March 21, 2011

New Tobacco Products Bad for Oral Health

Did you know that Columbus was a test market for a new kind of smokeless tobacco? The tobacco companies are trying to find ways around smoking bans which have been enacted in so many places and one of the products being test marketed in certain areas are dissolvable tobacco products. According to the first study to analyze the ingredients in […]
February 22, 2011

Gum Disease and Smoking

Smoking is bad for your  heart and lungs – we all know that, but did you also know that smoking affects your teeth and gums? The ugly yellow nicotine stains on their teeth are usually the first dental side effect that smokers think of. But more worrisome is the effect that smoking has on your gums and other oral tissues. […]
February 8, 2011

Bleeding Gums Can't Be Ignored

Three out of four American suffer from some form of gum disease according to The American Academy of Periodontology. These cases range from mild (gingivitis) to very severe form called periodontitis. Despite these amazing numbers only about three percent seek treatment for their disease. Research studies focusing on oral health all point to gum disease being linked to diabetes, heart […]
January 28, 2011

Throat Cancer Survivor Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas is again appearing in public following treatment for a tumor at the base of his tongue. After seven weeks of intense radiation and chemotherapy it has been reported that the tumor is gone. Mr. Douglas’ tumor was discovered at a dangerously late stage and was too large to be removed with surgery. Unfortunately mouth and throat cancers are […]
January 10, 2011

Fluoride – Are We Getting Too Much?

For the first time in almost 50 years the federal government will reduce the recommended levels for fluoride in water supplies. While fluoride in drinking water is credited with slashing the rates of tooth decay it seems that some kids are getting too much. About 40% of adolescents have spots or streaks on their teeth because of too much fluoride. […]
January 7, 2011

The Truth About Flossing

There is an old saying – you only need to floss the teeth you want to keep! Most of the population doesn’t seem to take that wisdom to heart.  A study in 2008 found that less than half of Americans floss daily and 10% NEVER floss.  Flossing is even more important than brushing when it comes to preventing gum disease […]
January 6, 2011

The Dentist and the Diabetic

Brushing, flossing and maintaining good oral health are important for everyone.  For patients with diabetes, however, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is critical. Patients with diabetes are three times for more likely to contract periodontal disease and tooth decay.  Unfortunately, the presence of gum disease also makes controlling blood sugar more difficult. One of the complications of diabetes is the […]
December 30, 2010

Resolve to Save Your Smile in 2011

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions each year?  How many times have you actually kept one of your resolutions?  Most of us don’t last long with resolutions because they tend to involve meeting pretty big goals that we have set for ourselves:Lose 20 pounds Work out 5 days per week Quit smoking Stop nagging my spouse Lose 20 pounds Here […]
December 24, 2010

Fluoride Protects Against Tooth Decay

In the US more than $50 billion is spent each year on the treatment of cavities and tooth decay is a major public health problem worldwide. Prevention of cavities has made great strides over the past several decades. Fluoride added to toothpaste, mouthwash and municipal water supplies has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent decay. […]
November 18, 2010

Cosmetic Dentistry Vs. General Dentistry

Many people think they they will never need a cosmetic dentist, after all cosmetic dentistry is just for “Hollywood types”.  This idea couldn’t be further from the truth.  For example, one of your front teeth is broken accidentally.  Repairing this tooth will require placing a crown (or a cap as some people call them).  All dentists are trained to prepare […]
November 9, 2010

Costa Mesa Resolves to Ban Mercury Dental Amalgam

The California city of Costa Mesa has become the first American municipality  to pass a resolution calling for banning the use of dental amalgam.   The silver colored filling material is controversial because about half of it is mercury, a known neurotoxin.  The resolution passed by the city council calls on federal and state agencies to ban amalgam, for dentists in […]
October 27, 2010

Coffee Drinkers – Reduced Oral Cancer Risk

Remember when drinking coffee was bad for you?  Now it seems that coffee is not only a source of antioxidants but is associated with reduced risk of oral cancer.  Italian researchers performed a meta-analysis of previous studies on the subject. The investigators discovered that drinking coffee is associated with a 36% reduction in the risk for cancer of the mouth […]
October 19, 2010

Dental Care for Anxious Patients

As many as 20% of patients who don’t make regular trips to the dentist cite the fear of dentists as the primary reason why they don’t seek regular dental treatment. Since it is so important for patients to receive regular dental care for overall health, here at StoneRidge Dental we try to encourage our patients to keep their regular dental […]
October 14, 2010

For Women a Healthy Smile Equals a Healthy Heart

In October everything turns pink for breast cancer awareness which is a really worthy cause and has helped save many lives.  What many women don’t know that they are actually at a much higher risk from heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.  The ways of protecting yourself are mostly familiar, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and don’t smoke. Women […]
October 12, 2010

Halloween – A Scary Time for Teeth

Halloween is almost here with the cute kids in costumes and the not-so-cute bowl of  Halloween goodies lurking by the front door.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)  has provided recommendations to help preserve children’ s teeth in October and throughout the year.  These suggestions work for everyone – not just the kids! Avoid chewy treats that stick to […]
October 6, 2010

A Clean Mouth is A Sexy Mouth According to Survey

Based on a new survey conducted by Waterpik a clean mouth is a turn-on.  The survey suggested that partners preferred good oral hygiene over date night standards such as dimming the lights, candles, wearing perfume or listening to mood music.  According to Kelton Research “the results of this study reinforced some of what we already knew- that most consumers simply […]
September 29, 2010

Mouthwash Makers Warned by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration warned CVS, Walgreens and Johnson and Johnson to stop marketing mouthwash products with “unproven” claims that the products help remove plaque or prevent gum disease.  Specifically targeted were certain brands such as “Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash”.  According to the FDA statement “These mouth rinse products contain the active ingredient sodium fluoride.  The FDA has […]
September 23, 2010

Kids Dental Checkups – In Kentucky it's the Law

Kentucky has long been a state with poor dental health – in 2002 it had the worst rate of toothlessness in adults 65 or older.  That may be starting to change.  A new law requires proof of a dental exam or screening by January 1st of the first year children enter school. Dr. Ann Greenwell of the University of Louisville […]
September 21, 2010

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is celebrating National Dental Hygiene month in October  with the theme “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think”.  The ADHA is teaming up with the Wrigley chewing gum company (maker of Orbit sugar-free gum) to promote the idea that good oral hygiene habits are easy to start and maintain, even if you have a […]
September 6, 2010

Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life

Every hour of every day an American dies from oral cancer according to The Oral Cancer Foundation.  Oral cancer affects the mouth, lips or throat and is often highly curable if caught in the early stages.  Men are more likely than women to get oral cancer – and men over 50 are particularly at risk. As part of your comprehensive […]