Healthy Gums Can Help You Have a Healthy Body

http://www.crestprohealth.com/dental-hygiene-topics/gum-disease/healthy-gums.aspx

Healthy Gums Can Help You Have a Healthy Body

Maintaining healthy gums can be an important part of your overall oral health routine. When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well-supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. If you don’t maintain healthy gums, you are more likely to have gum disease, which can progress  to a number of problems with your teeth and oral health.  Additionally, research suggests that   other long-term, chronic health conditions can be associated with periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease.

Maintaining Healthy Gums

Helping to maintain healthy gums requires a dedicated commitment to an effective oral hygiene routine. In order to help keep healthy gums, there are several easy steps you should take on a daily basis. Here is a checklist of the tools you need to help  keep your gums healthy:

• Toothbrush: When selecting a toothbrush for healthy gums, look for a soft-bristle brush that has bristles of varying heights. This will help the toothbrush stimulate your gums and get into hard-to-reach areas.
• Toothpaste: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. (1) Comprehensive all-in-one formulas such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste can provide a number of benefits that help care for your teeth and gums for a healthy mouth. All Crest Pro-Health toothpastes are triclosan free.
• Dental Floss: Flossing may be one of the most important things you can do to help prevent gum problems and maintain healthy gums. (2) Try Glide Deep Clean Floss.
• Gum Stimulator: Available at most drug stores, a gum stimulator can help you keep clean and healthy gums. This simple device features a rubber tip that is used to gently clean and stimulate gums for good circulation and to help prevent gum disease.

Benefits of Healthy Gums

Healthy gums aren’t just important for your oral health. Maintaining healthy gums can also be important for your overall health. Numerous research studies suggest an association between periodontitis, advanced gum disease,  and other, more serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In fact, there are now several studies that suggest an association between advanced gum disease and heart disease or stroke. (3)

Most of the recommendations for maintaining healthy gums are the same recommendations dentists offer for keeping your teeth and mouth in good health. That’s why by simply brushing, flossing and maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine, you can enjoy the following benefits.

• Avoid Pain and Discomfort: Maintaining healthy gums and teeth can help prevent the formation of plaque that can lead to painful tooth decay  and cavities.
• Save Money: Dental procedures such as cavity fillings , root canals and other comprehensive dental work that comes with gum disease can get very expensive. By focusing on prevention and keeping healthy gums, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars over time.
• Save Time: Dental procedures and appointments can take time away from your busy schedule. On the other hand, it only takes a few minutes a day to take care of your teeth and gums.
• Stay Healthy: Since advanced gum disease has been asuggested to be connected with  serious medical conditions, it’s a good idea to focus on oral health and prevention in order to help maintain your long-term overall health.
• Nice Smile: Last but not least, following all of the recommendations for maintaining healthy gums will also help keep your teeth intact and your smile in good shape.

Sources:

1. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp
2. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums
3. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908203017.htm

What Causes Tooth Decay

We all have germs in our mouths-some good and some bad.  The bad germs and bacteria cause cavities.

Germs and Bacteria can be spread from parents to infants and toddlers through saliva. ( Do not share cups, eating utensils or food, and don't "clean off pacifier"s by putting them in your own mouth first.)

Sweet or high-carbohydrate foods or sweet drinks feed the germs that cause decay.

The germs make acids.  The acids cause tooth decay.  Tooth decay can be stopped if it is caught early.

Regular brushing with fluoridated toothpaste removes the germs.  Fluoride helps stop the cavity-causing acids.

15 Myths and Facts About Cavities

WebMD Feature

By Wendy C. Fries

Check the myths and facts below to find out how cavities are caused, prevented, and treated.

1. Sugar Is the Prime Cause of Cavities

Myth, but it's almost a fact. 

The truth is, acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is the cause of cavities, says Kimberly A. Harms, DDS, an American Dental Association consumer adviser and former president of the Minnesota Dental Association. However, these bacteria are triggered to make acid when you eat anything with carbohydrates -- and sugar is a carb.  

Rice, potatoes, bread, fruits, and vegetables are also carbs.

