Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Gum Disease


Gum Disease:
If you have gum disease, you're not alone. Many U.S. adults currently have some form of the disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. In the worst cases, you can lose teeth.
In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen. They can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. You can usually reverse it with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. If you have periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. If not treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
We can help you prevent this from happening to you.  Contact us if you’d like.  And please remember to follow us on Facebook.
NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Tooth cleaning leads to fewer heart problems: study


Tooth cleaning leads to fewer heart problems: study

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Related MedlinePlus Pages
ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Regular visits to the dentist for tooth cleaning may provide more than just a brighter smile.
According to data compiled by researchers in Taiwan, people who had their teeth professionally scraped and cleaned had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who never had a dental cleaning.
Poor oral hygiene has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
The researcher who presented the findings of the multi-year study at the American Heart Association scientific meeting in Orlando on Sunday surmised that professional tooth cleaning appears to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease.
"Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year," said Dr. Zu-Yin Chen, a cardiology fellow at Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, who presented the findings.
The analysis of more 100,000 people beginning in 2007 was based on data in the Taiwan National Health insurance data base. None of the study subjects had a history of prior heart attack or stroke, but the analysis did not adjust for risk factors such as smoking or obesity.
Researchers said a higher frequency of professional tooth cleaning led to a greater reduction in heart risk. They defined higher frequency as at least two visits to the dentist for a cleaning in two years.
(Reporting by Bill Berkrot, editing by Bernard Orr)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Take Care of Those Pearly Whites



PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE on your teeth and gums means just that, you need to devote time and care to your mouth. Think of this part of your face as the only thing on your entire body that only others see, as you can never truly see your own mouth (or smile, teeth, etc. except in a mirror). The rest of the world sees what you can’t each time they look at you, yet it really runs deeper than that.
Daily maintenance with proper brush strokes (for at least 2 minutes minimum) AND correct flossing techniques can reduce the need of visits to the dentist. Yet when things happen like biting into a bagel and loosing part of your filling or breaking a crown while chewing gum, it’s comforting to know we are right here ready to help repair or replace anything you may need. So, just like we tell our own kids – take care of the teeth you want to keep, because the others will go away without your help at all!
That’s right; you know you’ve heard it before… Make sure you come in for regular checkups and cleanings.” But, did you know there’s a lot more to it (and we’re not talking about the free toothbrush)?
Your oral health is strongly linked to your overall health, and visiting us can be just as important as visiting your family doctor.
You’ve likely heard of diseases associated with our mouths—oral cancer, gum disease, etc. But did you know that many other health issues can manifest initial symptoms that appear in your mouth? It’s true—visiting the dentist can help catch potentially larger problems before they get out of hand. You may not even realize something is wrong.
For our Doctors here, mouths are life. We look into mouths every day, dream about them at night, and read about them while on vacation (just kidding). But in all seriousness, we really know about your oral care. So be sure to keep those regularly scheduled visits. We want to help keep you healthy—teeth and ALL.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The End of The Year...Did You Get Healthier?


WITH THE END OF 2011 FAST APPROACHING, our practice would like to remind you to take advantage of any unused dental benefits you might have. Each year your dental insurance company gives you a maximum amount that you can use, and those benefits don’t typically roll over into the next year—so make sure you schedule those end-of-the-year appointments before it’s too late!
Please contact us today if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment. The holiday season can be a busy time and we want to make sure we are able to see you as soon as your schedule allows!
In the meantime, feel free to visit us on Facebook to keep up with everything going on in our practice!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Want a Job Promotion?


In a study conducted in 2011, by CareerBuilder, employers shared which personal attributes would MAKE AN EMPLOYEE LESS APPEALING FOR A PROMOTION.  The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive among 2,878 hiring managers in varied industries. Since we are in the dental field, we found it very interesting that the second highest factor that would deter a possible promotion was BAD BREATH!! 
1.      Piercings – 37%
2.      Bad Breath – 34%
3.      Visible Tattoo – 31%
4.      Often has Wrinkled Clothes – 31%
5.      Messy Hair – 29%
6.      Dresses to Casually – 28%
7.      Too Much Perfume – 26%
8.      Too Much Makeup – 22%
9.      Messy Office or Workspace – 19%
1.      Chewed Fingernails – 10%
.     Too Suntanned – 4%
We can help with the bad breath for you or a loved one…then go get that job promotion!  Follow us on Facebook too.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Bad Breath?


