June 2, 2011

Worried About Germs?

No matter where you go today there seems to be antiseptic wipes or germ-killing gels placed for your protection. We wipe down the shopping carts at the grocery store and clean the TV remotes with alcohol wipes in the hopes we are protecting ourselves from germs. The makers of Listerine and Reach oral rinse products recently completed a survey about […]
May 5, 2011

Sinusitis May Be Caused by Dental Infection

Chronic sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and swollen for an extended period of time. This painful condition leads to about 13 million visits to physicians each year. For many people a bout of antibiotics can solve their problem. Other patients aren’t so lucky and resort to surgery – which doesn’t always work. A group from […]
March 29, 2011

Don't Skip Those Dental X-rays

“I’ll do them at my next visit” is an all too common response when patients are told it is time for dental x-rays. No, we don’t do them for fun and no, we don’t do them to pad the bill. Dental x-rays are an essential tool for diagnosing many oral health issues that your dentist cannot see with the naked […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
September 1, 2010

Do You Need An Electric Toothbrush?

Recently Ric Romero,  a health reporter at KABC in Los Angeles, teamed up with Consumer Reports to test electric toothbrushes.  Because some electric toothbrushes can cost over $100 it is important for consumers to talk to their dentists about whether they need an electric toothbrush.  If it is determined that an electric brush would be helpful in keeping your gums […]
August 5, 2010

Alzheimers Linked to Periodontal Disease

New York University College of Dentistry researchers have found long-term evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of brain inflammation, neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.  The research team looked at 20 years of data and what they found supports the idea of a possible link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. According to Dr. Angela Kamer, lead researcher “The research […]
July 23, 2010

Twice-A-Day Brushing Good For Your Heart

A new study reported in the British Medical Journal, 2010 reports that regular twice-a-day tooth-brushing is associated with lower risks of heart disease.  The study also showed decreased levels of inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, which are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, when study participants brushed with higher frequency. The study was designed to discover whether […]
July 23, 2010

Natural Fluoride Levels In Tea

Black tea is the most popular beverage in the world.  Tea drinkers gain several health benefits including protecting their teeth because of the naturally occurring fluoride contained in brewed black tea.  While we have known about the natural fluoride in tea for some time, new research from the Medical College of Georgia suggests that the levels are higher than previously […]
June 24, 2010

Dental Checkups – More Important Than You Think

Opening your mouth during a dental checkup reveals a great deal about your general health and well-being.  Your teeth and gums can tell the story of your overall health to a trained eye.  Loose teeth, for example,  may point to osteoporosis; cavities and gum disease may signal underlying heart disease or diabetes; a scalloped tongue may point to obstructive sleep […]
April 3, 2010

Oral Health Care Ohio

The International Diabetes Foundation is stressing the importance for diabetic patients to have the healthiest teeth and gums possible in their new clinical guidelines.