Once the acid eats into your tooth, the bacteria “have a nice little hole to live in where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach,” says Harms. The bacteria continue to metabolize carbs and produce acids -- and your cavity just keeps getting bigger.

Here’s an important fact. It’s not the amount of carbs you eat that causes tooth decay, but the length of time your teeth are exposed. If you eat a lot of carbs for lunch, that’s one big exposure. But if you spend the day sipping sugary drinks, that’s continuous exposure -- and much more unhealthy for your teeth.

“We have a saying,” says Harms. “Sip all day and get decay.”

2. Exposure to Acidic Foods, Like Lemons, Causes Tooth Decay

Fact. Acidic foods such as lemons, citrus juices, or soft drinks don’t cause cavities, but they may be putting your enamel in danger.

"Acids can tear down your enamel and weaken your tooth," says Harms. “If you lose the enamel's protection and expose the underlying dentin, your tooth is now more prone to decay.”

3. Kids Are a Lot More Likely to Get Cavities Than Adults

Myth. With the help of sealants, fluoridated water, and preventive care, “we’ve actually cut decay in school-aged children by half in the last 20 years,” says Harms.

However, there’s been an increase in cavities in senior citizens “because they have some unique circumstances,” she says. Some medicines dry out the mouth, for example, reducing saliva. Saliva is vital in fighting tooth decay because it helps neutralize acids, has a disinfectant quality, washes away bacteria, and helps prevent food from sticking to your teeth.

4. Aspirin Placed Next to a Tooth Will Help a Toothache

Myth. Swallowing aspirin is what helps reduce toothache pain. Since aspirin is acidic, placing it beside the tooth can actually burn your gum tissue, causing an abscess. "So don’t do it," says Harms. "Always swallow the aspirin!"

5. All Fillings Eventually Need Replacing

Myth. An amalgam or composite filling needs to be replaced if it breaks down or a cavity forms around it, or if the tooth fractures, says Harms. If none of those problems occur, you can keep the same filling for life.

“Fillings do have a life expectancy,” says Harms, but it depends on things like tooth wear and oral hygiene habits. If you brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss and use a mouth rinse once a day, you’ll have less tooth decay and your fillings may last longer.

6. If You Have a Cavity, You'll Know It

Myth. “That’s a big, big, bad myth,” Harms says. Mild tooth decay doesn’t cause symptoms. The pain we associate with cavities comes when tooth decay is more advanced and causes damage to the nerve.

Allowing tooth decay to advance can “lead to much more expensive procedures, like root canals,” says Harms. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important. 

Also, once a cavity starts, it doesn’t repair itself. A cavity “will always grow once you get to a point where you can’t clean it out any longer.” Once decay gets into the dentin of the tooth -- below the enamel -- it just continues to grow.

7. Once a Tooth Is Treated, the Decaying Stops

Fact. “You can get decay later on in other areas of the tooth, but the particular decay that was taken out is gone.”

Once you get a cavity filled -- and if you maintain good brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits -- you typically won’t get decay in that spot again.

Harms adds one caveat: “Sometimes a filling gets old and the margins where it meets the tooth begin to break down or pull away, and because you can’t reach it to clean it out, bacteria can get in there and decay can begin again.”

8. Cavities Are More Likely Between Teeth

Fact. “Anywhere bacteria can hide that you can't, or aren't able to, reach with a toothbrush or floss is a likely place for decay,” says Harms. The deep grooves on the back of your front teeth are a good place for tooth decay, for example. “And yes, it can happen between teeth because the toothbrush won’t get in there and a lot of people have trouble flossing.” This is where using a mouth rinse with fluoride (also called an anti-cavity rinse) can give you extra protection.

9. Gaps in Teeth Encourage Cavities

Fact. If you have a small gap between your teeth and can’t clean it, you’re more likely to develop tooth decay there.

“Bigger gaps are easier to keep clean,” says Harms. So as long as they are free of bacteria, big gaps are less likely to develop tooth decay.

10. Chips and Cracks in Teeth Lead to Decay

Fact. If cracks and chips create a hiding place for bacteria, a spot where your toothbrush can't reach, those areas are more prone to tooth decay. Using a fluoride mouth rinse can reduce the risk of decay since it can flow into places your brush can’t reach.

