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Even Dogs Get Gum Disease: February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

February 14th 2012

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Did you even know that you should be concerned with your pet’s dental health?

Animals can’t operate tooth brushes, so it’s easy to assume that they don’t need to brush their teeth. But you can brush their teeth for them, and it’s actually highly recommended. Just as gum disease is common in people and causes a variety of systemic health problems — diabetes, heart disease, stroke — your pet can develop gum disease as well. Many people complain that their dog or cat suffers from bad breath, but few realize that this can signal periodontal disease.

There are pet toothpastes and toothbrushes available at your local pet store. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends daily brushing, but even every other day or a few times a week can greatly reduce your pet’s chances of developing gum disease. Never use toothpaste designed for people on your pet. That would cause them to get a tummy ache.

Here are some tips for brushing your pet’s teeth:

• Let your pet taste the toothpaste from the tip of your finger first. The paste should be designed to taste good to your pet, leaving him or her wanting more.
• Once your pet has tasted the toothpaste, put a little on the toothbrush. There are two different types of pet toothbrushes available. One looks like a traditional human tooth brush, while the other is a finger-shaped rubber cuff with bristles that fits over the tip of your finger. This second type of pet toothbrush can be easier to use — you simply stick your finger in your pet’s mouth!
• Gently massage the teeth, paying special attention to the gum line. If you can’t get all of your pet’s teeth the first few tries, don’t fret. They’ll get used to it eventually, letting you finish the job as they become more comfortable.

Pet toothpaste is completely edible, so there’s no need to rinse after brushing.

Your pet’s vet can also perform dental exams and provide you with guidance on preventing gum disease for your pet. With a little attention and tender loving care, your pet can live a long, healthy life. The best part? No more bad breath!

Here’s a Twig … Now Brush Your Teeth

January 31st 2012

Parents have been telling their children to brush their teeth for at least 6,000 years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of ancient tooth cleaning implements, including twigs, feathers, bones, and quills. In fact, tooth brushing tools have been found as early as 3500 BCE in the Babylonian and Egyptian cultures, when people used frayed ends of twigs to scrub off bacteria and food particles.

Several early cultures used chewing sticks with aromatic or antiseptic properties, such as neem or miswak. The sticks not only cleaned teeth, but also freshened breath.

In 1498 in China, an enterprising soul plucked stiff hairs from a pig’s neck and attached the bristles to a bone or bamboo handle. When this toothbrush was adopted by the Europeans, they opted for softer bristles—using horsehairs or feathers.

The toothbrush was modernized around 1780 by Englishman William Addis when he tied boar bristles into tufts and glued them into drilled holes of a bone handle. In fact, he’s responsible for the first mass-produced toothbrush. The company that Addis started more than 230 years ago, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists today.

In 1857, H.N. Wadsworth was the first American to be granted a toothbrush patent. However, mass production on toothbrushes in the United States didn’t begin until 1885, and animal bristles were still used as the brushing components. Fast forward to 1938 when DuPont created a new material called nylon. These synthetic fibers soon replaced natural bristles in toothbrushes.

These days, you have a variety of toothbrush options, including electric and disposable. If you’re not sure which type of toothbrush is best for your dental care needs, ask your dentist at your next checkup. And skip the twigs.

Vegetarianism may be good for your heart, but is it good for your teeth?

December 30th 2011

Many people make losing weight and getting healthy their new year’s resolution. If this is your goal for 2012, you might decide to try vegetarianism. While vegetarianism can help reduce your intake of fat and cholesterol while increasing your intake of those healthy fruits and vegetables, are there any dental care issues associated with becoming a vegetarian?

How Vegetarianism Can Affect Your Oral Health

When designing your vegetarian diet, it’s essential to make sure you’re still getting certain nutrients. Some vegetarians might not get enough calcium, riboflavin, vitamins D or B12, or protein, and this can have a negative effect on the oral health of vegetarians.

A diet low on vitamin D and calcium can increase your risk of periodontal disease (gum disease), a very serious oral health problem. But take heart! You can counteract this problem with dietary supplements. It’s also recommended that you get guidance from a nutritionist before pursuing a vegetarian lifestyle to make sure you’re on the right track.

If giving vegetarianism a go is your new year’s resolution, there’s no need to be afraid for your oral health. Just make sure you’re getting all the important nutrients by eating a balanced diet. And don’t forget to make brushing and flossing a part of your oral health routine, too!

Oh, for Goodness Sake!

December 19th 2011

If I Could Only Have My Two Front Teeth…

Around the age of six, a child’s baby teeth begin to fall out to make room for primary teeth. The last of their baby teeth typically fall out by the age of 13. Teeth fall out in the same order they erupted. So, most children lose their bottom two teeth first, and then their two front teeth.

Unfortunately, there are other ways to lose front teeth. Front teeth often take the full impact of a fall. If these teeth are knocked loose or knocked out, it’s important to get to the dentist right away. The dentist will try to reinsert the tooth so that it begins to re-bond with the bone. If it’s too late to save the tooth, then it’s likely the gap can be filled in with a dental prosthesis, such as a crown and bridge, or with dental implants.

Then I Could Wish You Merry Christmas…

In 1944, music teacher Donal Yetter Gardner asked his second grade class what they wanted for Christmas. He noticed nearly all his students had lisps because they were missing at least one front tooth, and he was inspired to pen a holiday song.  After performing “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” at a music teachers’ conference, Gardner gained the notice of a Witmark music company employee.  A few short years later, the song was recorded and released by Spike Jones & His City Slickers, and the catchy tune soared to the top of the 1949 pop charts.

For This Year’s Halloween, Choose Candy Made with Xylitol!

October 20th 2011

You probably have memories of your own Halloweens when you were a kid. You know what that sense of anticipation feels like waiting for Halloween to come, and that giddy, nervous sensation as you stand on a neighbor’s porch, waiting for candy.

But you probably have memories of getting a filling, too. And though getting fillings is a much more comfortable experience now than it was in the past, you’d still like to see your own little one get through Halloween cavity-free.

So why not stock up on candy made with xylitol this Halloween?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It has fewer calories and won’t raise blood sugar levels, making it perfect for patients with diabetes.

The greatest benefit xylitol provides, though, is protection from cavities. Unlike sucrose, which spurs decay and the growth of bacteria, xylitol promotes healthy pH levels in the mouth and makes it harder for bacteria to stick to teeth, preventing cavities in the process.

Where Can I Find Candy Made with Xylitol?

The best place to start is the Internet. Both Amazon and xclear.com offer a range of choices. You can also find xylitol candy for sale on websites that cater to customers with diabetes.

If you’d like to find something locally, you might try your local health food store or even your local grocery store. It may be harder to find xylitol candy than it is to find Milky Ways and Snickers, but with a little research and a little digging, you can find exactly what you need to make your child’s Halloween fun and healthy.

Have Any Questions About The Benefits of Xylitol?

If you’d like to know more about how xylitol is different from traditional sugar and what benefits it has for oral health, contact your local dentist or visit xylitol.org.

Since 1989, we’ve served patients with clinical excellence, extraordinary customer service, and state-of-the-art care. Call our dental office in Bayside today to reserve your consultation with Dr. Nicholas Rallis, Dr. Demetrios Mihalos, or our periodontist, Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis at our convenient Bayside, NY location.