Stuart’s Blog

Do you think they inject Omega-3 fatty acids into every one of those eggs?

Surprise! Actually, they alter the chickens’ feed – often with pleasant tasting ground flaxseed which is higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and lower in saturated fatty acids than other grains.

Cold water fish like herring, mackerel, and salmon are superior sources of Omega-3, but all sources, according to research, can be beneficial to your health. One caveat, though – if you opt for supplements, Omega-3s have blood-thinning potential and can interact with medications.

Did you know that Omega-3s may prevent soft tissue and bone loss associated with gum disease? Not only that, but research also suggests they may…

• improve cardiovascular health
• help brain function
• protect expectant mothers against post-partum depression
• diminish joint inflammation.

Eggscellent!

Worldwide, close to 400,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. If diagnosed early, oral cancer can be highly curable, and now research has provided another clue. Chronic gum disease in men may increase their risk of tongue cancer!

Even after adjusting for smoking, age, and the number of teeth, each millimeter of bone loss due to gum disease was associated with more than five times the increase in the risk of tongue cancer.

This is interesting because today more than 25% of oral cancer victims are young adults who have none of the usual risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol use, diabetes, or HIV.

Viruses and bacteria in gum tissues could be toxic to surrounding cells, or could indirectly contribute to cancer through inflammation. Please have regular periodontal and oral cancer exams.

You don’t have to assume that chronological ageing will dramatically alter your smile. After all, as your dental team, we’re committed to helping you maintain your oral health and most attractive appearance. But you can help by becoming aware of and managing factors in your own environment.

• Toothbrush abrasion from brushing incorrectly or with too much pressure is common and can lead to receding gums, exposed roots, and exposed yellow dentin due to thinning enamel, plus sensitive teeth, cavities, and tooth loss.
• Substituting unsafe objects like earrings, forks, and needles for dental floss can damage your gums. Frankly, toothpicks are also potentially hazardous.
• Sugary acidic drinks and sports beverages can erode enamel and create an incubating environment for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Teeth grinding and clenching can crack and wear teeth and restorations and damage gums and cheeks.
• Smoking is the single major preventable risk factor for gum disease. It also depletes Vitamin C which is preventive. Even exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with a 50-60% increased risk for developing disease.
• Untreated periodontal diseases which are infections of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar (jaw) bone can destroy the appearance and health of the gums and bone and lead to tooth loss.

We can’t stop the ageing process, and maintaining your beautiful and youthful smile is really a lifetime commitment. But with good care, you can keep a healthy, younger-looking smile … for decades.

Dental Health Is Worth It!

Study after study shows that a nice smile is important to how others perceive you. So we’re totally on board when you want cosmetic dentistry.

We’d like to remind you though, that whether you’re considering whitening, veneers, or restorations like crowns or implants, you need strong teeth or bones and healthy gums to get your most attractive – and lasting – outcome.

Brush, floss, and rinse to banish gum disease!

Early disease includes gums that…

• are red, swollen, and tender
• bleed when you brush and floss
• generate bad breath.

If left untreated gum disease can …

• progress to inflammation and chronic infections.

That can lead to …

• the loss of teeth, gum, connective tissues, and the underlying jawbone.

Let’s optimize your oral health and maximize your cosmetic results!

Washington DC goes to Stuart Ross for the best cosmetic dental care. Look at our website for more information.