“Lately we’re seeing more and more cracks in teeth because people are grinding,” Harms says. “Stress, worries about the economy, it makes some people grind their teeth more. ... Stress [management] can play an important role in tooth health.”

11. Sensitivity in Teeth Means You Have Decay

Myth. Tooth sensitivity could just mean you have hypersensitive teeth, or you have gum recession that's exposed some root.

You could also have a cracked or broken tooth or could need a root canal. “There are many things, including decay, that could lead to sensitive teeth,” Harms says.

12. Cavities Are the Only Reason for Root Canals

Myth. You need a root canal if the nerve inside a tooth is damaged. Untreated cavities may eventually lead to nerve damage, but there other causes, too.

“Cracks, fractures, or other types of trauma to the tooth can also cause nerve damage,” says Harms. In many cases “clenching and grinding can traumatize the tooth severely enough to need root canal therapy.”

13. Clenching and Grinding May Lead to Cavities

Fact. “Clenching and grinding is one of the most destructive things you can do to your teeth,” says Harms. With normal chewing, teeth touch for mere milliseconds, suffering very little stress. But clenching and grinding puts tremendous pressure on your teeth for extended periods.

That strain “can eventually cause damage and cracks and fractures of your teeth,” says Harms. If those fractures expose the weaker dentin, tooth decay can form at a faster rate. “Typically grinding and clenching lead to the need for crowns to restore the fractured tooth or root canal therapy to treat the traumatized nerve.”

14. You Don’t Need to Worry About Cavities in Baby Teeth

Myth. Baby teeth hold the space for permanent teeth. “If cavities are left untreated in baby teeth, they can develop into serious pain and abscesses. Occasionally the infection can spread to other areas of the body, and in rare occasions can even result in death,” says Harms.

15. Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing Is the Best Way to Prevent Cavities

Fact. “Absolutely! Prevention is the key,” says Harms. You need to remove bacteria from teeth. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss and rinse daily. Antimicrobial rinses target bacteria, reducing plaque, bad breath, and the severity of gingivitis. Rinses with fluoride make teeth more resistant to decay. If bacteria are removed daily from every area of your tooth, “you won't get cavities,” says Harms.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/cavities-myths?page=3

History of the Toothbrush

A glass of milk after eating sugary cereals may prevent cavities

Posted by DentistryIQ Editors 

Washing down sugary breakfast cereal with milk after eating reduces plaque acid levels and may prevent damage to tooth enamel that leads to cavities, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.


Dry ready-to-eat, sugar-added cereals combine refined sugar and starch. When those carbohydrates are consumed, bacteria in the dental plaque on tooth surfaces produce acids, says Christine Wu, professor of pediatric dentistry and director of cariology, who served as principal investigator of the study.


The research is published in the July issue of the Journal of The American Dental Association.

Reports have shown that eating carbohydrates four times daily, or in quantities greater than 60 grams per person per day, increases the risk of cavities.

The new study, performed by Wu's former graduate student Shilpa Naval, involved 20 adults eating 20 grams of dry Froot Loops cereal, then drinking different beverages — whole milk, 100% percent apple juice, or tap water.

Plaque pH, or acidity, was measured with a touch microelectrode between the premolar teeth before eating; at two and five minutes after eating; and then two to 30 minutes after drinking a liquid.

The pH in plaque dropped rapidly after consuming cereal alone, and remained acidic at pH 5.83 at 30 minutes. A pH below 7 is acidic; a pH greater than 7 is basic. Pure water has a pH close to 7.

Participants who drank milk after eating sugary cereal showed the highest pH rise, from 5.75 to 6.48 at 30 minutes. Those who drank apple juice remained at pH 5.84 at 30 minutes, while water raised the pH to 6.02.

Fruit juices are considered healthy food choices, but the added sugar can be a risk to dental health, Wu said.

"Our study results show that only milk was able to reduce acidity of dental plaque resulting from consuming sugary Froot Loops," said Naval, who is currently a fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. "We believe that milk helped mitigate the damaging effect of fermentable carbohydrate and overcome the previously lowered plaque pH."

