March is National Nutrition Month!

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing - it’s National Nutrition Month! Every March, Dr. Reid and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, we want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

February is American Heart Month!

If you're worried about heart disease, you can easily spend thousands of dollars each year trying to prevent it, paying hand over fist for prescription medicines, shelves of healthy cookbooks,fitness machines for your home, and a gym membership.

Or maybe not. A number of recent studies suggest that you may already have a cheap and powerful weapon against heart disease, strokes, and other heart disease conditions. It costs less than $2 and is sitting on your bathroom counter. It is none other than the humble toothbrush. To learn more about this cheap and powerful weapon click here: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health

January is Blood Donor Month

A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured. In one hour’s time, a person can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives.

Have you donated blood this month? Are you planning to?

Why Dr. Reid Became a Microscope Dentist

In early 2000, Dr. Reid’s wife, Marilyn, was diagnosed with a benign tumor of the brain. During their quest to find the best surgeon in the world, Dr. Reid was encouraged to explore the tremendous benefits of the microscope by the physician who performed Marilyn’s’ successful surgery. Because of the enhanced information from magnification, Marilyn was skiing 6 weeks after the surgery. The exact same operation performed in 1970, before neurosurgeons microscopes, had an 80% mortality rate.

The desire to be a better clinician inspired Dr. Reid to purchase, train and now use an operating room microscope for all of his procedures. Read more about Dr. Reid's Microscope Pioneer goals here:http://tahoedentalartistry.com/microscope-pioneer/

We've posted this before, but it bears repeating!!

Dr. Reid says, "If you had chicken pox when you were a kid you're at risk of getting shingles." Research shows that 35% of adults over 50 will get shingles. Dr. Reid has seen a rise in cases of shingles in his patients. 

In 2006 the FDA approved the shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) and is recommended for use in people to prevent shingles. Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe and has been compared to a third degree burn. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. For about one person in five, severe pain can continue even after the rash clears up. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia.

Go Get Your Shingles Vaccine!!

November is American Diabetes Month

There are more bacteria in your mouth right now than there are people on Earth. If those germs settle into your gums, you've got gum disease. Unfortunately, if you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for gum problems. Poor blood glucose control makes gum problems more likely. If you have diabetes--go see your dentist! http://tahoedentalartistry.com/

Flossing!!

Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth. It's the single most important factor in preventing periodontal disease, which affects more than 50% of adults.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of screening and the early detection of breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during her life. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women.

The good news? Many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

Sugar And Your Teeth

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won't directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth isn't just unpleasant, it's bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids. Drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. 

See your doctor if it's a frequent problem.

Quick tips: Diet and Eating

Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile. It's especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C-all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums. 

Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease.

What causes bad breath?

DYK: Food, gum disease, and dry mouth can all cause bad breath? 

Most of these are easily treatable, but if you’re concerned about bad breath, make an appointment with us, as bad breath can also be a sign of underlying medical issues.