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To Our Dear Patients:Thank you for your continued trust and support, for your personal friendships, and for your kind referrals. Tara, Thery, Jody and RosalieThe Whole Tooth - 2008 NEWSWhen they're not Fixing Teeth...Dr. Sexton was appointed President of the Board of the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society for 2005/06. In August, she presided over the "White Coat" ceremony, coating incoming first year dental students to symbolize their acceptance of the responsibilities of the profession. Along with Dr. Sexton, Dean Marjorie Jeffcoat, Dean Emeritus D. Walter Cohen and new Provost Ronald Daniels passed on encouraging remarks to the students and a history of Penn's Dental School and the City of Philadelphia. In October 2005, the American Dental Association Convention was held in Philadelphia for the first time in over 50 years. The Penn Dental Alumni reception hosted over 600 alumni and Dr. Sexton joined Dean Jeffcoat and University President Amy Gutmann in welcoming the alumni at the Center City event. A Good Tip to Protect your TeethAspirin is one of the wonder drugs of our time. It lessens pain, lowers fever and can protect against heart disease, stroke, and maybe even cancer. Although it is meant to be swallowed, some people prefer to chew it, suck on it or let it dissolve in the mouth. In fact, a chewable version is available to satisfy this preference, but it may not be a good idea. Aspirin is an acid (acetylsalicylic acid) and recent research found that it wore away enamel in patients who were taking aspirin regularly. So, it makes sense that the safest way to take it is to swallow it. **Reminder: if you take low dose aspirin (81 mg) daily, it is wise to discontinue your dossage a couple of days before your dental appointment to reduce bleeding during your visit. But be sure to always consult your physician first. Ain't that SweetGo ahead, indulge yourself a little! Medical science has just cooked up two sweet reasons to eat chocolate - as long as it is dark chocolate. Researchers have long known that cocoa beans contain a class of chemicals called flavonoids, which are also found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine. Previous studies suggest that flavonoids raise levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and act as potent antioxidants, protecting cells from free radical damage, which can contribute to aging, heart disease, and certain cancers. Kid's Corner - Thumb SuckingQuestion: Can dental problems result from prolonged thumb and finger sucking? Answer: Yes, but not until the permanent front teeth come in (beginning at about age 6). After that, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes to the roof of the mouth and speech. Most children stop on their own between the ages of 2 and 4 years. If the child does not stop on his own, the habit should be discouraged after age 4. Excessive pressure can do more harm than good. Here are a few tips to consider: - Instead of scolding your child for sucking, offer praise for not sucking. Question: When should my child's first dental exam occur? Answer: The best time for your little one's first dental visit is around 2 years of age. Familiarity with the office surroundings, instruments, noises, and people are key when it comes to the child's future visits to the dentist. We can refer you to a pediatric office, if you wish. Did you know?Wine is hard on Teeth. Did you know?A recent study showed that Canadian researchers can block cavity formation in mice by replacing their water with tea. Did you know?Oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, Hodgkin's disease and cancers of the
brain, liver, bone thyroid, stomach, ovaries and cervix. It is typically caused by long-term use
of tobacco and alcohol. It is estimated that there will be 30,000 cases of oral cancer in the
US next year and only about one half will survive. Bulimia Nervosa - A Growing Concern for DentistsBulimia Nervosa is a serious psychological syndrome characterized by compulsive binge eating followed by frequent self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives and diuretics, and excessive exercise, all directed at achieving a thin body, is an eating disorder that is rampant among girls and young women in Western societies. The prevalence of this and other potential life- threatening easting disorders is growing rapidly, and is beginning to increase among boys and young men.Bulimia is of special interest to dentists for three main reasons: frequent regurgitation produces characteristic changes in the teeth and facial appearances, since bulimia is an extremely covert disorder and, unlike individuals with anorexia nervosa, most bulimics are of normal weight and appearance, the dentist or dental auxiliary may be the first to definitely diagnose the problem, and potentially to help the patient obtain urgently needed professional help. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact us for a private conversation. Bottled WaterMost people who drink bottled water report that their brand does not contain fluoride, nearly 28
percent aren't sure if it contains fluoride. Percentage of respondents in 2003 who drank bottled
water containing fluoride: Bruxism and TMDIn a car accident, it is not necessary to sustain direct impact or trauma to the face or jaw to cause Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) symptoms. MRI has documented the relationship between cervical whiplash and TMD. Whiplash injuries can also occur in sports or during falls. In Other News38.5 total days an average American spends brushing teeth over a lifetime: Brush at least twice a day - if you use a manual tooth brush use a small, soft head brush and brush gently for at least 2 minutes. Dentists recommend electric tooth brushes, because the rotary movements of the head softly scrub teeth. We sell Sonicare electric tooth brushes at our practice. 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss: Floss at least once a day - it's the only way to remove the bacteria (in the form of plaque) that accumulates between teeth and leads to bad breath, yellowing and tooth decay. Staff NewsShe's back - our very own Jody Sophocles - yes, after taking some time off to be a full time mom with 2 beautiful girls and to help out at her husband's dental practice, Jody has rejoined us to render her services as a hygienist on Wednesdays. We're so excited - many of you will remember this wonderful young woman with her bubbly personality and her expertise and professionalism in hygiene - Welcome back Jody!! Rosalie Fosco is our new dental assistant. She joined our staff last fall and comes to us with years of experience. Rosalie has a six-year old daughter and loves itallian cooking and spending time with her family. Thery spent a vacation/business trip in beautiful Australia in February with her husband. Her son David is a member of the engineering team at SpaceX Company in Los Angeles, CA. He will be traveling to the Marshall Islands early October to be part of the maiden flight of SpaceX's Falcon I rocket into space! ACUPUNCTUREMaryEllen Velahos, L.Ac. has opened The Center for Acupuncture & Traditional Medicine
in the office next door. Ms. Velahos offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies as well as
other lesser known traditional therapies for most conditions. These holistic traditions are
effective and practical as they balance both the mind and the body. |