Milk, with a pH ranging from 6.4 to 6.7, is considered to be a functional food that fights cavities because it promotes tooth remineralization and inhibits the growth of plaque, Wu said.

Wu says most consumers think that since milk is considered to be cavity-fighting, acid production by plaque bacteria can be minimized by mixing it with cereal. However, in an unpublished study in her lab, it was discovered that the combination of Froot Loops and milk became syrupy. Eating cereal combined with milk lowered plaque pH to levels similar to that obtained after rinsing with a 10% sugar solution.

Eating sugar-added cereal with milk, followed by drinking fruit juice is thus a highly cavity-causing combination, Wu said.

Diet plays an important role in oral health, Wu said. Studies of food intake and cavities have focused mainly on the sugar, or carbohydrate, content. Fewer studies have looked at how combinations of food, and the order in which they are eaten, may help fight cavities.

"Results from a previous study suggested that the last food item consumed exerts the greatest influence on subsequent plaque pH," she said. For example, eating cheese after a sugary meal reduces acid production, and consumers can modify their diet in such a way as to prevent the cavity-causing effects of sugary foods."

"If understood and implemented properly, food sequencing can be used as a public health educational tool to maintain and preserve good oral health," said Naval.

Other contributors included Drs. Anne Koerber, Larry Salzmann, Indru Punwani, and Bradford Johnson, all of the dentistry faculty at UIC. The research was supported by the college's pediatric dentistry department.

UIC ranks among the nation's leading research universities and is Chicago's largest university with 27,500 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, 15 colleges and the state's major public medical center. A hallmark of the campus is the Great Cities Commitment, through which UIC faculty, students and staff engage with community, corporate, foundation and government partners to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas around the world.

from http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2013/08/dental-health-tips-a-glass-of-milk-after-eating-sugary-cereals-may-prevent-cavities.html

Shark Week at McIff Dental Care.

Here are 15 Fun Facts about shark teeth:

1. Shark teeth are not attached to gums on a root like our teeth

2. Sharks typically lose at least one tooth per week

3. Sharks lose their teeth because they may become stuck in prey or broken and forced out

4. Shark teeth are arranged in neat conveyor belt rows and can be replaced within a day of losing one.

5. Sharks average up to 15 rows of teeth in each jaw.

6. Shark teeth are popularly found as beach treasures because sharks shed 1000s of teeth in a lifetime.

7. Well after a shark dies and its body decomposes its teeth will fossilize.

8. Fossilized shark teeth aren’t white because they’re usually covered with sediment (preventing oxygen and bacteria from getting to them).

9. It takes about 10,000 years for a shark tooth to fossilize. The most commonly found fossils are from 65,000 year ago (the Cenozoic era).

10. Venice, FL (on the Gulf of Mexico) calls itself the “shark tooth capital of the world”.

11. Sharks are born with complete sets of teeth and swim away from their mother to fend for themselves.


13. Whale sharks have 3,000 little teeth that are of little use. They’re filter feeders that find food by sifting through their gills.

14. Shark teeth and human teeth are equally as hard.

15. Sharks do not suffer from cavities.

August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day

1. 1
   Clean your mouth thoroughly and regularly; also brushing between the tongue and teeth, not just to look good, but for oral health and cleaner breath.
   
   Two major sources of mouth odor are bacteria and decaying food particles. There are hundreds of nooks and crannies in the fertile landscape of your mouth where these offending bits of "rot" can get lodged. Brushing is not enough.
   
   
   
   
   • Clean your tongue. Your tongue, unfortunately, is like a shaggy carpet where all kinds of smelly stuff can hide. Suction your tongue, a little -- and always swish your drinks all around the mouth and between teeth to dislodge some of this this material. When you brush your teeth (which should be at least twice a day):
     
     Use your toothbrush, the edge of a spoon, or a tongue cleaner to "scrape" your tongue.
     
