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The Colgate defense.

State Sen. Anthony D. Galluccio has failed random alcohol tests – blaming his toothpaste – while on home confinement less than a week after pleading guilty to a hit-and-run crash in Cambridge.

A judge could rule as early as tomorrow if the Cambridge Democrat should be sent to jail for violating terms of his sentencing.

Galluccio pleaded guilty Friday to an Oct. 4 hit-and-run accident that injured two people, including a 13-year-old boy. 

He vowed to stay off booze, but the Herald has learned he failed random alcohol tests given at his home.

Galluccio admitted today in a statement he failed Breathalyzer tests blowing “low level positive reads over the course of an hour.”

He blamed the positive readings on his choice of toothpaste.

“After discussing it with a physician, we have determined that is the result of my using two toothpastes – Colgate Total Whitening and Sensodyne Toothpaste, both of which contain sorbitol,” Galluccio added. “While I knew that mouthwash or cold medicine would set the machine off, it did not occur to me that toothpaste would.”

Gallucio is a menace and his hack status got him a sweetheart deal of home confinement.  He blew it (literally) and he should be found in violation of his probation and should serve the rest of his sentence behind bars.

Update 12/23 @ 4:19 p.m.:  Gallucio avoided jail today, but the judge ordered 24 hour house arrest until the full probation violation hearing on January 4th.  In Massachusetts, when a probation officer reports a defendant for what they perceive as a violation of probation, the defendant has a probation surrender hearing where probable cuse is determined.   The defendant will then have a full probation violation hearing (like a mini trial).  If the defendant is found to be in violation at that hearing he or she will most likely end up going to jail for the remainder of what was supposed to be probation.  Judges do have discretion to hold a defendant pending the full hearing.  Today, Judge Nestor opted not to hold Gallucio – who obviously has a serious addiction to alcohol - over the objections of the district attorney. 

Oh to be a hack in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

So I have sensitive teeth that are sensitive to the cold, or really just any temperature fluctuations. I can’t even fathom the thought of biting into an ice cream cone. Gives me chills just thinking of it.
I would also appreciate it if I could keep my teeth white, what with my coffee intake and my incescent smoking.

Okay so I’m just kidding about the smoking, but whatever else might stain your teeth. I want them to stay white. I’ve tried the following three toothpastes that promise to do both of these things, while of course preventing cavities and avoiding the other tooth-decaying misfortunes. Like scurvy…Oooooh

Sensodyne-F Brilliant Whitening Toothpaste
My dentist recommended that I try Sensodyne for my sensitive teeth after I complained that they kept spraying water that was WAY too cold right on my teeth. After having tried the regular Sensodyne before, I opted for the Whitening version since the original both tastes bad and doesn’t whiten. The sensodyne-F Brilliant Whitening toothpaste is the one I opted for. It did help my sensitive teeth, but once again, the sensodyne tastes okay when using it, but it leaves you with a really bad after taste that tends to linger. I still have this toothpaste but ventured to find a better one. It’s our back-up emergency one.
Colgate Sensitive plus Whitening
After carefully considering and trying Sensodyne White, I decided to try Colgates, because typically they’ve always been my number one Toothpaste. It helps that they have the Canadian Dental Association’s seal of approval. So the Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste with Whitening does taste better than Sensodyne’s version. It’s minty and fresh, and doesn’t leave you with the awful aftertaste that Sensodyne does. It still isn’t as good as Colgate’s regular Colgate Total plus Whitening varieties.

Crest Sensitivity Pro Health Extra Whitening
Crest has never been one of my main toothpaste choices. Why? Because ever since I was a child, my mom told me that the ‘Canadian Dental Associations’ seal meant that it was actually good for my teeth. Being the independent person that I am, I decided to give it a try anyway. I bought it last week, and my teeth still feel as protected as they’ve been with the other two brands of sensitive toothpaste. Crest’s version tastes 10 times better. Why the heck doesn’t the dental association like Crest? I have no idea. I bet they signed a contract with Colgate in the 80s or something, and can’t go back on it. I will definitely keep buying this toothpaste unless my teeth start to get sensitive again. At this point I think it’s just fine.

Crest Sensitivity Extra Whinening wins! Yay for white teeth!

~Darleya~

Dentist and Fresh Breath Expert Debunks Dental Hygiene Tips From Manufacturers

Every year, the makers of the leading brands of toothpaste come out with their tips for the holidays, mainly angled at promoting dental hygiene. This year, they targeted fresh holiday breath, and the nation’s foremost fresh breath expert, “Dentist to the Stars” Dr. Harold Katz is crying foul. 

