Ancient Dentistry- Very Cool!

The earliest evidence of ancient dentistry was have is an amazingly detailed dental work on a mummy from ancient Egypt that archeologists have dated to 2000 BCE.  The work shows intricate gold work around the teeth.  This mummy was found with two donor teeth that had holes drilled into them.  Wires were strung through the holes & then around the neighboring teeth.

Thanks Dr. "Mohamed Hassan".

HAPPY NATIONAL TOOTHBRUSH DAY!

On this day 1498, the first "bristle" toothbrush was invented when the Emperor of China plucked the coarse hairs from a hogs back & inserted them into a bone handle. The invention swept the world- even French leader Napoleon Bonaparte brushed his teeth with a silver handle version

POPCORN: Even Better Than We Realized!

Researchers analyzed four commercial brands of popcorn, two air-popped & two microwavable, using a new method that stimulates part of the digestion process to extract and measure the popcorn's polyphenols.  Like antioxidants, polyphenols are thought to protect cells against damage from environmental exposures and wears & tears, thus helping prevent cancer & other diseases.  Findings: Per serving (about 2 Table's of unpopped kernels or about 3-5 cups popped), popcorn provided about 300mg of polyphenols, depending on the brand-nearly double the the amount in a typical serving of many fruits & vegetables.  Another surprise: The Hull (shell) of the popcorn kernel-annoying part that gets stuck in your teeth (causing your to floss!)-actually had the highest polyphenol concentration.  In fact, about 90% of the polyphenols come from the hull!
Nutritional gold : Popcorn also packed w/ cholesterol-lowering, appetite-appeasing fiber.  Unlike many other grain products, which are processed & diluted w/ other ingredients, popcorn is a minimally processed whole grain.  Just one serving of popcorn provides more than 70% of a person's recommended daily intake of whole grains.

Caveats: Popcorn's health benefits can vastly reduced by unhealthful preparation or serving methods, such as cooking in alot of oil, pouring on the salt or drenching it in butter (or even worse, the fake butter used in the movie theater popcorn).  To get the greatest nutritional bang from your popcorn, stick w/ air- popped... for extra flavor, sprinkle on some spices or stir in some nuts!

Happy Father's Day!

To all those Dads, Have a wonderful Father's Day.

MAKE THE CONNECTION

Heartburn can jeopardize oral health


People who suffer from heartburn-or acid reflux-usually suffer a double whammy: a threat to good oral health often accompanies uncomfortable symptoms such as throat irritation, gagging, and a bitter taste.


Stomach acids are meant to flow through the digestive system, but for people with reflux, acid will actually flow up into the esophagus and sometimes even into the throat and mouth which may have an impact on your smile.  Teeth have a neutral pH of 5.5, but stomach acid, as you would expect, is much more acidic at a pH level of 2.0.  Because of this, reflux will erode tooth enamel, inviting sensitivity, pain, and discoloration.  Bad breath may also become chronic.


If you suffer from acid reflux, please seek treatment from your doctor and see us to ensure your teeth are protected.

Protecting Your Smile

Mouthguard Selection

Your adult teeth should last a lifetime with daily flossing. twice daily brushing, routine dental care, and a good diet. No problem... almost.  It takes more than maintenance to keep a cool smile-it takes protection.

It's easy to forget to protect your teeth from injury when you're pumped about hitting the ice, the bike trails, or making those spectacular slam-dunks.  But your teeth are as vulnerable as other parts of your body and mouthguards are an essential aspect of your sports equipment.  While there are many off the-shelf styles from which to choose. please do not compromise!  We will custom-fit a comfortable mouthguard especially for you, and we will take into consideration your budget and requirements.

You play the sports.  We'll protect your teeth!

Health Benefits Of Fruit!

So Cute!

Want To Shine? You Can, & Here's How!

This could be your time to gain entry into that luminous league whose smiles spark up every room they enter.  If you have questions about safe, quick, and predictable professionally supervised whitening. look no further!  Visit our website: www.drkathie.net & check out our Whitening For Life Program.


Custom Trays & Take Home Bleaching Sticks



Take Home Whitening Pen, no trays necessary











    *These are two systems that we offer in our office & are preferred by our patients . 
What is Whitening?

It is a process that removes stains & discoloration to brighten your teeth enamel.  After childhood, most people can benefit because their teeth tend to darken and yellow, particularly if they...

