If you like your beautiful white smile, you may want to consider a different option to energize before or after your workouts. That’s because a new study by General Dentistry shows that energy drinks cause irreversible damage to teeth by dissolving the outer layer of enamel. To be specific, these drinks contain high acidity levels. Researchers noted that between 40-50 percent of US teens consume energy drinks daily. In fact some teens drink more of these drinks than they do water! There are other bad factors to consider, also. Such drinks are heavy in sugar, which can lead to obesity, which leads to serious health problems like diabetes and heart trouble. It is important that after you consume an energy drink that you brush your teeth or, at the least, rinse with water or chew sugarless gum. All of these will help neutralize the acid levels in your mouth.
Question: what does “Dentist of the Year get?
Answer: a little plaque.
Thanks to all of you who have helped our practice grow…..3 ½ years open now!
Thank you for recommending our office to your friends, family, and neighbors. It is greatly appreciated!
I read a story from Reuters recently that presents some interesting ideas. It says that people who keep their teeth and gums healthy may have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. Researcher at the University of California who followed nearly 5500 elderly people over an 18 year period found that those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily. Inflammation stoked by gum disease-related bacteria is implicated in a host of conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Some studies have also found that some people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, have more gum disease-related bacteria in their brains than a person without Alzheimer’s.
The long-and-short of it….. if we want a better quality of life in our later years, it is imperative we beginning taking care of our teeth and gums now. First line of defense? ….Brush and floss daily and see your dentist annually for check-ups and cleanings.
Thank you all for helping our practice to grow by referring your friends, family and neighbors to our office. It is greatly appreciated!
Richard Parsanko DDS
Drugstore aisles are now jammed with so many choices, it’s enough to make your teeth ache. Here’s what’s hype and what’s not.
The claim: “Foaming action”
The verdict: The paste transforms to foam in your mouth in order to penetrate hard-to-reach places. But foaming action is strictly a matter of personal preference….you don’t get a “skip-flossing” pass.
The claim: “Fluoride-free”
The verdict: In these, aloe and peppermint oils replace fluoride, in response to fears of cosmetic damage to enamel from too-high doses of fluoride. But only children who swallow paste are at risk. For the rest of us, fluoride is an essential cavity fighter.
The claim: “Natural”
The verdict: You won’t find artificial flavors, colors, or fragrances in these, but the jury is still out as to whether their tooth decay and plaque fighting ingredients, such as xylitol (a natural cavity-fighting sweetener) and cranberry extract, work as well as traditional formulas. If you go natural, pick one that at least contains fluoride.
The claim: “12-hour germ fighting”
The Verdict: While all fluoride toothpastes kill bacteria, these use a stronger antibacterial agent (triclosan) formulated to fight germs up to 12 hours after brushing. Research has shown that triclosan is safe to use, but the FDA is examining it to determine whether it contributes to antibiotic resistance.
March 15, 2012
No dental insurance? What do I do?
Dear friends,
Medical and dental treatment is expensive. With the state of the economy and employers trying to cut expenses, we can probably expect less work-paid dental insurance plans for employees in the future or the reduction in benefits of the plans offered.
That, in and of itself, is strong motivation for each of us to improve our health habits and oral hygiene habits in particular. But, in spite of our best efforts, old fillings break and maintenance issues are constant. Many patients without coverage have asked me, “what dental insurance should I get?”
Well, considering that insurance companies keep 25-33% of the premiums paid to them to cover marketing, overhead, and profit, why not create your own self-directed plan and save those costs for your own needs?
Start a savings account at your bank that you label “medical and dental expenses”. Contribute $70/month to the plan and have the discipline to let it grow. When an emergency does occur, you will have a “chunk” of money to help with the process. In the long run, you will save more money this way than by paying a traditional insurance company the same amount of monthly premiums.
And remember……an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Sincerely,
Richard Parsanko DDS
November 15, 2011
Dear friends,
Canker sores, cold sores and more….
Painful open sores and lesions in the mouth aren’t just annoying–they could be a symptom of a serious disease or disorder. See your dentist for any mouth sore that lasts longer than a week.
Canker sores and cold sores are the most common types of mouth sores.
Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border that aren’t contagious and appear inside the mouth. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown but some experts believe they are caused by immune system problems. Canker sores can be triggered by a viral infection, fatigue, stress or allergies. If you suffer from canker sores, over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporary relief. It’s also helpful to stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore. See your dentist if your canker sores do not heal in a week or are painful.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are found outside the mouth and often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and are very contagious. Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. A dentist can prescribe antiviral drugs to help speed up healing.
Lastly, sores that don’t go away in several weeks could be oral cancer. Don’t take a chance. Have this checked-out! If you have any doubts or concerns about an abnormal lesion in your mouth call our office for a quick look.
Thanksgiving! Its time for me to give thanks for all the blessings in my life….my wonderful children and grand daughter, my outstanding staff, Rhonda and Michaela, the chance to live in our beautiful city, and finally, to all the great patients that have enriched my life. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Toy Drive! Once again this year, from the Monday after Thanksgiving to Wednesday, December 21, we are collecting toys for needy children in the Scottsdale community. If any of you can contribute, we are collecting these during our office hours. Thanks for thinking of those less-fortunate!