“Their tips made no sense at all,” he said. “I can respect them wanting to put out a holiday story that puts their brand names in the public eye, as I know they like to sell toothpaste, but they should be more responsible than to be recommending measures that can actually be harmful to your teeth.”

 Instead of following the old time toothpaste manufacturers’ tips, Dr. Katz has his own Five Tips to Fresh Holiday Breath.

 ”I have no problem with them if they are disseminating useful, common sense tips,” he said. “It’s when they recommend to consumers actions that may actually prove harmful that makes me angry. They shouldn’t be spreading tips that may actually harm people. It’s an irresponsible way to market toothpaste.” 

Some of these companies recommend rinsing with Hydrogen peroxide, which can be dangerous. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into free hydroxyl radicals which can eventually damage oral tissue if used every day. 

Other companies recommend their strong tasting mouthwash or toothpaste which can contain alcohol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a strong detergent to create suds), Saccharin, and artificial flavors and colors as a marketing gimmick. None of these ingredients attacks the root cause of bad breath: Anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria that breed beneath your tongue as well as the back of the throat and tonsils. 

Katz has his own tips, and they include:

1.  Drink More Water to help replenish precious saliva. Healthy saliva contains a high concentration of oxygen, which is the natural enemy of the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath.
2. Avoid Breath Mints and Gum with Sugar. Sugar feeds the bad breath bacteria, so don’t make them any stronger than they already are. Also avoid dairy foods. The bad breath bacteria love proteins – especially those in dairy foods. (They create nasty sulfur compounds when breaking down proteins).
3. Use Oral Products that contain Oxygenating Compounds, the newest therapy to stop bad breath. Brands include TheraBreath and PerioTherapy. More information is available at www.freshbreath.com or www.therabreath.com.
4. Keep Your Tongue Clean. GENTLY brush your tongue with a soft nylon toothbrush, but don’t use traditional toothpaste on the brush, because most toothpaste contains the harsh drying agent, sodium lauryl sulfate (which is a fancy term for SOAP).
5. Don’t Use Mouthwash Containing Alcohol. Alcohol makes the mouth dry and there is not enough alcohol in those strong tasting mouthwash formulas to kill any bacteria. Anyway, why burn the inside of your mouth during the Holidays!

Today I want to talk to you about yearly traditions. As you are gearing up for the holidays, you are likely embarking down a familiar path of rituals for you and your family. Maybe it’s making your favorite eggnog recipe or trimming the tree. Perhaps it’s arranging family games, planning a special holiday meal, or stashing presents in your ingenious hiding spots.

I notice a lot of people go through their own mini-makeovers this time of year as well. They perform updates on their homes, make hair appointments to spruce themselves up for their yearly holiday card photo, and come in for teeth whitening procedures to erase coffee, tea, and wine stains and brighten up their smile before the holiday parties.
Yes, that onset of cold weather paired with the festive retail displays and familiar trimmings that line the main streets of Cumming, Johns Creek, and Alpharetta trigger a lot of activity for all of us.

These reminders bring me to a question for you: What triggers your medical upkeep? Do you have certain times of the year that you plan your routine visits to your family doctor, gynecologist, and dentist? Are you reactive, only seeing a medical professional when you think something is wrong? Or do you keep a regular maintenance schedule for yourself and your family?

Hopefully, the latter. It is my philosophy that preventative care is absolutely the most essential way to take charge of your health. I focus on the overall well-being of my patients and, with the help of modern science, can actually foresee dental issues and circumvent most of them before they become a bigger and more costly problem.

Why is this important? Three reasons.

• Your comfort.
• Your time.
• Your money.

That’s right. Preventative care is first and foremost, more comfortable for patients. Heading off problems before they begin saves patients from larger dental procedures such as crowns or root canals. While medical techniques allow me to perform these procedures with a higher level of comfort for my patients, most people would still prefer to avoid them altogether if possible. Crowns and root canals are more costly than preventative care, and they take more time in the office to address and fix.

With just two visits per year for a typical dental patient, I can keep you in preventative mode over the course of your lifetime. We can head off problems before they start and keep more money in your wallet, increase the overall health of your body (we’ll discuss your mouth’s link to heart disease and more in the next blog), and help you spend less time at the dentist.
My philosophy is simple: See me on a regular basis to avoid seeing me even more often than you’d like!