     
     • If you have a sensitive gag reflex, you might not like this task. You need to clean your entire tongue, including the part close to your tonsils. Read How to Suppress the Gag Reflex for some tips.
   • Floss. Make it as much of a mindless habit as brushing your teeth. At first, your gums might bleed as you dislodge chunks of food that have "stuck" to your teeth and gum for who knows how long. But take a second to smell the floss after you pass it through your teeth, if you dare. You'll see (or smell) where the bad breath is coming from.
   • Use mouthwash. Mouthwash helps to keep your mouth moist and helps to prevent bad breath.
2. 2
   Keep your mouth moisturized. A dry mouth is a stinky mouth. That's why your breath is worse in the morning; your mouth produces less saliva as you sleep. Saliva is the enemy of bad breath because not only does it physically wash bacteria and food particles away, but it also has antiseptic and enzymes that kill bacteria.
   
   
   
   
   • Chewing gum stimulates saliva production (in addition to covering up the odor with some kind of scent). Mints do not encourage saliva production.
   • Drink water. Swish the water between your teeth from side to side. Water won't necessarily increase saliva production, but it'll wash out your mouth -- and it's good for you. See How to Drink More Water Every Day.
   • Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. Ask your doctor about switching medications, or addressing the underlying condition.
3. 3
   Choose your gum carefully. As mentioned in the previous step, any gum will help with bad breath because the chewing action results in more saliva being produced. Some gums, however, have better bad-breath-fighting abilities than others:
   
   
   
   
   • Cinnamon flavoring seems to be especially effective in reducing bacteria counts in your mouth.
   • Look for gum sweetened with xylitol. For one thing, sugar's not good for your mouth. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that actually works to prevent bacteria from replicating in the mouth.
4. 4
   Eat a banana. You probably already know to avoid notorious stink foods like onions, garlic, cheese, and coffee (or at least brush vigorously after eating them). But did you know that if you're on a low-carb diet, you might have "ketone breath"? Basically, as your body breaks down fats instead of carbs for energy, it creates ketones, some of which are released in your mouth. Unfortunately, ketones smell bad, and so will your breath. If you're on a strict carb-restricting diet, or any diet that forces you to burn fat instead of carbs, consider throwing healthy carb-rich snacks into the mix, like apples or bananas.
   
   
   
   
   • This will also happen to anyone who fasts, whether for religious reasons, or because they are anorexic. If you are anorexic, bad breath is only one of the reasons to stop starving yourself. Read How to Cope if You Want to Become Anorexic.
5. 5
   Talk to a doctor. If you've followed the above steps diligently and the bad breath persists, you may have a medical issue that needs to be treated. Here are some of the potential culprits:
   
   
   
   
   • Tonsil stones. These are lumps of calcified food, mucus and bacteria that appear as white spots on your tonsils. If seen, they can be mistaken for a throat infection, although sometimes they are not visible to the naked eye. You might also notice a metallic taste in your mouth, and/or pain when swallowing.
   • Diabetic ketoacidosis. If you have diabetes, it may be causing your body to burn fat instead of glucose, creating the ketone breath referred to in the previous step. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
   • Trimethylaminuria. If your body can't break down a chemical called trimethylamine, it will be released in your saliva, causing bad breath. It'll also be released in your sweat, so persistent body odor might be an accompanying symptom
   • Article from http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bad-Breath

Good flossing habits

You know flossing is good for your oral health, you’ve been told that since you were a child. However, even if flossing is as second nature to you as buckling a seatbelt, you still may be doing it wrong. Here are 5 common flaws and how to correct them!

1. Using the same section of floss the entire time
When you use the same section, you end up transport the bacteria from tooth to tooth instead of off of your teeth. Using a new strand of floss may sound wasteful, but it will successfully remove the bacteria from your teeth.

2.Skipping the back teeth

Many people tend to skip the back teeth because it’s hard to reach. It’s still important to floss these teeth to remove the bacteria between your teeth and the gums. A good way of reaching these teeth is to use flossers with a handle to help you reach the very back of your mouth. “Softpicks” can also help get those hard to reach areas!

3. Snapping the floss in between your teeth

Sometimes your teeth may not have much room to floss around. In that case, you should work the floss slowly into the space, rather than forcing it on your gums. This prevents the gums from receding over time.

4. Not keeping track of the teeth you floss

You have a lot of teeth so as long as you floss in order, you shouldn’t leave any out!

