Ten Easy, Healthy, Fun New Year’s Resolutions That You Can Actually Do!!

At DeLand Smiles, we love New Year’s Resolutions.  After all, the new year is a great time to start fresh with some good habits.

But the problem with New Year’s Resolutions is that they are usually broken way before Groundhog Day.  Why?  We simply make them too difficult.  So 2013 may not be the year you lose 220 pounds, visit the gym six times per week, eat kale shakes for breakfast every morning, write the Great American Novel and train a world class Portuguese Water Dog...but it very well may be the year you start some healthy habits that last the rest of your longer, healthier life!

Here are a few suggestions:

1)      Walk, Don’t Run!  If you’re the type that can train for a local 10K race, that’s great.  But if it’s not your thing, you can still benefit from more walking.  Here’s a simple way to make it happen.  Whenever you are faced with a situation to use an elevator or escalator, make it your personal rule that if it is one flight up or two flights down, you’ll take the steps.  It’s easy!

2)      Don’t cruise the lot!  Instead of spending your time looking for a “great” parking space, park a little farther away intentionally.  You’ll not only get in a few extra steps (which will amount to a few miles soon!) – your car will get less dinged up!

3)      Know Your Numbers!  Make sure that you get an annual physical which includes a blood test.  Knowing your cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and other vital statistics, and then taking the proper measures recommended by your physician will automatically put you in the top half of healthy Americans!

4)      Test Yourself!  It has been proven that knowing how to do a breast or testicular self-exam can save your life.  (If you’re not sure which one to do, your problem is a bit more complicated.)  Ask your health practitioner how to do it, or even check out a video on You Tube!

5)      Drop The Diet!  No – not the healthy eating pattern – the diet soda!! It contains all kinds of chemicals and many people theorize it actually makes you hungrier.  There is simply nothing good about diet soda.  Switch to water, unsweetened tea with lemon, or even black coffee in moderation. 

6)      Speaking Of Soda…One of the simplest things anyone can do to become immediately healthier is to go cold turkey on sodas and sports drinks.  They are loaded with sugar and are simply unnecessary.  If all you do to change your diet is to drop these two things, pounds can actually melt off quickly and never come back!

7)      Think Positively!  It may sound trite, but if you believe good thins are going to happen, they probably will.  Seeing the worst in every situation simply stresses you out and causes you to react negatively.  Those who think happy usually are!

8)      Do What Scares You!  Pick one thing that you have been afraid to do, and commit to it.  Put it on your calendar.  Tell your friends or family members that you are going to do it.  Then do it!  It could be a polar bear plunge, skydiving, a trip to Europe, quitting your job, reuniting with an old friend you had a fight with – it doesn’t matter!  Pick one thing, put it on your calendar, and do it!  Then do another…

9)      Appreciate What You Have and Don’t Envy Others.  Enough said!  Pull this one off successfully and your entire life will change!

10)  FLOSS!!  The benefits of healthy gums are numerous, including fresher breath, a lifetime of teeth, reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, and many more.  It’s simple to do and takes just one minute per day, yet practically no one does it!  If you’re not sure how to floss properly, we would love to show you!  Even if you feel you are not coordinated enough, we can show you some inexpensive gadgets that will help.  Make 2013 the year of the floss!!

So there you have it – ten simple healthy New Year’s tips that anyone can do!! Feel free to add your own.  And since dental health and a beautiful smile are also on your list, don’t forget that we are here for you!  If you have any questions or need to make any appointment, simply give us a call at (386) 736-7121.  Happy New Year!

Here’s Something To Be Thankful For!!

According to a recent study done by The American Dental Association, the feature that others find most attractive is not our hair, eyes, or body – it’s our smile!!

So don’t worry about trying to compete with the latest supermodel or those impossible-to-beat images we see on every billboard and magazine ad.  Just flash your pearly whites & smile!

But there’s more to it than that.  Anti-aging expert, Dr. Mark Stibich, has come up with some fantastic reasons to smile.  Here are just a few of them.

Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile.  Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood for the better.

Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room & make things happier.  Smile lots & you will draw people to you.

Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces.  Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed.  When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile.  The stress should be reduced & you’ll be better able to take action.

Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better.  When you smile, immune function improves, possibly because you are more relaxed.  Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers & Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin, making us feel great.  Smiling is a natural drug.

Smiling Lifts the Face & Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger.  Don’t go for a face-lift, just try smiling your way through the day – you’ll look younger & feel better!

There is no doubt about it – smiling is something we should be extremely thankful for.  At DeLand Smiles, it is our mission to give our patients something to smile about!

If you’re not happy with your smile, call us right away at 386-736-7121.  We would love to help!!

Eight Benefits of Tooth Brushing – That Have Nothing To Do With Your Teeth!!

We are all aware that brushing your teeth on a regular basis prevents cavities and keeps you smiling. But there are many other surprising benefits, including these eight that don’t have to do with your teeth!

 

1.     According to a study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, participants who did not brush on a regular basis had a 65 percent greater chance of developing dementia compared to those who did brush. So don’t forget to brush!!

2.     A study in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular brushing decreases the chance of stroke! Wow - two very serious diseases can be curtailed with good oral hygiene. And the list goes on…..

3.     As any dentist, hygienist or physician can tell you, regular brushing (and flossing) helps to prevent gum disease. But you may not know that along with causing stinky breath and unattractive smiles, gum disease is a major indicator of heart disease and the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

4.     A study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shown that increased brushing decreases the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and COPD. Why? Bacteria which form on the teeth make their way into the lungs and respiratory tract, wreaking havoc along the way.

5.     Dental researcher Dr. Caitia Gazola has shown that having healthy teeth and gums increases the chances of having healthy babies, while dental disease can cause underweight pre-term babies. And men – you aren’t off the hook! We strongly suspect that not brushing your teeth regularly can exclude you from the whole pregnancy process!

6.     Prevention magazine has reported that regular brushing can help you maintain a healthy weight! Why? Brushing your teeth indicates to your brain that mealtime is over. Plus – food just doesn’t taste as good with squeaky clean teeth!

7.     Okay guys – here’s your turn. Several studies have shown that men with poor oral hygiene are at greater risk for erectile dysfunction. Scared yet???

8.     Have a heart – a healthy one that is! The American Journal of Medicine has linked dental health with heart attack risk.

So if clean teeth, fresh breath, a beautiful smile and fewer cavities aren’t enough, here are eight reasons why brushing your teeth on a regular basis can save your life! Plus let’s face it – going around with a big piece of tomato stuck between your chompers in not the most attractive look in the world!

Just as important as brushing your teeth is doing it correctly. And if you are not getting regular dental cleanings, your efforts aren’t nearly as effective.

At DeLand Smiles, we care about your dental health and your medical health too!! If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please call us right away at (386) 736-7121. We are here to help you!!

Do You Brush Your Teeth Correctly/

Almost everybody brushes their teeth, but only one in ten people are doing it effectively!

To that, we have to say a great big “YUCK!!” Imagine if only ten percent of the population showered correctly. That would be pretty gross. But according to researchers at The University of Gothenburg, ninety percent of the population does not brush their teeth in the right way!

Don’t worry!! Your friends at DeLand Smiles are here to help you. So sit back and open wide as we present….

The Top Eight Toothbrushing Tips!

1.    Size Matters!

Many people use a large toothbrush head thinking “the bigger the better.” But you can brush just as effectively if not more so with a smaller brush, especially if you have to strain your mouth to use a larger one.

According to dental consumer advisor Dr. Richard Price, "the more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly." 

2.    It’s Good To Be A Softy!

It would seem to make sense that firmer bristles would clean your teeth better, but many times they just wind up damaging your sensitive gum tissue. The American Dental Association recommends a soft-bristled brush and we agree!

3.    Don’t Do A Rush Job!

While most people spend fifteen seconds or so per round of brushing, a full two minutes is best. And to make sure you don’t play favorites, divide your mouth into four sections (upper right, lower right, etc..) and spend thirty seconds on each.