What system do you have in place for preventative care? Please remember to schedule those routine appointments for you and your family before your body triggers an issue for you that could have been entirely prevented!

Last day of vacation today. Actually, today is my regular day off but I’m still pretending it’s my last day! Miss Gem left 30 minutes ago for school. I had to remind her to wear her jacket since it’s 0? degrees outside. There was a mad scramble to find it but she eventually did locate it in her room. I told her not to stop at Jennifer’s after school because as soon as she gets home, we’re off to see Avatar 3D. 2 hours and 40 minutes! I don’t know if I can stand sitting that long. It had better be good.

Picked Miss Gem up from school on Wednesday and took her to her dental appointment. Her hair was lank and greasy but I didn’t say anything. We stopped at home so she could brush her teeth, then went to the office. She has two cavities. The cost to fix them? $429! I was so mad. The dentist asked me if she drinks a lot of pop or eats a lot of candy. I said “No, she doesn’t brush her teeth!” I told Miss Gem while we were waiting to make the appt that the agreement was we wouldn’t remind her to brush her teeth but she would be responsible for paying for any cavities she had. She got upset denying that she had ever made that agreement. She was supposed to try out for a play at school, after the appt, I was bringing her back but she said she didn’t want to try out any more. I brought her back anyway. She went in and came back 3 minutes later. When I asked what happened, she kept saying “I don’t know”. Finally after I pushed her, she said there were a lot of people there and she didn’t want to get up in front of them to try out. That I can understand and I told her so.

Driving back home I lost my temper and yelled at her about her teeth. “I am so pissed at you!!” “This is what happens when you don’t brush your teeth! Do you think we’re made of money? $429!! There goes our fracking Christmas money!” (swearing-battlestar galactica style) She started to cry, I gave her a kleenex. She said that the toothpaste burned her tongue. I might have had some sympathy for that if I hadn’t bought 20 other styles of toothpaste that didn’t have mint in it for her. None of the 20 got her to brush her teeth any more often. I told her it was good that it burned her tongue, it meant that it was working. The last thing I said was: “And you really need to wash your hair every day!” She said “I know but you guys woke me up too late!” Our fault again!!

I have reminded her to brush her teeth now and each time she does it without protest. Today she even had a little smile after I asked her if she brushed yet. She has also been nicer to me since then. Usually 2 days out of 30, she is nice. The other 28 days she is her usual crabby self. Maybe tomorrow she’ll be back to normal. Hope not.

L and I have been doing some Christmas shopping. We bought two Wii games and yesterday a video camera (refurbished) for her. I stopped at Barnes and Noble yesterday and got Leonard Maltin’s movie review book for Mom which is the only thing she asked for. I want to get books on tape for L. (a monthly service, kind of like Netflix) Haven’t done that yet.

We’re having L’s family over on Christmas day. I made half the beef tenderloin yesterday and froze it. Am making the rest now-it’s actually in the crockpot. We’ll have ham also.

Have to go fold clothes!

An Aunt, who lived in the Congo for the majority of her life, and her nephews, who have lived in the Congo their entire life, are roaming through an American grocery store:

“ ‘What is that, Aunt Adah? And that?’ their Pascal asks in his wide-eyed way, pointing through the aisles: a pink jar of cream for removing hair, a can of fragrance to spray on the carpet, stacks of lidded containers the same size as the jars we throw away each day.

I can think of no honorable answer. Why must some of us deliberate between brands of toothpaste, while others deliberate between damp dirt and bone dust to quiet the fire of an empty stomach lining? There is nothing about the United States I can really explain to this child of another world.”

An excerpt from The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

So, what do we do with this? Yes, we live in America. Yes, we have more than we need. So, do we live in constant guilt? Do we give everything away so that we too are barely surviving?  I want to live in a way that cares for those children of different worlds.  But I am not sure how to. Does giving away one thing a day make any movement towards a more just world?

Here is our new ambient campaign for Elmex Anti-Cavities Toothpaste.

Evie has been using baby toothpaste, which is pretty expensive, given how small the tube is. So instead we went out and bought some semi-expensive (though still waay cheaper than the baby toothpaste) toothpaste with out any chemicals or fluoride in it, that she could use. Now, we’ve learned long ago that you don’t just go changing something like that, or you’re going to have a fit on your hands. So for probably a month, we’ve been talking up this new toothpaste and how exciting it’s going to be. Finally the big day arrived; time to use the new “big girl” toothpaste.

