or have periodontal disease or diabetes, you may need cleaning and check ups every three to four months). We recommend a Sonicare sonic toothbrush as part of your total oral care. Click on the brush to find out why: |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
POOR DENTAL HEALTH CAN AFFECT MORE THAN OUR TEETH:
GUM DISEASE: It is now known that preventing gum disease, the leading cause of
adult tooth loss, is gaining new urgency as research shows that gum disease can
contribute to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and pneumonia. The
findings show that the bacteria and inflammatory agents from your mouth can spill over
into your bloodstream. Read more:
DIABETES: Gum disease and diabetes go hand in hand. Because diabetes can affect
circulation it can restrict blood flow to the gums. Research has shown that treating
periodontal disease can improve blood-sugar control. Diabetics should see their dentist
and hygienist every 3 months.
HEART DISEASE: Having gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Studies
show that adults with the highest level of some oral bacteria have thicker carotid arteries.
PNEUMONIA: Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can contribute to fatal
pneumonias. Patients placed on respirators are susceptible to breathing in the bacteria
from their mouth which can cause the pneumonia.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Taking care of your mouth can help stave off periodontal disease
and possibly other serious illnesses.
GUM DISEASE: It is now known that preventing gum disease, the leading cause of
adult tooth loss, is gaining new urgency as research shows that gum disease can
contribute to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and pneumonia. The
findings show that the bacteria and inflammatory agents from your mouth can spill over
into your bloodstream. Read more:
DIABETES: Gum disease and diabetes go hand in hand. Because diabetes can affect
circulation it can restrict blood flow to the gums. Research has shown that treating
periodontal disease can improve blood-sugar control. Diabetics should see their dentist
and hygienist every 3 months.
HEART DISEASE: Having gum disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Studies
show that adults with the highest level of some oral bacteria have thicker carotid arteries.
PNEUMONIA: Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can contribute to fatal
pneumonias. Patients placed on respirators are susceptible to breathing in the bacteria
from their mouth which can cause the pneumonia.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Taking care of your mouth can help stave off periodontal disease
and possibly other serious illnesses.
Quick tips for a whiter, brighter smile
Here are a few quick tips to helps to make your smile look whiter:
Keep in mind: If your teeth are chipped, crooked, or otherwise unsightly....these tips
will also draw attention to your smile...so beware!
Use a red lipstick with blue undertones. Pick a red that is just short of purple. Stay
away from reds that have orange undertones.
Use a bronzer. The 'tanner' your complexion looks, the whiter your teeth look. Just
remember: fake your tan and keep you face protected from the sun.
Don't wear bright white clothing. You teeth will appear more yellow in comparison.
Stick to off white or ivory.
Wear silver jewelry instead of gold.
To avoid dark stains: rub Vaseline over your teeth before going out. The
petroleum jelly will help form a barrier to prevent staining.
Remember: anything that stains a white shirt will stain your teeth. Drink dark
color liquids with a straw. Less contact with the teeth means fewer stains.
Switch from coffee to GREEN TEA: It has catechins, which kill bacteria in your mouth
that turn sugar into plaque.
Still not white enough? Call us to discuss our professional whitening options!
A recent study suggests that those who consumed fermented
milk products such as yogurt had significantly improved gum
health. Try other dairy products too, because insufficient
calcium in your diet can contribute to periodontal disease.
Here are a few quick tips to helps to make your smile look whiter:
Keep in mind: If your teeth are chipped, crooked, or otherwise unsightly....these tips
will also draw attention to your smile...so beware!
Use a red lipstick with blue undertones. Pick a red that is just short of purple. Stay
away from reds that have orange undertones.
Use a bronzer. The 'tanner' your complexion looks, the whiter your teeth look. Just
remember: fake your tan and keep you face protected from the sun.
Don't wear bright white clothing. You teeth will appear more yellow in comparison.
Stick to off white or ivory.
Wear silver jewelry instead of gold.
To avoid dark stains: rub Vaseline over your teeth before going out. The
petroleum jelly will help form a barrier to prevent staining.
Remember: anything that stains a white shirt will stain your teeth. Drink dark
color liquids with a straw. Less contact with the teeth means fewer stains.
Switch from coffee to GREEN TEA: It has catechins, which kill bacteria in your mouth
that turn sugar into plaque.
Still not white enough? Call us to discuss our professional whitening options!
A recent study suggests that those who consumed fermented
milk products such as yogurt had significantly improved gum
health. Try other dairy products too, because insufficient
calcium in your diet can contribute to periodontal disease.
Toothpaste: The top rated toothpaste in the May 2008 issue of Consumer Reports is:
Ultrabrite All in One Advanced Whitening (one of the lowest priced toothpastes on the market )
It was the only tested toothpaste that was excellent at stain removal with an acceptable
abrasiveness.
Ultrabrite All in One Advanced Whitening (one of the lowest priced toothpastes on the market )
It was the only tested toothpaste that was excellent at stain removal with an acceptable
abrasiveness.
Are you afraid of the dentist?
Let Us Know!
Don't be shy about letting us know that you are afraid of the dentist. The more we understand
your fears, the more we can help you overcome them. We have made life-long believers out of
some true dental phobics.....we know we can change you too!
Schedule your appointments for the time of day you're at your best; and avoid food and drinks
that make you jittery prior to your appointments.
Let Us Know!
Don't be shy about letting us know that you are afraid of the dentist. The more we understand
your fears, the more we can help you overcome them. We have made life-long believers out of
some true dental phobics.....we know we can change you too!
Schedule your appointments for the time of day you're at your best; and avoid food and drinks
that make you jittery prior to your appointments.
| Click HERE to go to the American Dental Associations Oral Health Topics A-Z |
| For the Children Delta Dental has a great new web site for you, filled with games, puzzles and more! Go to: www.mysmilekids.com ENJOY |