Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.  So even though at McMullin Dental Care we're concerned about cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, we won't use this blog entry to gross you out about kissing.  But we will give you some tips to make sure you are totally kissable!

Let's face it - No one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let's start with the basics:

• Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once per day - if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask!  We'll be glad to show you the ropes.
• Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy.  (Ok - we won't tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine's Day!)
• Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
• If you need to slip in a piece of gum or a breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.
• Drink plenty of water!  This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath!
• See your dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are problems with your oral condition.

Here at McMullin Dental Care, we want you to have a kissable February 14th and a lifetime of excellent dental health.  If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 734-241-5115.  We are here for you!

Why The Heck Do You Need To Know That?

When you come in for your dental visit, you may notice that we do a lot more than examine your teeth and gums.

One of the most important parts of your visit is when we ask you questions about your general health.  Many people have said to us:

"What does that have to do with my dental check-up?"

The answer - "A lot!"

More and more research is being published linking dental health to overall health.  At McMullin Dental Care we are concerned about both!

Did you know that diabetes, especially when it is undiagnosed, can be a huge factor in gum disease, eventually causing tooth loss?

A recent study by Columbia University concluded:

"Gum disease is an early complication of diabetes."  It continues:

"Since 70% of adults see a dentist at lease once per year" this is a perfect opportunity to screen for diabetes and other diseases.

According to a recent article in The British Dental Journal, it works the other way around too, as gum disease can be a contributing factor in heart disease, oral cancer, and other illnesses.

Are you taking any  medications, either prescription or over-the-counter?  Many of these can lead to dry mouth, gum inflammation, and other dental problems.

It's even more complicated for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause many changes in dental health.

The good news is, unlike a visit to your physician - you get to keep your clothes on and won't be poked and prodded anywhere other than your mouth!  As you can see, it is important that we know about your total physical health and any medications you are taking.  Not only can we save your teeth - we may actually save your life! 

If you want to know more about your dental health and how it relates to your overall health, please let us know.  If you have any questions or want to schedule your next appointment, just give us a call at 734-241-5115.  We are here for you!