Evie was so excited about this toothpaste. We’ve gotten pretty good about talking things up. She was practically dancing to get a hold of this stuff. So I put some toothpaste on the brush and handed it to her. As soon as it hit her mouth, she got a really sad look on her face, and tears sprung into her eyes. She shouted, “This toothpaste is hot! I need some water!” She looked so miserable.

I didn’t really think about the fact that she’s never tasted peppermint before. Peppermint does do something strange in your mouth, where it kind of feels hot and cold at the same time, or maybe a little numb or something. You know what I mean? I expect that would be a little shocking if you had never experienced it before and you didn’t expect it. She was so sad that she didn’t like the toothpaste and I felt so bad for her.

Eventually we got some new, berry flavored big girl toothpaste and all is fine. Skip ahead a few weeks. My mom sent an advent calendar, containing a few of those tiny candy canes. Of course she picked one and of course it was too “hot” and she didn’t like it. Now the strange thing was that she proceeded to pick a candy cane every single day after that, until they were gone. Each time she would be really excited, unwrap it, lick it once, and then say, “I don’t like this!” and throw it in the trash. It’s not like she didn’t know what she was getting. One time, after I had helped her unwrap the thing, she told me, “I’m going to need some water, I don’t like these.” Then she popped it in her mouth.

She is a strange girl.

Evie: “I am not impressed by this diaper!” (She’s getting sick of wearing them to bed)

Evie likes you to make up stories and tell them to her. She likes it so much that after you do it once, you’re forced to do it again and again for all eternity. Lately, she has discovered a way to force me to keep telling her a story after I’m done. It goes like this: I tell her I’m only going to tell her one more story. After some hemming and hawing, she agrees. Finally I finish the story, but rather than being content with the story, she asks, “Does this story have an epilogue?” I obviously can’t resist that, and end up telling a little more story than I intended to. I think I’m winning the war though, because now I always save a little bit of story in case she asks.

Introduction

Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect the teeth. It also means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time, like limescale in a pipe or kettle. Usually it is tooth coloured and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in colour. By removing plaque, that soft, sticky bacteria infested film, and tartar (calculus) deposits, you are, in fact, ensuring that your teeth stay healthy and clean. It also protects gums and teeth.

If the scale, or calculus (tartar, as dentists like to call it) is not removed, bacteria will thrive next to the gums. The purpose of the cleaning and polishing is basically to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth and remove  bacteria . In that way,you have a better chance of keeping the teeth clean during your regular home care, and protect your gums.

Also it leaves your teeth feeling lovely and smooth and clean, which is nice when you run your tongue around them. Actually, come to think of it, there’s nothing worse than someone you fancy running their tongue around your teeth and finding a piece of food in between their teeth!

The professional cleaning of teeth is sometimes referred to as prophylaxis (or prophy for short). It’s a Greek word which means “to prevent beforehand” – in this case, it helps prevent gum disease.

How are dental cleanings done?

The  dentist uses specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth or damaging your gums. The instruments which may be used during your cleaning are described below.

Ultrasonic instrument

The ultrasonic instrument  uses tickling vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. It also sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris and keep the affected area at a proper temperature. The device typically emits a humming or high pitched whistling sound. This may seem louder than it actually is because the sound may get amplified inside your head, just like when you put an electric toothbrush into your mouth.

The ultrasonic instrument tips are curved and rounded and are always kept in motion around the teeth. They are by no means sharp since their purpose is to knock tartar loose and not to cut into the teeth. It is helpful if you inform the  dentist  if the sensations are too strong or ticklish so that he can adjust the setting appropriately on the device or modify the pressure applied.

It can take some time to remove  larger deposits of tartar, just like trying to remove baked-on grime on a stove that has been left over a long time. So your first cleaning may take longer than future  ones. Imagine not cleaning a house for six months versus cleaning it every week. The six-month job is going to take longer than doing smaller weekly jobs.

Fine hand tools

Once the larger pieces of tartar are gone, the dentisy will switch to finer hand tools (called scalers and curettes) to remove smaller deposits and smoothen the tooth surfaces. These tools are curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth. They allow smaller tartar deposits to be removed by carefully scraping them off with a gentle to moderate amount of pressure. Just like taking a scrubbing brush to a soiled pot, the dentist has to get the areas clean and smooth.