5. Quitting because your gums are bleeding

Generally bleeding is an indication of gingivitis. The bleeding occurs because blood is rushed to the surface of the gums to fight off the With more religious flossing, the bleeding should go away and your gums should return to normal. 

Summer effects on your teeth

The changing seasons can have a real impact on your oral health. Exposure to hot weather and the sun can dry out your lips and cause them to chap. Dry weather can mean dry mouth, which is one of the root causes of bad breath. 

The change into the summer season – or any season for that matter – is a good time to revisit the oral care we are giving ourselves. 

To keep your mouth healthy and happy, always be sure to:

• Drink plenty of water – This is good for your mouth and skin. It promotes saliva production that can help curb bad breath. Additionally, hydrated skin helps prevent over-drying and chapping. 

• Protect yourself from the elements – While you’re basking in the summer sun on a beach (or in a lawn chair), it’s always important to protect your lips with a balm or gloss. The best products will be those that offer moisture, and SPF protection. 

• Use a humidifier – Having a humidifier running at home will help prevent dry mouth and will keep your lips from chapping during the summer season when the air is dry.

• Exfoliate your lips and tongue – Use your toothbrush to exfoliate your lips after brushing to keep the skin healthy and smooth. You should also use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean your tongue – it’s a great way to get rid of bacteria and prevent late spring/early summer colds.

Dental Facts & Myths: Interesting and Crazy Things You May Not Know

* Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body; however, we do NOT recommend that you use your pearly whites to open bottles!

* The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria. Listerine, anyone?

* The average person spends about 48 seconds per day brushing their teeth, but dentists recommend at least 2 or 3 minutes.

* 6 is the magic number–magic number of feet away from your toilet you should store your toothbrush in order to avoid airborne particles from toilet flushing making their way to your bristles, yuck!

* In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall, and escaped! We suggest that you use it to clean the 35% of your teeth’s surfaces that you are missing when only brushing, rather than to escape from any prisons (better yet, just don’t go to prison, ok?)

* The common practice of placing a cap on your toothbrush is actually more detrimental–bacteria favor the moist environment, which increases reproduction.

* According to a recent survey by Time magazine, 59% of people would rather have a dental appointment than sit next to someone who is talking on a cell phone (and I don’t blame ‘em!)

* At least 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from some form of periodontal gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss for people over the age of 35. The good news: Gum disease can be prevented and controlled!

* In China, in 1498, the first toothbrush with bristles was made, using hair from hogs, horses, and badgers. The first official commercial toothbrush was manufactured in 1938.

* A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but can contain over 25,000 teeth!

* In early America, blacksmiths often also served as dentists. How about a tooth filling to go with your new horse shoes?!

* In Egypt, mummies have been found with fillings comprised of resin and malachite, and gold wire was used to bind together loose teeth.

* The Romans, in 200 AD, used pretty impressive dental technology! They restored cavity-ridden teeth with gold crowns, and utilized fixed bridgework to fix gaps from missing teeth. They also used a form of toothpaste concocted from honey and crushed eggshells.

* In Medieval Germany, the only cure for a toothache was to kiss a donkey.

* 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

* What’s the object most often choked on by Americans? A toothpick! Wouldn't it just be easier to floss?

* The average woman smiles about 62 times per day! A man? Only 8.

* 50% of people surveyed say that a person’s smile is the first physical trait they notice.

* Like your fingerprints, everyone has a unique set of teeth. Even identical twins have different “dental fingerprints”!

*The stone-faced farmer in artist Grant Wood’s famous “American Gothic” painting was actually the artist’s dentist!

* Sports-related injuries account for approximately 5 million missing teeth per year, so make sure you wear a mouthguard, if you or your little ones are athletes.

*Americans spend $100 billion per year on hair care product

s – and only $2 billion a year on dental care products. What good is great hair without a great smile?

* Contrary to popular belief, George Washington’s famous dentures weren't made from wood. His four pairs of custom chompers were crafted from gold, ivory, lead and a mixture of human, donkey, and hippopotamus teeth (take care of yours and you won’t have to think about it!).