• drink coffee, tea, or red wine
• chew or smoke tobacco
• experience natural ageing.

What are the benefits ? Patients have experienced...

• teeth have brighten up to 4 shades
• greater self confidence in social & business settings
• improve appearance
• the freedom to smile more often.

Why Should I get supervised teeth whitening ?

Two reasons.  Without supervision, ingredients found in some off-the-shelf kits could injure your gums and other soft tissue in the mouth & throat, or make you ill if ingested.  In our office, the day we deliver your custom trays,  we take our time to demonstrate the proper technique of placing the gel in your trays as well as the recommended time & use of the product. Secondly, unless appropriate for your teeth enamel and degree of staining, results are unpredictable.

We make absolutely certain that the whitening ingredients and the systems (custom trays or whitening pen) we prescribe for you suit your individual teeth & gums, smile goals, and budget!

INFLAMMATORY STATEMENT

You Need To Know About This Connection:

Bacterial infections spread throughout the body, so it's a little leap of logic to consider that an infection in your mouth might affect other parts of you...

• For any years scientist believed that oral bacteria alone was the primary culprit in linking Gingivitis (gum disease) to other systemic diseases, but...
• According to the American Academy of Periodontology, inflammation, which is also associated with infection , is worthy of particular attention.

    Now, Gingivitis (gum disease) has been linked to chronic inflammatory illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and diabetes.  So it makes sense that treating inflammation may help you to manage your oral health... and that maintaining your oral health will help your overall health. Consider this :

• Gingivitis (gum disease) is called the sixth complication of diabetes.
• Diabetics are more likely to have Gingivitis (gum disease).
• Diabetics have more difficulty controlling blood sugar if they have Gingivitis ( gum disease), which increases risk of complications.

Gingivitis (gum disease) can appear silently without any symptoms so regular checkups are important for everyone. If it's been a while since you've had a thorough dental exam, or if you have been diagnosed with an inflammatory condition such as heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes, make sure you book and keep your recare appointment.

Happy Healthy Smiles!

De-Sress For Life

De-Stress For Health

You're a busy person with a full life and a ton of responsibilities. Sometimes it's overwhelming. People react to stress by fighting it, fleeing from it, freezing, or just shutting down, The WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION cites depression, anxiety, & related mood disorders as the prevalent causes of chronic illness in young to middle age adults.
This is very worrisome to us because stress also directly affects oral health. Bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching, and even the lack of attention to preventive homecare routines all stems from stress
There are great ways to ditch stress-triggers in your life... Simplify. Learn to say no. Meditate. Schedule alone-time. Unplug & go for a long walk. And ensure your recare appointment w/ us so you can chill in our chair while you care for your dental needs, helping to ensure your prime oral health.

Your Health & Your Smile

* Being a TWIN, I found this article very interesting!

Twins in the same household tend to eat the same things & share routines, making them excellent research subjects.  In one twin study for example, when researchers added flossing to only one of each set of twins' homecare routines, the flossing twin's cavity- causing bacteria, periodontal (gum) disease, and gum bleeding were significantly reduced.  This confirms the importance of flossing in addition to daily brushing of then teeth & tongue, but it's the more serious complications that can arise from periodontal (gum )disease that make prevention & treatment so important.

YOUR MOUTH CAN AFFECT YOUR BODY...

• When periodontal (gum) disease progresses, it can destroy the the ligaments and the bones which supports your teeth.  This could lead to a painful and misaligned TMJ (jaw joints), limited ability to chew and get adequate nutrition, digestive problems, oral sores and halitosis (bad breath).
• Periodontal (gum ) disease is an inflammatory disease, and while it does not cause other inflammatory illness like diabetes,cardiovascular diseases and arthritis, research has shown a negative correlation in the progress of these conditions.


• Studies have also linked periodontal (gum) disease to low birth weight, toxemia (gestational high blood pressure), and premature delivery, and though rare, to stillbirth.  Nearly half of women with gestational diabetes also have periodontal (gum) disease.

*Periodontal (gum) disease is present in about 90% of the population.  So like the study suggest, TWIN up on your daily flossing w/ brushing twice a day.  And please-never miss your routine professional recare appointment!

SUCCESS!

One step at a time, hard work, dedication, passion and persistence!