Polishing

Once all the surfaces are smooth, the dentist will polish your teeth. Polishing is done using a slow speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Prophylaxis (short for prophy) paste – a special gritty toothpaste-like material – is scooped up like ice cream into the cup and spun around on the teeth to make them shiny smooth.

Airflow Technologies

The AirflowSystem employs air and water for preventive and restorative dental treatments. Its precise jet of air and powder is uniquely wrapped in a shield of pure temperate water thus enabling less aerosol output. With the combination of special alumina powder, air and water, the  Airflow system functions as an air abrasion equipment for prophylaxis and restorative treatments.

Advantages of Airflow:

1.Cleans and opens fissure for sealing.

2.Creates micromechanical retention for improved sealant adhesion.

3.Enables caries diagnosis and simplifies treatment of small defects.

4.Allows minimal invasive treatment of caries without anesthesia.

5.There is no noise or odour.

6.Allows painless treatment and there is no bleeding.

7.Able to repair composites and remove old composites.

Fluoride

Your dentist may also apply fluoride. This is the final part of the dental cleaning process! Fluoride comes in many different flavours such as chocolate, mint, strawberry, cherry, watermelon, pina colada and can be mixed and matched just like ice cream at a parlour for a great taste sensation! Make no mistake though, this in-office fluoride treatment is meant for topical use only on the surfaces of the teeth and swallowing excessive amounts can give a person a tummy ache as it is not meant to be ingested.

Fluoride foam or gel is then placed into small, flexible foam trays and placed over the teeth for 30 seconds. Afterwardsthe patient is directed to spit as much out as possible into a saliva ejector. The fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth since the acids from bacteria in dental tartar and plaque will have weakened the surfaces. It is best not to eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes after the fluoride has been applied.

Is it going to be painful?

Most people find that cleanings are painless; the sensations — tickling vibrations, the cooling mist of water, and the feeling of pressure during “scraping” – do not cause discomfort. A lot of people even report that they enjoy cleanings and the lovely smooth feel of their teeth afterwards! There may be odd  sensations, but many people don’t mind  that as they only last a nanosecond.

Be sure to let your dentist know if you find things are getting too uncomfortable. They can recommend various options to make the cleaning more enjoyable.

Painful cleaning experiences can be caused by a number of things: a rough dentist , exposed dentine (not dangerous, but can make cleanings unpleasant), or sore gum tissues.

In case you may have had painful cleaning experiences in the past, switching to a gentle dentist and perhaps a spot of topical anaesthetic can often make all the difference. You could also choose to be numbed. If you opt for local anaesthetic, you may want to break down the cleaning into 2 visits: dentists don’t like numbing both sides of the mouth at the same time, because people may accidentally bite their tongue until the numbness has worn off. If you find the scaling a bit uncomfortable because the gum tissues (rather than the teeth themselves) are sensitive, topical numbing gels can be used.

Conclusion

Oral Hygiene Instruction is given to you at each hygiene appointment with the dentist. Each client will be given instructions on how to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy on an individualized basis. Because every mouth is different, instructions should be individualized to achieve the best results. If you do not understand something that is being explained to you, please feel free to ask questions during the oral hygiene instruction. Usually, a good dentist can explain the processes involving in dental cleaning in very understandable language.

Lagunatic was getting the kids ready for bed.

I sent Julian into the bathroom to brush his teeth while I tended to Zandi’s diaper. Things were a little too quiet and I’ve been doing this long enough to know that when things are quiet there is something wrong, so I yelled out:

“I don’t hear any brushing, Julian!”

“Mommy, I want the strawberry toothpaste.”

“So, get it.”

“I’m going to make a mess!”

“So, bring it out here and I’ll help you.”

*time elapses*

“Julian? What are you doing?”

*Julian comes out*

“Mommy, I made a mess, but I cleaned it up with the sponge*”

“I told you not to touch the sponge, it has chemicals on it.”

“It has testicles on it?”

Testicles, sponge, chemicals…it’s like I’m back in High School sex-ed class.

(*I cleaned the bathroom yesterday and left the sponge behind the sink faucet. I don’t know why..I guess god wanted to make sure I had some new blog material today.)

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There are many different types of toothpaste available on the market. While the different brands don’t make a big difference when it comes to selecting the right kind, there are different categories and these should be considered when you’re trying to select one that’s right for you. Keep in mind, that some toothpastes do fall into multiple categories based on their ingredients.

