Greetings from Dr. Mark Caceres & Team!
Welcome to the December Issue of our Bright & Healthy Smiles Newsletter! In each edition, we feature tips and information to help you keep your smile beautiful and vibrant.

• The Power of a Smile - by Mark Caceres, DMD, MAGD

  1. In preparing to write this article, I researched several psychological journals and medical articles to support what I know from experience to be true:

     A Smile is...

     1. Linked to our personal self-confidence and self-esteem.
     Think about someone you know that has a great deal of self-confidence. What is their smile like? Is it a pleasing smile, and do they smile often? Apart from leaders that are dealing with grave situations, we would most likely answer yes to this question. Think about your own smile – many of us can relate to that “just cleaned” feeling we get after seeing our dental hygienist. We probably smile a little more than usual because we know our smile is looking its best.

     As a dentist, I have an amazing opportunity to observe this firsthand – it is a joyous experience to help someone improve the health and appearance of their smile and watch their personal transformation. Sometimes it is immediate, such as when we place porcelain veneers to conceal and rejuvenate stained or chipped teeth, or, it is a change over time, such as when we help patients treat gum disease over a period of several months. There is a dramatic difference between the person we are working with at the initial diagnosis and the individual that feels empowered by having control of their own health at the 6-month maintenance visit.

     2. A Mirror of Health.
     You don’t have to be a doctor to appreciate that a bright, attractive smile can enhance a person’s appearance of “health”. And, we might infer that people with obvious tooth decay or “long teeth” have other health issues.

     This assumption, in fact, can be supported by science; there is extensive research that confirms the link between dental and medical health. To name just a few, gum disease has been identified as a risk factor for heart disease, and many medications restrict salivary flow, which can lead to “dry mouth syndrome” and increase the risk of cavities. Pregnant mothers with active dental decay will likely pass the bacteria that causes tooth decay to their unborn child.²

     3. A meaningful, positive form of non-verbal communication.

     In a University of North Carolina study, laughing and smiling were determined to be generally perceived as "good, powerful and active"¹ nonverbal behaviors.

     Think about it – when you meet someone for the first time, a smile is an expected behavior. An attractive, pleasing smile is noticeable and feels friendly. On the flip side, consider when you have met someone that has obvious dental problems. They probably did not show their teeth when they smiled, or covered their mouth with their hand when they laughed. This behavior, in itself, is a reflection of this individual’s confidence in their own smile, and, if you really analyzed your own reaction, most likely it was not one of attraction, but instead you may have shared their embarrassment.

     It makes sense, then, doesn’t it, that our smile has the power to influence how we engage in business and social relationships? In a culture that emphasizes “first impressions”, most people want to look their best when meeting new people, and this includes feeling good about their own smile.

     If you or a loved one is facing smile challenges, dentistry is dedicated to helping you. There is no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed, taking the first step towards dental health is something that we want you to be proud of and feel good about.

     Remember - A Smile is a Wonderful Gift.
     As we enter into the holidays and the Season of Giving, don’t forget to Smile and make someone’s day! (You will feel pretty good too!) Please contact our office if we can help you SMILE.

     References
     ¹Lisa Slattery Rashotte, Social Psychology Quarterly 2002, "What Does that Smile Mean? The Meaning of Nonverbal Behaviors in Social Interaction"
     ²American Dental Association®, Statement on Early Childhood Caries, www.ada.org

• Dental Emergency Care
  1. 

     During the holidays, we like to remind our patients that we are here for them or visiting family members that may encounter a dental emergency.

     #1   If possible, for any dental problem, the first step is to call our office. If you are unable to reach us or are out of the area, the hospital emergency room can offer first-response assistance in dental emergency situations.

     In the event of an injury from a traumatic blow to the face or jaw, go to the nearest emergency room for immediate care.

     First Aid Tips for Common Dental Emergencies

     Permanent Tooth knocked out: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, speed in response is important. Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water – do not scrub the tooth or use soap or other chemicals. Try to hold it by the crown and not the root tip. If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or wash cloth, or, tuck in their cheek. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a clean container and moisten it with saliva, milk, or water. Call our office immediately – quick response can sometimes save a tooth!

     If the tooth is fractured or chipped – try to save the tooth fragment, rinse gently with cold water and apply a cold compress to the face/cheek to minimize swelling.

     Toothache: Rinse with lukewarm water to help ease discomfort. Apply a cold compress – do not apply heat or aspirin. Call our office immediately. You may want to take an over-the counter pain reliever until your appointment. (same dosage as you would take for a headache).

     Avoid Dental Emergencies...

     Don’t postpone treatment. "Twinges" of tooth pain or toothaches that subside and reoccur can be misleading – any dental pain is an indication of an underlying problem and can lead to serious infection if it is not addressed promptly.

     Preventing Dental Injuries and Emergencies – Dental trauma injuries can be reduced or prevented through the use of mouth guards and helmets for sports and carseats/seatbelts during travel.

     Please do not hesitate to call our office with any concerns that you may have about your dental health.

• Gum Disease: The Silent Tooth Killer

  1. We are all pretty familiar with how to fight tooth decay; with healthy eating, good brushing and flossing and regular trips to the dentist, we know that cavities can usually be prevented or detected early enough to keep them from becoming a big problem.

     As we age, the greater threat to our oral health is not tooth decay, but perhaps an even more destructive enemy, Periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.

     Periodontal Disease is not "Normal"
     30 years ago, aging adults expected to lose their teeth to gum disease, (also known as "pyorrhea"). Today, we know that not only can your teeth and gums stay healthy and vital for a lifetime, the bacteria that cause gum disease have been linked to serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke, as well as complications with diabetes and pregnancy preterm delivery and low birth weights.

     Gum Disease is Progressive and Destructive
     Periodontal Disease begins when bacteria penetrate and multiply beneath the gums. As the disease spreads, gum tissue becomes inflamed, and eventually healthy gum and bone are destroyed by the infection. If left untreated, periodontal disease can break down enough bone and gum tissue to cause teeth in the affected area to become loose and fall out.

     Warning Signs of Gum Disease
     As our title suggests, unlike a toothache, gum disease almost never “hurts” as it silently destroys healthy tissue and bone.
     Common signs of Periodontal Disease include:
     • bleeding or swollen gums
     • persistent bad breath
     • receding gums or "loose" teeth that do not have a history of trauma

     Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
     During a dental checkup, we use a special instrument that is calibrated to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums. This process will reveal any abnormal “pockets” or bleeding – common signs of areas of gum disease in need of treatment.

     If detected early, periodontal disease can often be treated in our office with nonsurgical treatment, supported by effective home care and regular follow-up by our clinical team. In some cases, infection or bone loss may be advanced; we may refer this type of case to a gum specialist, or Periodontist to maintain an assertive treatment approach.

     You are not Alone...
     If you think you or a loved one may have periodontal disease, please contact our office to schedule a thorough dental examination and let us help you win the battle!

     References:
     Academy of General Dentistry, KnowYourTeeth.com

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     ** Based on recommended cleaning, xray and preventive maintenance treatment regimen prescribed by Dr. Caceres and limited to services provided in our office. Offer does not apply to treatments for gum disease or infection.
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