* The cotton candy making machine that made widely consumed cotton candy possible was co-invented by a dentist. Before it was cotton candy, the fluffy confection was called “fairy floss.”

ANIMAL DENTAL FACTS!!!!!

 

* Dogs have 42 teeth

 

* Cats have 30 teeth

 

* Pigs have 44 teeth

 

* The armadillo has 104 teeth!!

 

* The snail's mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but it can have over 25,000 teeth!

 

* The Elephant grinds down its molars and grows new ones. This happens six times in its lifetime!

 

* The elephant's molar is about 7" square!!!

 

* The Blue Whale is the largest mammal on earth, but it eats only tiny shrimp because it has no teeth!

 

* The Crocodile Bird flies into the open mouth of a crocodile and cleans it's teeth for it!

 

*  The teeth of the Pocket Gopher grow upto 15" a year! By continually gnawing, they wear them down and they stay the same size. Rats, mice and your hamster among others have teeth that grow continually. If you have one as a pet, it must have wood to gnaw on to shorten its teeth, or it can die.

 

* The Dolphin only gets one set of teeth to last a lifetime!

 

McIff Dental Care and Smiles For Life Partner To Help Children

My name is Dr. McIff. Please take a minute to visit our Smiles for Life blogsite and help us make a difference in childrens’ lives both locally, and around the world. Here at McIff Dental Care we’re so pleased this year to be working with our local charity partner, Smiles for Life in Salt Lake City, to provide this opportunity for our neighbors in Pleasant Grove—as well as in surrounding areas like American Fork, Orem, and Provo—to have their smiles professionally whitened with 100% of the proceeds going to kids’ charities.
Stories like the one below make participating in Smiles for Life so fulfilling. A portion of the donations we’re raising here at McIff Dental Care help fund ongoing dental outreach expeditions to serve the “poorest of the poor” in countries around the world. Here’s a video from a recent expedition to the Dominican Republic, where hundreds of children received both preventative and rehabilitative dental treatment over the eight-day period.

So take a moment right now to make a difference in a child’s life by  calling our Smiles for Life office , directly at 801-785-0083.
AND, YOU CAN EASILY HELP US SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH OTHERS by becoming a fan on Our Facebook Fan Page AND THEN sharing our page with all of your Facebook friends! It will only take you a moment to share, but it could change the life of a child forever.
You can also share by following us on Twitter and retreating this message.
Thanks, again. We look forward to seeing you!
– Dr. Steven McIff

Two Common Reasons People Need Teeth Whitening

Hello from the  McIff Dental Care team at the office of Dr. McIff! As professional whitening products and procedures become more convenient and affordable, professional teeth whitening has quickly become one of the most requested services here in Pleasant Grove, and in nearby areas like American Fork, Orem, and Provo.
Why do people’s teeth dull over time? How can modern whitening techniques revitalize them? New teeth whitening techniques can reverse the effect of this wear-and-tear and give you bright new smile!

First, surface stains accumulate over time simply with regular day-to-day eating and drinking. However, there are certain foods and drinks that promote staining, such as coffee, red wine, tea and acidic foods. And of course, smoking not only stains teeth quickly, but it can also initiate gum diseases and dramatically increases the risk of actually losing teeth.
Second, there are certain medications that will cause teeth to darken. Make sure to ask your Pleasant Grove doctor if your prescriptions will have an effect on your teeth. A teeth whitening procedure may be necessary to return your bright, beautiful, youthful smile.

Dr. McIff here at McIff Dental Care is ready to answer your questions about modern teeth whitening, so make an appointment to come see us by clicking on the blue button on your right! You don’t have to already be one of our patients, and it doesn’t matter if you live in Pleasant Grove, or in surrounding areas including Provo, American Fork, or Orem.
During the Smiles For Life campaign, 100 percent of the whitening donations go to kids’ charities; 50 percent of which stays in our community with our local charity partner, Smiles for Life.
Thanks! And thanks for sharing this message with family members and friends!