Dealing With Bad Breath?
A COMMON QUESTION WE GET ASKED HERE AT OUR PRACTICE IS, “What causes bad breath?”
Many times, this complaint actually comes from a long-suffering spouse or family member rather than the actual offender. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a variety of things, some of which are serious and others of which are not. The good news is, you no longer have to hold your breath and live with it—diagnosing and treating bad breath is something Dr Dutton & Dr Petersen can do quite easily!
Below is a list of things that can cause bad breath:
Routine Illnesses
Sore throats, coughs, colds, and sinus infections all cause foul smelling mucus to get trapped in your mouth, throat and nose, resulting in bad breath until the illness is taken care of. Luckily, if you are suffering from one of these highly contagious illnesses you’re probably keeping your distance from people anyway! If your symptoms don’t clear up after a week at most, you should probably see your physician to make sure the illness isn’t more serious than you realized.
Foods Containing Pungent Oils

Yes – garlic and onions are healthy and very tasty, but they contain oils which may cause those around you to flee. These odors come from deep in the lungs, can last up to 72 hours, and are pretty tough to cover up. Mouthwashes, mints and gum are your best bet, or just make sure everyone around you has had the same yummy food as well so you can suffer together!
Dry Mouth

Having a dry mouth causes dead cells to accumulate on your tongue, gums, and cheeks. Though morning breath is a normal phenomenon due to lowered salivary activity at night, it definitely shouldn’t last all day. Those who take certain medications, snore, or are middle aged are more prone to a dry mouth.
Smoking
Smoking dries out your mouth—and as we mentioned above, dry mouths stink.
Chronic Diseases or Conditions
Many serious diseases such as kidney failure, lung infections, diabetes, GERD, cancer, bulimia, and anorexia can cause very specific types of halitosis. Fortunately, these are on the rare side, but if you think you might suffer from any of these diseases, make a visit to the appropriate practitioner.
Poor Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease
Ahhh…this topic is our favorite! Not because we want people to have poor dental hygiene and gum disease, but because these are the most common causes of bad breath and we can treat them quite easily. However, don’t wait too long before you pay us a visit! Gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits and a lack of routine dental visits, can do much more harm than simply make your mouth stinky.
Bad breath isn’t something you should have to deal with! Visiting our practice on a regular basis is your best bet for making sure your smile stays bright, your teeth and gums stay healthy, and your breath stays clean and fresh!
Don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Broken, Cracked, or Discolored Teeth?


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ARE YOU WALKING AROUND WITH ONE OR MORE BROKEN, CRACKED, OR DISCOLORED TEETH? If your self-esteem has been dwindling when you smile, because of an unfortunate accident or a case of advanced tooth decay, you’re probably a prime candidate for dental crowns. Dr. Dutton &
Dr. Petersen 
have a great deal of experience in many cosmetic dentistry procedures—including dental crown placement. Here at our practice we want to assist you in having a smile you’re proud to flash to the world each day.
Dental crowns are often called “caps” that cover your tooth completely. Often used in connection with many cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, dental crowns are a tooth restoration solution used to protect and restore function to damaged, discolored, or decaying teeth. And, they look and function just like natural teeth. Dr. Dutton, Dr Petersen and their team may recommend them if your tooth has so much decay that it would have trouble holding a filling—or if it’s in danger of cracking down near the root.
Curious about the benefits of a dental crown procedure? Here are a few reasons why a dental crown may be the very best option for improving both your appearance AND your health:
·         Prevent a weak tooth from decay or breaking.
·         Hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
·         Restore a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down.
·         Cover a dental implant.
·         Cover and support a tooth with a large filling—especially if there isn’t a lot of tooth left.
·         Hold a dental bridge in place.
·         Cover misshaped or severely stained and/or discolored teeth.
Protection and Durability
Dental crowns also protect damaged teeth from intrusive bacteria that is present in saliva—thereby preventing further decay. And they help support the tremendous pressures of chewing. They typically last many, many years if accompanied by good oral hygiene—sometimes for a lifetime. However, it’s good to have them regularly checked by our team to be sure.
To learn more about dental crowns, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact us. We deliver the highest-quality treatment for restoring your smile and confidence. So, what are you waiting for? Set up a brief consultation with us today to see if dental crowns are the right solution for you. We look forward to helping you rediscover a brilliant, confident, and healthy smile.
Also, be sure to join us on Facebook by clicking here! It’s a great way to stay connected with our practice

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Effect your health in a positive way...take care of your smile!


