February is National Children's Dental Health Month!

National Children’s Dental Health Month is meant to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Why is this type of celebration—and year-round attention to children’s dental health--important? Despite the fact that it’s almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. To read more follow this link: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NewsAndFeatures/Announcements/ChildrensDentalHealthMonth

Do You Have A Bad Bite?

Malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite,” may be the primary cause of a number of conditions including migraines, snapping sounds in the jaw joint, dizziness, and ear discomfort or itching. 

When teeth line up badly, whether it’s from incorrect dental treatment, getting your dad’s dental genes, an unhealthy lifestyle or accidental oral trauma it may make your life unpleasant. Fortunately, malocclusion is fixable. 

Read more here: http://www.standishsmiles.com/tmj-syndrome-therapy/

Parents This Is For You!

Of course you don’t want to take candy completely out of the Halloween equation—what fun would that be for your child?—but you may want to keep your costumed cutie away from treats that are truly horrible for her health. 

Read more: http://www.womansday.com/life/holidays/worst-halloween-candy#slide-1

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of screening and the early detection of breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during her life. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women. 

The good news? Many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

Diet Pills!

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort. 

Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.  

Diet and Eating

Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile. It's especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C-all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums. 

Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease.

Hot Drinks

Black tea and coffee contain stain-promoting tannins that lodge into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface, which is sticky and can retain decay-producing bacteria. 

Consume such beverages in moderation, drink more water every day, and add milk to your coffee or tea to help neutralize the acids.