The nice weather has us thinking of summer vacation. Fun in the sun, so close we can’t concentrate on anything else. There are a lot of things that go into planning our vacations away, especially if we plan to leave the USA. Besides the where, when and how do we get there, we have to think about what we leave behind. The mail pick up, pet care, outside home maintained. Come to think of it, is your mouth ready? That probably sounds like a silly question, who thinks about that? Good thing for us the ADA or American Dental Association does. What happens if you’re away from the United States and have a tooth problem, worse what if it’s painful? Being proactive about dental care can be one way to avoid an unexpected situation.

Some people are proactively having dental care preformed in other places outside of the US. This list of questions comes from the ADA site having to do with patients leaving the states and having dental procedures performed. It got me thinking about the time my Mom’s friend went to Ireland with an infected tooth; she had to have a “root canal” procedure to get out of pain. That got me thinking, these questions work for that situation as well. The ADA site has helpful information for all different situations, these questions come from there.

Questions and Considerations Prior to a Dental Vacation

How will you determine the qualifications and experience of the dentist who will be treating you in a foreign country?
How is payment processed?
If you have dental insurance, will the benefits cover treatment that is performed outside the United States and if so, to what extent?
What happens if something goes wrong during or after treatment? Would you need to return to the country where you received treatment? Can you afford that?
If you need corrective care after you return, will that be covered by your dental insurance or will you have to pay out of pocket for another dentist to provide corrective care?
If something goes wrong after receiving dental care in another country, what are your legal rights?

These questions made me think, hope it helps.

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I am writing this on “Tiger Opening Day”. The sun is shining, no prediction of rain and it seems the Tigers are everybody’s favorite to win this afternoon. I plan to listen to the game on the radio, especially to find out just how good our new acquisition Prince Fielder is going to do.

As a dental hygienist I have a particular interest in another aspect of the game. Would you believe I often look to see which baseball players have the signs of using smokeless tobacco? You know the stuff that comes in the small metal cans or pouches. They place it between their cheek and gum causing a bulge in their cheek or often spit out the tobacco juice, even on the field. Quite disgusting! However, I’m wondering what is going on inside their mouth.

There is a lot of information for public consumption regarding the hazards of nicotine whether in cigarette or “chew” form. Smokeless tobacco is not considered a safe alternative to cigarettes. One can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes and many users find that when they want to quit, they can’t. Smokeless tobacco is much harder to give up. Long-term users have a 50% greater risk of developing oral cancer than nonusers because the nicotine in tobacco contains cancer-causing agents. It is unfortunate that using chew because some athletes do is the reason for many people to start this habit. According to a recent report, of all the players using the stuff, more than a third reported sores, white patches, or gum problems.

The bulge in the cheek is only what’s going on outside. On the inside, most chewers and dippers get irritated gums and many develop painful sores in the mouth from regular use. When you keep a pinch of tobacco in your mouth, a white leathery patch may form. This rippled area by be a sign of a developing precancerous area. Unfortunately many users think this cannot happen to them, but it can.

I could go on and on about other changes this nasty stuff can cause, including gum disease, tooth loss and mood changes with accompanying headaches but right now the game is about to begin. I’ve got to get my Tiger T-shirt on, cross my fingers and PRAY for a Tiger win. Let’s talk about more on this topic or any subject of your choosing at your next preventive appointment. Looking forward, as always, to seeing you soon.

Kathy

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Watch your portions. One of the biggest causes of weight gain is due to out-of-control serving sizes. For example, 1/4 cup of peanuts is 1 serving; therefore, the bag of peanuts that you purchase should be shared between at least 4 people. The same thing goes for popcorn. A single serving of popcorn is 3 cups popped. Did you know a typical large popcorn can have somewhere between 25-30 cups of popcorn?
A typical ballpark hot dog has just under 300 calories after you add ketchup, mustard and relish. This is the equivalent of about 3 miles of walking or running. Some better choices with fewer calories could be a slice of cheese pizza or veggie pizza, a soft pretzel, or even a plain hamburger has fewer calories than a hot dog from the ballpark.
Stay away from fried food such as french fries, onion rings, and funnel cakes. They are loaded with calories and fat.
It is a hot day, so that sno-cone is looking really delicious. Ask for less sugary syrup – it is a better option than many of the other desserts found at the game.
Comerica Park does have some healthier options with fewer calories and some good nutrients. Anytime there is vegetables, it is a more nutritious option; but, beware of condiments that add up quickly, such as sour cream, cheese, guacamole, croutons, or bacon – just to name a few. Try these:

chicken fajita wrap
chicken stir fry
veggie stir fry
soft tacos
grilled chicken sandwich/wrap
gyros with grilled vegetables
salad with light or fat-free dressing

So next time you are cheering on the Detroit Tigers, you might be singing a different tune: “Take me out to the ballgame. Take me out to the crowd. Buy me some veggies, do jumping jacks…”

What are some healthy ways you enjoy a game?

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Why it’s gross: Many artificial food dyes-found in hundreds of everyday foods-are made from petroleum-derived materials. Food producers use these chemical dyes in cereals and candy to make them more “fun” for kids, in pickles to make them appear fresher, and in place of real ingredients in a variety of other packaged foods. Betty Crocker Carrot Cake Mix, for example, is actually a carrot-free product, with “carrot flavored pieces” cooked up from corn syrup and artificial colors Yellow 6 and Red 40. Why it’s bad: Orange and purple food dyes have been shown to impair brain function, and other dyes have been linked to ADHD and behavioral problems in kids, as well as brain-cell toxicity. And not only are these additives potentially hazardous, but they’re also a rip-off! It’s cheaper for food companies to use fake dyes in place of real ingredients, so you end up with food frauds like Tropicana Twister Cherry Berry Blast, a “juice” product without a trace of cherry or berry juice. Get your brightly colored foods from the produce aisle only!

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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure typically develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.

Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.

Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms typically don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe — even life-threatening — stage.

When to see a doctor
You’ll likely have your blood pressure taken as part of a routine doctor’s appointment.

Ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. He or she will likely recommend more frequent readings if you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Children age 3 and older will usually have their blood pressure measured as a part of their yearly checkups.

If you don’t regularly see your doctor, you may be able to get a free blood pressure screening at a health resource fair or other locations in your community. You can also find machines in some stores that will measure your blood pressure for free, but these machines can give you inaccurate results.

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NEW YORK (WABC) — For many of us, a trip to the movies isn’t complete without popcorn. But a shocking new look at the hidden calories in movie popcorn snacks may have some thinking twice.

The findings may surprise people who choose unbuttered popcorn because they think it’s a relatively healthy snack. Many theaters pop in oil, often coconut oil, which is 90 percent saturated fat. And they supersize portions, turning a healthy treat into an artery-clogging snack.

Who can resist a big tub of popcorn and a medium soda, the perfect combo for watching a movie?

But now, a new study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest shows that movie time snacks have all the making of a Hollywood horror show.
And the biggest culprit is popcorn.

While some movie theaters now use canola oil, many don’t. They pop with artery-clogging coconut oil.

“Coconut oil is the worst thing movie theaters could be using to pop in, because it is so bad for our hearts,” CSPI nutritionist Jayne Hurley said. “It’s 90 percent saturated. Lard is 40 percent saturated.”

The study analyzed the fat and calorie content of popcorn from three movie theater chains: Regal Entertainment Group, AMC and Cinemark.

The most over-the top was Regal. A medium popcorn, about 20 cups, contains 60 grams of saturated fat and 1,200 calories. That’s like eating 36 strips of bacon plus eight pats of butter.

AMC popcorn is only nine cups, so its calorie content drops to 590 and 33 grams of saturated fat.

A medium popcorn at Cinemark theaters has 760 calories and just three grams saturated fat, and it uses canola oil.
In response to the study, the the National Association of Theater Owners says, “Many of our patrons like and enjoy the traditional taste and aroma of theater popcorn, as they have for decades, and theater popcorn continues to be one of America’s favorite snack foods.”