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GOOD NEWS! Taking care of our mouths actually improves our smiles! In fact, today’s research continues to connect the dots between your healthy mouth and your healthy body. Here at our practice we know that it’s never too early to start teaching children about the importance of consistent dental care. Healthy habits learned at a young age pay off in the future!
So, here are some of the ways that taking care of your teeth affects your body.
Good oral health…
- can boost your confidence and self-esteem
·         Gum disease and decaying teeth can lead to LOTS of problems—including an unsightly smile and foul breath. This can be so bad that your self-image is affected. If you keep your mouth healthy you’ll be much more inclined to smile!
- has been directly linked to lowering your risk of heart disease
·         Gum disease can cause inflammation that can be directly associated with cardiovascular problems.
- can preserve memory
·         Believe it or not, in recent studies show that adults with gingivitis actually performed worse on cognitive skills/memory tests than those without gum disease. Those with gingivitis are also more likely to have delayed verbal recall.
- reduces risks of inflammation and infection
·         Poor oral health is linked to the development of infection in other parts of the body. Eat a balanced diet, visit  your dentist regularly, and practice good oral hygiene to reduce bacteria and gingivitis.
- helps keep your blood sugar stable
·         Those with diabetes are more likely to develop gingivitis, making it more difficult to control sugar blood levels. Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health can help you regain better control of your blood sugar.
- helps pregnant women carry a baby to term
·         Gingivitis becomes a greater risk to women when they are pregnant. Unfortunately, there may be a connection to gum disease and pre-term infants, so be sure to visit your Dentist as part of your prenatal care.
Well, there you have it. Keeping your mouth healthy really can improve your overall health and well-being. Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about the benefits of preventive care.
Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook too! We look forward to connecting with you there!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Dutton-Dr-Petersen-Dental/193819504022840

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Beating a Cold!

Beating the Common Cold!
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By Dr. Mercola
Each year Americans catch more than one billion colds, making the cold virus the most common infectious disease in the United States.
If your immune system is impaired, on the other hand, it's akin to having an open-door policy for viruses; they'll easily take hold in your body. So the simple and short answer is, you catch a cold due to impairment in your immune system. There are many ways this can result, but the more common contributing factors are: 
Eating too much sugar and too many grains
Not getting enough rest
Using insufficient strategies to address emotional stressors in your life
Vitamin D deficiency, as discussed below
Any combination of the above
Vitamin D Deficiency: Another Reason You May "Catch" a Cold
It's estimated that the average U.S. adult typically has two to four colds each year, while children may have up to 12! One reason for the widespread prevalence may be that vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common in the United States, especially during the winter months when cold (and flu) viruses are at their peak.
Research has confirmed that "catching" colds and flu may actually be a symptom of an underlying vitamin D deficiency. Less than optimal vitamin D levels will significantly impair your immune response and make you far more susceptible to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections.
In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date, involving about 19,000 Americans, people with the lowest vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu -- and the risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.
At least five additional studies also show an inverse association between lower respiratory tract infections and vitamin D levels, and you can read about them in detail here. But the research is very clear, the higher your vitamin D level, the lower your risk of contracting colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.
It's not surprising, then, that the average American gets so many colds each year, as current guidelines for optimal intake and normal vitamin D levels are far too low -- and since most people do not get adequate sun exposure on a daily basis (which is what produces vitamin D in your skin) many are deficient. I strongly believe you could avoid colds and influenza entirely by maintaining your vitamin D level in the optimal range.