Some electric toothbrushes actually have timers, but you don’t need to be so fancy. Find a thirty second song and sing it to yourself for each mouth quarter. Or multitask by watching TV until the full two minutes is up.

4.    What’s Your Angle?

While we typically picture toothbrushing to be a horizontal affair, that leaves out many important tooth surfaces, including the crucial area where the tooth meets the gum line. Aim your bristles at a forty-five degree angle and make sure they gently dip below the outer surface of your gums. This can get very tricky, and we recommend that you have one of the fantastic members of our dental hygiene team give you a full demonstration!

5.    It’s An Inside Job!

The inner surfaces of the teeth are often overlooked, but just because they hide from daylight doesn’t mean you should neglect them! Take the time to brush all tooth surfaces, inside and out. Oh – don’t forget your tongue either!

6.    Rinse-a-rama!

After you brush, loose bacteria are floating around in your mouth having a big old party. It’s time to finish them up with a rinse of mouthwash or even water. They’re on your toothbrush too, so it’s always a good idea to run that under the sink for a few seconds when you finish!

7.    Forced Retirement

Many people get nostalgic over their old toothbrushes, but keeping them for too long is a big mistake!! Frayed bristles can’t clean correctly, and even worse – they harbor all kinds of nasty germs. The American Dental Association suggests changing your toothbrush every three to four months – but we think that may even be too long of an interval for many. When in doubt – toss it out!

8.    And There’s One More Thing…..

Even though we are discussing toothbrushing, it just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning those tooth surfaces between your teeth – the ones that can’t be reached with a brush. Yes, that’s right – we all need to floss!! Daily flossing prevents cavities and helps to keep your gums in good shape.

At DeLand Smiles, we want you to have strong healthy teeth and gums, fresh breath and a beautiful smile!! Please call us now at 386-736-7121 to schedule an appointment, or to ask any questions about keeping your teeth and gums nice and clean! We are here for you!

Spit Won't Quit

Spit Won't Quit

No one likes to get their blood taken -- it's just not fun!!  But it's the only way that we can be tested for diabetes, anemia, cholesterol levels, and many other important health issues.  Well, that may soon be changing!

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are saying there may now be a much easier way to detect illness -- Spit!

Yes -- good old saliva contains DNA, enzymes, hormones, proteins and lots of other good stuff that are making it a great candidate for medical testing.  And best of all, it's simple and painless to collect.

Recently, trials have been done with saliva to test for heart disease risk, HIV, hormone-related diseases, children's performance in school, and even a woman's ability to have good relationships with men based on their feelings for their fathers!  (As strange as it may seem, that last one is based on levels of stress hormones found in saliva when women discuss relationship topics!!)

It's tough to even compare the ease of spitting in a cup versus having a needle poked into your vein.  As Dr. Steven Hirschfeld of The National Institutes of Health said, "We like tests that are fast, inexpensive, and can be repeated multiple times."

Saliva already has lots of jobs.  It softens food as you chew, it helps your tongue to taste things, it's the first step in digestions, and it cleans the inside of your mouth and rinses your teeth.  Most people produce one to two liters of saliva every day!!

If you feel like your mouth is always dry, be sure to let us know.  It could be caused by medications, aging, or possibly a serious medical condition.  And get prepared for the day when instead of someone saying, "please roll up your sleeve for a blood test," they simply ask you to spit in a cup!

If you have any questions about dry mouth or any other dental issues, please remember that here at DeLand Smiles, we are here for you!

Snoring - It Can Kill You!

Sure - snoring is annoying.  But can it actually be deadly?

No - this does not mean being strangled in the middle of the night by a severely annoyed spouse or partner!  But the fact is, snoring is often related to sleep apnea, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen during a night of heavy zzzzz's.

One obvious problem this causes is being tired during the day, contributing to automobile and workplace accidents.  But even worse, sleep apnea, which is experienced by 30 million Americans, has been scientifically linked to obesity, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks & diabetes.  So if that low rumbling sound that keeps the entire neighborhood awake isn't enough, now there is much more reason for concern.

But wait - it actually gets worse.  A study performed at The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine has just shown a significant link between sleep apnea and cancer, showing this condition increases the risk of cancer death by almost a factor of five!