Cavity Protection Toothpaste – fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste that helps to protect teeth from cavities

Plaque and Gingivitis Protection Toothpaste – toothpastes designed to protect against both plaque and gingivitis have antibacterial ingredients

Tartar Control Toothpaste – toothpaste for tartar control protects teeth from new build-up with pyrophosphates as a main ingredient

Tooth Whitening Toothpaste – these toothpastes are designed to remove stains from teeth that can develop overtime or as a result of habits like smoking. These toothpastes either have a higher abrasion value or contain peroxides

Sensitivity Toothpaste – designed to protect against tooth sensitivity to hold and cold temperatures and other elements, this category of tooth paste is available in a number of brands, but is less common than other types

Breath Freshening Toothpaste – some toothpaste contains traces of mouthwash or other compounds designed to better freshen breath

Children’s Toothpaste – children’s toothpaste has lesser amounts of fluoride and is often more colorful and available in more tasty flavors than adult varieties

Via: Web Dental Office

(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)

Great oral health is one of the best gifts that you can give to someone this holiday season. There are oral health items that should be present in every home, and this season, to give the gift of oral health either purchase these items as stocking stuffers for loved ones in your family (like children) or make it your New Year’s Resolution to stock up on all of the tools you need for your oral health!

1. Toothbrush – in order to brush your teeth at least two times per day, you need to purchase a good toothbrush. There are various shapes and sizes, and toothbrushes that have various features (such as tongue scrapers) to choose from. The bristles also come in different levels of hardness, and choices include manual toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes
2. Toothpaste – for kids, it’s important to use a toothpaste made for children like one that can be safely swallowed. Adults can use any type of toothpaste they choose. Some are whitening, some contain mouthwash, they come in gel or paste form and are available in a variety of flavors
3. Floss – dental floss is available in different thicknesses, made from different substances, and even comes in various flavors. Every individual in every home should have regular access to dental floss
4. Mouth wash – children should never use an alcohol-based mouthwash, but a mouthwash is beneficial to oral health for adults and can be used twice a day to reduce germs and prevent gingivitis

How do you define being a failure?  I mean, right now I’m 24 years old, I don’t have a college degree, and I can’t afford soap or toothpaste.  I have a fridge full of beer, though.  Read: No Fail!  On one hand I have the beer, but on the other hand pretty soon my roommate is going to notice I’ve been secretly taking little bits of his toothpaste.  Read: Fail!

I looked through my box of toiletries in the bathroom closet to find anything that may be of use. I found band aids, a kazoo, 2 disposable razors, and a bandanna with a picture of a unicorn standing on a cloud with a rainbow coming out of it. I had been looking for that. Also I needed a kazoo for a project I was working on and now I have one.

I took a soapless shower for like an hour and a half and reveled in life’s small luxuries. I made tea, I watched Intervention, and I also watched that new show “Hoarders“, and that show prompted me to KIND OF clean out my fridge and also do the 5 dishes in the sink. My room remains a pit of despair.

At least I don’t use CONCENTRATED INHALANTS.
I like to put that in all caps for some reason.

I’ve been meaning to start my own blog for a while but I felt guilty at the thought because there are so many blogs out there already, and really who am I to clutter up the internet with ANOTHER one of my own?  Hallie really provided the optimum set up. I can just ramble about bullshit and tell her to put it on HER blog which is cluttering up the internet and then I have a guilt free outlet for all this shit that I didn’t really HAVE to say but said anyway. You know? She takes all the heat and I just reap the obscure benefits. It’s like the American way in miniature. I am a tiny Haliburton.

So with all that out of the way, I can get down to the real meat and potatoes of the issue which is that I need someone who reads this to send me a bar of soap. Maybe a tiny tube of toothpaste. I have lots of deodorant and band aids. I think I have a TIDE stain stick. I no longer need a kazoo. But someone out there make me a care package and send it to me okay? Include some hard candies like Life Savers – but the fruit kind, none of that peppermint shit. I may be broke but I still have standards. Oh, and Dove soap too, or something with moisturizer, ’cause I used to use Irish spring and it really dried out my skin. I mean I like the smell and all, but it is simply murder on my skin. And I feel like it leaves a lot of soap scum. Zest is alright…

Thank you for your consideration.

ALSO: I am going to tell Hallie to find a picture online of a guy standing there, with his pockets turned out, and like… a bindle on a stick and a 5 o’ clock shadow and flies all buzzing around him and one of his shoes all peeled back and he has a hole in his sock but he also has a fridge full of beer. So hopefully that will be included in this okay?