How quickly you bounce back is typically defined by you and your collective lifestyle habits -- and this does not mean popping over-the-counter cough and cold remedies or fever reducers. In fact, as long as your temperature remains below 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) there is no need to lower it.
Cold viruses do not reproduce at higher body temperatures, so a slight fever should help you get rid of the virus quicker and help you to feel better much sooner.
You should avoid taking over-the-counter pain-relief medications as well, as a study showed that people who take aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) suppress their body's ability to produce antibodies to destroy the cold virus. Aspirin has even been linked to lung complications including pulmonary edema, an abnormal build up of fluid in your lungs, when taken in excess.
You should only use these medications when absolutely necessary, such as if you have a temperature greater than 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C), severe muscle aches or weakness.
Hydrogen Peroxide: A Simple Trick to Beat a Cold
I don't advise over-the-counter medications, but one simple treatment you can try that is surprisingly effective against upper respiratory infections is hydrogen peroxide.
Many patients at my Natural Health Center have had remarkable results in curing colds and flu within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation.
Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3 percent solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars or less. It is simply amazing how many people respond to this simple, inexpensive treatment.
So What Else Can You do to Recover From a Cold, Quicker … and Prevent One in the First Place?
As I said above, the number one way to conquer a cold (or flu) is vitamin D. Vitamin D is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. So optimizing your levels will not only help send a cold virus packing … it will help ward off cold viruses in the first place.
The best source for vitamin D is direct sun exposure. But for many of us, this just isn't practical during the winter. The next best option to sunlight is the use of a safe indoor tanning device. If neither natural nor artificial sunlight is an option, then using oral vitamin D3 supplements is your best bet.
Based on the latest research, many experts now agree you need about 35 IU's of vitamin D per pound of body weight. This recommendation also includes children, the elderly and pregnant women.
However, keep in mind that vitamin D requirements are highly individual, as your vitamin D status is dependent on numerous factors, such as the color of your skin, your location, and how much sunshine you're exposed to on a regular basis. So, although these recommendations may put you closer to the ballpark of what most people likely need, it is simply impossible to make a blanket recommendation that will cover everyone's needs.
The only way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested. Ideally, you'll want to maintain a vitamin D level of 50-65 ng/ml year-round.
Dietary Strategies to Kick a Cold
If you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu, this is NOT the time to be eating ANY sugar, artificial sweeteners or processed foods. Sugar is particularly damaging to your immune system -- which needs to be ramped up, not suppressed, in order to combat an emerging infection.
So if you are fighting a cold, you'll want to avoid all sugar like the plague, and this includes sugar in the form of fruit juice and even grains (which break down as sugar in your body).
So when you're coming down with a cold, it's time to address ALL of the contributing factors immediately, which includes tweaking your diet in favor of foods that will strengthen your immune response. Good choices include:
Raw, grass-fed organic milk, and/or high-quality whey protein
Fermented foods such as raw kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, etc, which are rich in probiotics, or good bacteria. Scientific research shows that 80 percent of your immune system resides inside your digestive tract, so eating probiotic-rich foods, or taking a high-quality probiotic, will help support your immune system health.
Raw, organic eggs from free-ranging, preferably local, chickens
Grass-fed beef
Coconuts and coconut oil
Animal-based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil
Locally grown fruits and vegetables, appropriate for your nutritional type
Mushrooms, especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake, which contain beta glucans (which have immune-enhancing properties)
Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ideally this should be in fresh form, eaten raw and crushed with a spoon just before eating.
Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores: Turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves
Make sure you are drinking plenty of fresh, pure water. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body and will help with nose stuffiness and loosening secretions. You should drink enough water so that your urine is a light, pale yellow.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Dentures Are NOT What They Used To Be!


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IT’S NO LONGER LIKE THE OLD DAYS when it comes to denture technology, materials and fit. If your parents or grandparents had dentures, chances are they had a much different experience than what yours would be.
First of all, some people think that dentures, or partial dentures, are only for “old people”. False.  While the Doctor does everything possible to save existing teeth, sometimes dentures are the best alternative—regardless of your age. You may be recommended full dentures if you’ve lost—or are in danger of losing—all of your teeth. However, if you only have some missing teeth with otherwise healthy teeth and gums, then partial dentures may be recommended. That way, we can utilize those healthy teeth for better support.
Dentures can make a huge difference in everyday life.
Dentures can help you eat normally and speak more clearly. One of the great things about today’s modern dentures is that they look and feel like natural teeth, and are made of the finest, modern dental materials. Doctor spends an equal amount of time determining the proper fit and function and making them look natural. Each tooth is individually designed, positioned, and color matched for a “realistic” look that’s nearly always mistaken for one’s natural teeth.
A little trivia…
Despite what people commonly think, George Washington’s different sets of dentures were NOT made of wood. Materials at that time included hippopotamus ivory, gold pivots, springs, other people’s human teeth, cow’s teeth, and rivets.
One more quick thought…
Here at our practice, we work with the very finest dental laboratories to fashion your dentures—featuring premium, low-staining, long-lasting teeth with a strong, high-impact acrylic base. Don’t be fooled by the concept of “self-fitting” dentures which are often offered with discounting pricing. Chances are you’ll be very disappointed with them—and if they hurt, you won’t want wear them. They can also lead to other oral health problems because of their improper fit.  And if you want the absolute best we can make sure your dentures are secured with dental implants.  www.duttondds.com