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In the 1980s, artificial sweeteners in blue and pink packets, diet soda and sugar-free gum set the standard as "healthy" alternatives to their sugar-laden counterparts. Today, there's another sweetener called xylitol touting sweet-as-sugar taste that is low in calories. And, you'll be happy to know, studies show it may help reduce and prevent cavities.

A natural sweetener found in plants and fruits, xylitol was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986 as a food additive. But, now it is appearing in sugar-free gum, mints and toothpaste.

Research confirms that of all factors studied, xylitol most likely inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the oral bacteria that causes cavities, according to a study in the General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed publication of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Here are three tips for a sugar-free mouth:
1. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste handy; children can keep travel-size products in lockers or backpacks, and adults should keep a spare pair at work.
2. Chew sugarless gum, with or without xylitol, after meals or snacks when unable to brush.
3. Drink water throughout the day to help cleanse teeth of excess bacteria.

-- Daniel J. Deutsch DDS

 

That old perception about men not going to the dentist is true, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and its online poll that queried 289 general dentists and consumers.
Nearly half felt that men don't see a need to go to the dentist and about a third reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. Almost 18 percent noted that men just don't have the time for a dental visit, and about five percent felt that men don't even have a regular dentist.
While the AGD now reports this long-held trend is changing for the better, we are happy to report that men coming to our office already buck the trend.
"I would say at least half of my smile makeovers are for men," says Dr. Peter Rinaldi, a cosmetic specialist at Washington Center for Dentistry. "Male patients I see are high up on the career ladder or young men on their way up. They make sure they have the total package of grooming, fitness and a good, strong smile to complete the picture."
Dr. Rinaldi notes that men also do a lot of research about oral health and appearance-related dentistry.
"They are ready to whiten and get veneers to improve the shape, color and alignment of their teeth," says Dr. Rinaldi."And they leave our office looking a lot better."

Be well...Peter Rinaldi, DMD

 

If you feel like no matter how much you whiten your teeth, your smile still ages you, you are not alone. Many patients feel the same way, and we often remind them that it might be time to think about veneers.

Many of our patients experience a drastic difference in their appearance with veneers. With this porcelain application, we can control the color, position, shape and size of what will be your new teeth. That is why veneers offer the ultimate ability to achieve a dramatic smile change.

Ideal for correcting teeth that are crooked, discolored, worn or chipped, veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth. And since the two front teeth get shorter over time due to wear, veneers are most commonly placed over the front eight or 10 teeth to balance out the smile and give a natural, younger, look!

Peter Rinaldi, DMD

 

Now that we all are firmly committed to a new year dedicated to health, it seems appropriate to review the basics in oral care. And the question about how often to replace our toothbrush is definitely a #1 query among our patients.
The answer: Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you've been sick.

Here are other important tips:
* Floss daily
* Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (Fluoride can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.)
* Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine hygiene check-ups and cleanings.
* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth.
* If bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one.
* Brush properly - To clean the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper-and-lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum tissue.
* Spend at least three minutes brushing.
* Floss properly - Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other.

 

Now that we're entering a brand new decade of 2010--we're excited about the promise of a fulfilling and joyous year ahead.
At Washington Center for Dentistry, we welcome the challenge of creating an even healthier life in the years to come:
We invite you to join us in embracing Dr. Michael Roizen's "Eleven Steps to a Healthier You:"
1. Sleep at least seven hours a night to allow the cells to regenerate. Human growth hormone, secreted during sleep, is required to build new muscle and burn fat.
2. Eat breakfast every day to help your metabolism function efficiently, and prevent overeating later in the day. It also reduces the risk of obesity and related diseases.
3. Brush and floss at least two times a day. Gum disease can lead to heart disease. Bacteria from the gums can cause narrowing and hardening of the arteries.
4. Wear sunscreen every day. An SPF of 15 or higher will keep your skin smooth and wrinkle free and protect against harmful rays.
5. Nurture great friendships. A strong social network cuts stress and maintains a healthy immune system.
6. Get daily exercise. Exercise helps lower "bad" cholesterol and inhibits arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.
7. Have a glass of red wine every day. Drinking red or white wine - in moderation - has been found to protect against stroke, heart problems and some forms of cancer.
8. Get a pet. Pet owners, especially those with dogs, live longer than people who don't have pets.
9. Have sex at least three times a week. Sex relieves stress, reduces the risk of hypertension and boosts immunity.
10. Keep your lungs smoke-free! Smoking ages the heart and lungs. Quitting reverses the damage, giving lungs new life.
11. Laugh--several times a day! A good dose of laughter helps keep the immune system healthy.
Best of luck to all in 2010!

 

Have you ever wished you could schedule a routine dental check up without the stress of leaving work during your busy day?

And what about that new smile you dream about, but keep putting off, because there's just no way to take time out of the office?

Now you can have dental care on your own time.

We are pleased to announce new convenient early morning, evening and weekend appointment hours at the Washington Center for Dentistry.

Call or click NOW to set up a consultation or check up appointment.
202-509-9719 or info@washdent.com

Be well...judi