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Today I’d like to talk to you about the advantages of preventative dentistry. Many of the difficulties older generations experience with their teeth are ones that can now be avoided through a lifetime of routine preventative dental care.

This care begins with regular visits to the dentist from an early age. By the time a child is old enough to develop molars and cooperate with a dentist’s requests, he is old enough to receive a crucial preventative treatment: Sealants.

Sealants are just as they sound. They seal back molar teeth to keep out harmful bacteria and therefore prevent the formation of decay. I generally apply sealants to children’s molars as the molars come in, between the ages of 6 and 13. I carefully clean and dry the tooth and “paint” on a clear, plastic, protective coating. It’s a little bit like a clear coat of nail polish, but for a tooth. The sealant protects the tooth’s surface and crevices from harmful bacteria and decay and is shown to last for years, and in many cases, long into adulthood. Sealants are recommended by the American Dental Association and have been shown to reduce tooth decay tremendously. We’re talking about 90% to 100%! The best part is that for a fraction of the cost of a filling you can prevent yourself or a loved one from ever needing a filling, root canal or crown.

This not only adds up to a smart choice for the health of your child’s mouth, but also for your pocketbook as the costs of repairing decay can add up to a lot more than the costs of preventing it. Many insurance carriers offer coverage for sealants and many times they cover them 100%. The one downside is that they only cover them until your child reaches age 12 or 14. So it pays to have them done while they are young and prevent countless unnecessary dental procedures in the future.

Sealants do not take long to apply and never require the patient to be numbed. So it is one of the most pain free procedures we offer. We generally see children to apply sealants and they can go back to school to resume their day right after their appointment. They are even able to eat on them immediately following their application. Our office is central to the Alpharetta, Suwanee, and Johns Creek area school districts to make routine visits easy and convenient.

Once your family is in the habit of visiting the dentist on a regular basis, it waylays fears and procrastination and helps the whole brood maintain clean, healthy, and fresh smiles. Sealants are just another measure that will help ensure your children’s long-term dental health.

Do your children have dental sealants? Why or why not?

Introduction

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Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which, in turn, can lead to  blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t control their diabetes are especially at risk.

A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are.

Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

This recommendation is supported by a study reported in the Journal of Periodontology in 1997 involving 113 Pima Indians with both diabetes and periodontal disease. The study found that when their periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes markedly improved.

Other Mouth-Body Connections

Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases

Journal of Periodontology Supplement on Inflammation

In January 2008 the Academy held a workshop on inflammation, inviting a select group of medical and dental experts on the subject of inflammation. The proceedings from the supplement were published in August 2008, and are available online at the links below.

• Journal of Periodontology Supplement Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal
• Dr. Robert Genco’s paper, which appeared in the supplement, discusses the clinical implications of managing inflammation and periodontal diseases.
• Press Release announcing the supplement “Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal” supplement

Gum Disease and Osteoporosis

Researchers have suggested that a link exists between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies indicate that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation. However, hormone replacement therapy may offer some protection.

Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke

Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.

Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

 Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Gum Disease and Pregnancy Problems

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

For a long time we’ve known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.

Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation.

Gum Disease and Respiratory Diseases

Bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.

Bacterial respiratory infections are thought to be acquired through aspiration (inhaling) of fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs that can breed and multiply within the lungs to cause damage.

Recent research suggests that bacteria found in the throat, as well as bacteria found in the mouth, can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions. People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, typically suffer from reduced protective systems, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the lungs.

Scientists have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease. This discovery leads researchers to believe that these respiratory bacteria can travel from the oral cavity into the lungs to cause infection.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) cause persistent obstruction of the airways. The main cause of this disease is thought to be long-term smoking. Chemicals from smoke or air pollution irritate the airways to cause obstruction. Further damage to the tissue and working function of the lungs can be prevented, but already damaged tissue cannot be restored – untreated or undetected COPD can result in irreversible damage.

Scientists believe that through the aspiration process, bacteria cam cause requent bouts of infection in patients with COPD. Studies are now in progress to learn to what extent oral hygiene and periodontal disease may be associated with more frequents bouts of respiratory disease in COPD patients.

Conclusion

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

• Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
• Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
• Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
• Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Find a Periodontist

Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and can help you keep your teeth for life!