"This is really big news," said Dr. Joseph Golish, a professor of sleep medicine with the MetroHealth System in Cleveland.  "It's the first time this has been shown, and it looks like a very solid association," he said.
There is no doubt that snoring can be much more serious than just a nighttime disturbance.  So what can you do if you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea?

Fortunately, there are many ways to have this condition treated, all the way from simple dental appliances, to surgery, to wearing nighttime contraptions that make you look (and sound) like Darth Vader!  Your dentist and physician can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

At DeLand Smiles, we would be glad to take a look and discuss your snoring issues or any other dental questions you may have.  Let's make tonight a quiet one!!

WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER?

As World Hypertension Day quickly approaches, we are forced to recognize the ill-effects of High Blood Pressure (HBP) & the importance of screening tools we have at our disposal.  HBP effects every aspect of the body…from your head to your toes…and can be fatal if left uncontrolled. 

In the dental industry, we are fortunate to see our patients at least twice per year – more than most see their primary care physician.  This allows us to regularly screen for any Blood Pressure (BP) issues and help prevent any other health issues from occurring.  Amazingly, many health problems first show symptoms in the mouth, but HBP is not one of them.  For this reason, a BP screening is provided. 

Some people think a Blood Pressure Screening is silly & doesn’t have a place in the dental office.  But here’s a true story that will hopefully change your mind—and yes, it happened recently in your town. 

A man (we’ll call him Joe) arrived at a dental office for treatment.  It was standard office protocol that BP was taken prior to any dental procedure & Joe thought it was silly to have his BP taken.  Joe’s BP was high & in an unsafe range, so the dentist advised Joe be seen by his Primary Care Physician (PCP) for a BP evaluation.  Joe was disgruntled & walked out of the dental office without treatment and decided to just go to another dental office where he could have treatment done without having to worry about someone taking his “silly” BP.  It was later found out that Joe appointed with another dental office that did not screen for BP prior to dental procedures and, unfortunately, had a heart attack in the dental chair.  Yes, a Heart Attack!

Could this event have been prevented?  Yes.  In order to understand why, we first need to understand what blood pressure and the numbers associated with it actually mean.

A Blood Pressure Screening measures the amount of pressure and stress put on the artery walls of the heart.  The higher the pressure, the more stress and work the heart has to endure, leading to a shortened life span.  (According to the American Heart Association (AHA), even a moderate increase in pressure leads to a shortened life span.)  The amount of pressure on the heart is associated with numbers—systolic and diastolic.  Simply put, the top number (systolic) tells us how hard your heart is working when it is contracting vs the bottom number (diastolic) which tells us how hard your heart is working when it is resting. 

A healthy blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 or less.  A person is considered pre-hypertensive (at risk for HBP) when the top number (systolic) is above 121-139 or the lower number (diastolic) is 80-89, and anything over 140-179 (systolic) or 100-109 (diastolic) is considered hypertensive, meaning the person has HBP and the heart is having to work harder than it should.  [If you are diabetic and your top number (systolic) is 130, then you are considered having HBP.] Any numbers greater than 180 (systolic) or 110 (diastolic) qualifies as a hypertensive crisis, according to the AHA, meaning you have severe HBP resulting in organ damage. 

So how does all of this affect your dental appointment?  Any dental service provided, whether it be a cleaning or a crown, effects your blood pressure.  If you walk into a dental office for treatment and your BP is already in the “high” range before we do anything, it will only increase once treatment begins.  Anesthesia, anticipation, pain, stress, etc all increase BP further.  And remember, according to the AHA, even a moderate increase in pressure leads to a shortened life span.

The heart is like any other muscle in the body that can become overworked & fatigued.  The difference is that the heart is your lifeline and an overworked or fatigued heart results in life-altering or fatal complications.     

So the next time your dental provider wants to screen for HBP, don’t think it’s silly & walk out of the office disgruntled like Joe—be thankful that someone is looking after your safety and health.  The ability to catch things at an early stage can prevent a lifetime of complications, or something even more fatal.