Thanks to all of you who have referred family, friends and neighbors! We really appreciate it.
Richard Parsanko DDS
October 20, 2011
HEALTHY MOUTH, HEALTHY BODY…..
You’ve all probably heard that recent studies have shown that a correlation exists between periodontal disease and systemic diseases of the body
The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease may be connected with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke). Diseases like diabetes, blood cell disorders, and HIV infections lower the body’s resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more severe. Several studies link ongoing inflammation from periodontitis with heart disease, artery blockages, and stroke.
People with diabetes often have periodontal disease……and they are more likely to have more severe periodontitis than non-diabetics. Other studies suggest periodontitis can make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.
What can you do to prevent periodontal disease?
- Brush and floss daily. Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse every day.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and get a professional cleaning 2-3 times a year.
- Tell your dentist about changes in your health and medications.
- Stop smoking.
- If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, pay close attention to your teeth and gums. Changing hormonal levels can increase some dental problems.
Call us if you have any question or concerns about this. Again, thanks to all of you who have referred friends, family, and neighbors to our office. We really appreciate it! And finally, “like” us on our Facebook page…. http://www.facebook.com/#!/SonoranDesertDenistry.
Richard ParsankoDDS
September 27, 2011
Dear friends,
Wow! Something new and revolutionary has come to the dental scene and I had to send you this information….you will soon see a massive national marketing campaign touting its benefits. It is called “Snap-On Smile”.
Snap-On Smile is a comfortable, removable dental appliance that requires no drilling, no injections, and no adhesives. Its patented design is flexible, incredibly strong, and expands over patients’ teeth. It does not impinge on the gum tissue nor cover the palate, as its retention is completely tooth-borne. It is non-invasive and easily removable, making it completely reversible. Snap-On Smile is available in multiple shades and designs from which you can choose. It is an easy, quick, and affordable solution to having the “perfect Hollywood smile”! Go to http://www.snaponsmile.com for more info and pictures. If you would like to discuss it for yourself, a family member, or a friend or neighbor, please call our office for a free consultation.
Have you
ever wanted a straighter, brighter, and more perfect smile? And have you
thought it would be too expensive, too long and painful, or hated the thoughts
of shots and drilling on your good teeth? Now there is a better solution! It’s
called “dental bonding”…..resin composite is artistically applied, sculpted, and
polished until a beautiful result is attained in usually under 2 hours! And the
cost is usually about a third of what porcelain veneers cost. If you think you or
a friend or family member might be a good candidate, call the office to make a
no cost consultation. Get the smile you deserve….quickly, painlessly, and
within your budget. Here are some examples….
Dear friends,
With allergy season reeking havoc with our sinuses and breathing, my patients have had lots of questions about “snore” appliances. Here is an overview…..
SNORING and SLEEP APNEA
The treatment of Sleep Apnea in dentistry is just beginning to be recognized as an alternative protocol to traditional medical methods of treatment and as in any endeavor we start with the basics. Sleep Apnea can be broken down into two main components: Central and Obstructive. Central Sleep apnea refers to central nervous system problems and as such cannot be treated in the dental field. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is related to physical obstructions of the airway. Examples of Obstructive Apnea causes are listed below:
- Deviated Septum (The nasal bone set off to one side causing blockage of the air flow in the nose)
- Polyps in the nose or in the airway (tissue growth blocking the airway passage)
- Tumors blocking the airway (cancerous and benign)
- Enlarged turbinate in the nose
- Enlarged tonsils
- Collapsing Esophageal Airway
- Enlarged Soft tissue Uvula
- Enlarged tongue
- Allergies (swelling of tissues in the airway in response to allergens)
- Narrow Maxilla (associated floor of the nasal passage impeded)
- Excessive mandibular retrusion with impingement on the Esophageal airway
Traditional medical treatments have usually fallen into the following categories:
- C-Pap (controlled positive air pressure – Air is applied in a cyclic method thru a face mask)
- Uvula surgery (laser and traditional)
- Dietary consoling for weight loss
- Surgery or medication for the other conditions above
Dentistry’s role in treating these cases is supportive only. Pre-medical screening and referral to the office is required. The treatment goal is to open up the airway. One additional method is with a dental fabricated device called an EMA.
ELASTIC MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT APPLIANCE (EMA)
The Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA) Appliance is created from a dental impression. The appliance consists of several pieces. The two largest parts are formed from the dental impressions and are similar to a retainer. They fit over the upper and lower teeth and tissue. A bite plate, positioned at the posterior portion of the lower appliance, opens the bite. Bands of varying elasticity connecting the upper and lower situate the lower mandible forward in the desired position while continuing to allow the jaw to move in all directions. The forward positioning of the mandible causes a forward movement of the tongue reopening the air flow through the oral pharynx (back of the throat). The freedom of movement of the mandible significantly reduces the occurrence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and pain often associated with similar appliances currently on the market. The individualization of this appliance affords the preciseness of treatment we feel is essential in providing you with optimum results. The EMA Appliance has been FDA approved for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Hope this answers some questions…..call our office if you have any others. And have a healthy and “cool” summer!
Richard ParsankoDDS
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