To-Do List: Make A Teeth Whitening Appointment In Pleasant Grove

Another Pleasant Grove summer is right around the corner and we all know what that means! We’re all trying to get back in shape to look our finest in preparation for a season of fun in the sun. We’re hitting the gym, getting a fresh summer haircut, and working on our tan. But many of us may forget to take care of what ties it all together—a teeth whitening appointment!
Nothing accompanies a summer tan more than a bright white smile and here at McIff Dental Care, we’re ready to help you look your best – and help children around the world at the same time.
From now until June (just in time for summer!) Dr. Steven McIff and team are participating with the Smiles for Life Foundation.
Not only will you benefit by whitening this season, but also 100 percent of the proceeds help children in need. While you prepare for this upcoming summer, go ahead and add TEETH WHITENING to your ‘To-Do List’ by calling us at 801-785-0083
And thanks for supporting our Smiles For Life efforts, so children can smile for life!

Ways Teeth Whitening Can Improve Lives in Pleasant Grove

Think about the last time someone took a photo of you. Did you show your full smile? Or, did you keep your lips closed? Did you smile the last time you met someone new? If not, would you like to change that? Teeth whitening may be the answer, and our team here at McIff Dental Care can help. Patients and friends often talk to us about how teeth whitening has changed their lives!

First, people who have had their teeth whitened talk about how much better they feel about themselves. It was amazing what a brightened smile did for one of our patients from Pleasant Grove. After having her teeth whitened, she smiles more, she’s more confident, and she feels far more comfortable in all social situations.
Second, overall appearance is dramatically improved. Your mouth and eyes are the main focal points of your face, and teeth whitening not only improves your smile, but also enhances other facial features as well.
Third, a patient from Pleasant Grove told us about good things that have happened in his business since his teeth whitening. When he meets new clients, the experiences are more positive and engaging because of his confidence. A bright, attractive smile inspires trust.

Make an appointment today with Dr. McIff and see what professional whitening program can do for you! You’ll receive a Smiles For Life discount, AND ALL proceeds go to children’s charities to help children in need—including our local charity partner, Smiles for Life in Salt Lake City. Remember to become a fan on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. If you have questions, call our Smiles For Life office coordinator, Stacy, directly at 801-785-0083.
And PLEASE share this remarkable offer and opportunity with your family members, friends, and coworkers!
Keep smiling!
-Dr. Steven McIff and The McIff Dental Care Team

Smile Transformations

What does chewing gum do?

The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth.  If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth.  Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, creating the conditions for decay.  Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.  In the future, look for chewing gum that delivers a variety of therapeutic agents that could provide additional benefits to those provided by the ability of gum to mechanically stimulate saliva flow. For instance, some gum might contain active agents that could enhance the gum’s ability to remineralize teeth and reduce decay, or enable gum to help reduce plaque and gingivitis.

http://www.ada.org/1315.aspx

Teeth Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

So how, exactly, is dark chocolate good for your teeth? There's a bacterium in your mouth called oral streptococci, which produces acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. The antioxidants in dark chocolate prevent the bacteria from turning into damaging acids by acting as a sort of antibacterial compound. Also, the cocoa butter coats your teeth and prevents plaque from sticking to them.

Because chocolate has tons of antioxidants (about four times that of green tea), it can not only inhibit the production of plaque but also reduce inflammation in the body and work to prevent periodontal disease, a symptom of which is swelling of the gums. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can also enter the bloodstream and cause heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, so periodically consuming dark chocolate is beneficial to your heart health as well.

It's important to remember, however, that munching on a piece of dark chocolate is not like downing a plateful of veggies. It has some important health benefits, but it's far from a healthy food. Like any confection, dark chocolate should be consumed in moderation. It still contains ample amounts of sugar and fat, each of which comes with its own set of health issues. Also, like all chocolates, dark chocolate isn't exactly low in calories. The recommended intake is 1 ounce per day, which is equal to about six Hershey Kisses (don't worry, they're available in a dark variety). Even this small amount, however, contains as many as 150 calories, and since it tastes so good, it's hard not to indulge.

So get your hands (and teeth) on some dark chocolate today to enjoy what is arguably the most delicious but still beneficial food on the planet. Just remember to practice portion control so the health risks associated with an expanding waistline don't overshadow the benefits to your pearly whites.