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I read an article where the American Dental Association (ADA) was pointing out that the toothbrushes that you receive at your periodic cleaning visits are not sterile. OMG, really? Should we panic? Well, this got me to thinking, Ummmm, actually, I guess I never really gave it much thought. So, this then lead me to my next train of thought, what kind of tooth brush sanitizers or sterilizing methods do most patients practice after using their toothbrushes on a regular basis? The word “sanitizer” means that it will kill most of the germs & bacteria (keep in mind, the word “sterilizer” means it will kill all of the germs & bacteria). There are many ‘sanitizers’ on the market, Violite (Zapi) & Sonic Care are just a few of the ultra-violet light “sanitizers” on the market. This is good to know, but are they needed? A 2006 study done at Creighton University School of Dentistry (Nebraska) concluded that immersing your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouth rinse (IE, Listerine, etc.) was just as effective to use as a “sanitizer” in keeping bacteria (from your mouth) off your toothbrush. Here are some suggestions from the ADA on the upkeep of your toothbrush:

-Rinse & air dry your toothbrush, making sure it avoids contact with other brushes.
-Soak your toothbrush in an antiseptic mouthwash.
-Boil or put your toothbrush in the dishwasher (Caution: this can wear out bristles faster)
-Microwave your toothbrush on high for 10 sec.

Additionally, it is a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three (3) months or after an illness. Also, keep your toothbrush upright and away from other bathroom items. If you are behind schedule with your recommended cleaning intervals, please do not wait for your next visit to replace your toothbrush. We would love to see you in our office so we can assist you in your oral health needs and go over some of “your own thoughts”.

Submitted by Carolyn

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THE FACTS
Poor sleep and advancing age go hand in hand — at least, that is the conventional wisdom.

But growing research suggests that getting older may not necessarily mean getting less sleep. Scientists suspect that sleep problems in many older Americans may be a symptom of underlying illness, not simply aging.

In a study published this month in the journal Sleep, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania looked at nearly 156,000 people, focusing on how well they slept at night and how often they experienced fatigue. The researchers found that poor general health and depression were linked to sleep disturbances and tiredness.

Looking at reports of sleep problems across all ages, the researchers also found a slight increase in sleep disturbances during middle age. But over all, most people reported fewer sleep problems as they grew older, and 80-year-old people had fewer complaints than those who were 50.
Another study last year showed that older people had a better ability to withstand the effects of sleep deprivation. And a large analysis of studies involving people of all ages found that most changes in sleep patterns occured between the ages of 20 and 60, and that healthy older people did not have more trouble falling asleep than younger counterparts.

Those who do experience sleep problems, the study’s authors said, may be showing signs of illness or side effects of medication, and should talk to a doctor.
THE BOTTOM LINE

In healthy adults, sleep does not necessarily get worse with age.

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London: Poor oral hygiene could cause the respiratory infection after research found a link between bacteria in the mouth and the lung disease.

Dr Samit Joshi of Yale University School of Medicine found changes in bacteria in the mouth preceded the development of pneumonia..

He concluded that this process “suggests that changes in oral bacteria play a role in the risk for developing pneumonia”.

Pneumonia is thought to affect more than 620,000 people in the UK and claims the lives of around five per cent of those who contract the disease.
Studies have even suggested a higher mortality rate from pneumonia in people with higher numbers of gum problems.

The findings of the study present further evidence that there’s a significant health risk to the elderly and the young, according to Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter.

“Simply brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning in between teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss, cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend will be a great starting point.

The research was presented at the Infectious Diseases Society of America annual meeting in Boston looked at 37 subjects for a one-month period

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(HealthDay News) — Dry mouth is more than just uncomfortable. A lack of saliva to moisten your mouth also can lead to tooth damage, the American Dental Association warns.

The association offers these suggestions for people with dry mouth:

Chew sugar-free gum.
Suck on sugar-free hard candies.
Use an oral rinse.
Use an artificial saliva solution. Speak with your dentist first.
Discuss with your doctor or dentist any medications you are taking that could be causing dry mouth.

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