 

Introduction

It is a widely accepted view that the more you know about a particular topic, the better you are prepared when it comes to  sharing  your perspective, experiential knowledge and research with others  through of dialogues and discussions. The basic  observation also applies in  the area of dental health.  It follows then that  some general knowledge of dental health  enables  us to  understand why it is important for our general health. At the same time, it will motivate us to care of our teeth so that they can last a lifetime so that we  do not experience severe toothaches and weak gums .  Did you know that your teeth were intended to last a lifetime?

Here are some fun facts about teeth that you might find interesting.  50% of people say that a smile is the first feature they notice about someone. This article attempts to share a interesting and useful information when it comes to the care and maintenance of  our teeth.

How people take care of their mouths is often a reflection about how they feel about themselves.  At  birth the only fully developed organ is the tongue.  It is needed for sucking.  For the first two months of life our mouth is our primary organ.  We use it for survival, to express ourselves and to explore our new world.  Because of this it is my opinion that how we take care of our mouths is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.  People who feel good about themselves take good care of their mouth and people who have a poor self image generally do not take good care of their mouth.

Here are some interesting facts:

Chewing gum may not be so bad, yes, you read that right, if  it is of  the sugarless variety. Even then, we cannot  say  that  chewing a piece of gum for hours on end  is good, even when it was found that chewing gum may help after every meal to remove food particles caught in the teeth are and in the production of saliva, which prevents plaque.

Recent surveys  showed that men and women feel guilty if they forget to clean their teeth; apparently, most people feel that brushing is a kind of obligation. About 80 per cent of respondents  say that they brush their teeth, because it is something that they have been asked to do in their lives.

The reality is that most people do not actually do so since  over 75% (three out of four people) of these respondents do not change their toothbrushes as often as they should. It is recommended by dentists that  for reasons of good hygiene, we should replace our toothbrushes every two to three months. Most of us  apparent do not  adopt this practice.

Smoking is hazardous to our health, yet most of us who smoke  ignore  this. Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men than in women and  smoking one pack of cigarettes per day and with smokeless tobacco, the risk of developing oral cancer is expected to increase by four times.

You get 2 sets of teeth in your lifetime.

The first set is your baby teeth. You will start to lose your baby teeth at around 6-7 years of age. By the time your 21 years old, you will only have one set of permanent teeth.

Always replace a toothbrush after you had a cold, sore throat or some bad infections. The bacteria planted on the toothbrush can lead to reinfection.

Replace toothbrush

The swallowing of a fluoride containing toothpaste can cause many harmful effects such as fluoride toxicity. (Hence kids below 5years should be given non fluoridated toothpastes)

Toothpaste

• Vigorous brushing does more harm than good. Overzealous brushing can lead to eroded enamel which never grows back causing teeth sensitivity along with other oral problems.

More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.

Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is different.

The average toothbrush contains about 2,500 bristles grouped into 40 tufts per tooth brush. The tufts are folded over a metal staple and forced onto pre-cored holed in the head and fused into the head with heat. The handle is made of at least two materials, using plastic and rubber. The grip used for the handle is: precision, power, spoon and distal oblique.

The average woman smiles about 62 times a day!

A man? Only 8!

Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups just 15:-(

Smilers in school yearbooks are more likely to have successful careers and marriages than their poker faced peers

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children ages 5-17 with 59% affected.

More than 51 million hours of school are lost each year by children due to dental related illness.

Employed adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year due to oral health problems or dental visits.

Just 40% of children in poor or near-poor poverty level had a preventive dental visit in the past year.

44% of dental care expenditures are paid out-of-pocket.

Conclusion

Some general knowledge of dental health  enables  us to  understand why proper dental hygiene and care are  important for our general health. At the same time, it will motivate us to care of our teeth so that they can last a lifetime .  We  do not experience severe toothaches and weak gums .  Do you know that your teeth were intended to last a lifetime?

In order to have your teeth for a lifetime it is essential that you take good care of them by cleaning your mouth and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, particularly after every meal. This habit will enable you to have both clean teeth and healthy gums. You should also make it a personal duty to visit your dentist on a regular basis. The dentist will be able to treat cavities and inspect our mouth and gums. Prevention is always better than cure.

For patients with chronic and disabling conditions, it is mandatory that they see their dentist regularly. This is a good habit because several diseases can be identified  and can be successfully treated in their early stages . A dentist screens for health problems such as eating disorders, diabetes, drug abuse, and HIV infection.

Source: Issue Briefs on Challenges for the 21st Century

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