While your Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, consistently perform oral cancer screenings during every dental exam at their Apple Valley dental clinic, it’s also important to note that seeing your dentist regularly significantly reduces your risk for heart disease – the largest killer in America.

Professional tooth scaling dental procedures were directly associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes in a study presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions in 2011.

Within this study, more than 100,000 people were followed for an average of seven years. Those individuals who were faithful to have their dental procedures and professional cleanings performed on a regular basis had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not have professional dental cleanings.
This American Heart Association study did not adjust for heart attack and stroke risk factors such as diet, weight or smoking. Doctors who helped run the study determined that professional tooth scaling dental services appear to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease or stoke.

So exactly how does visiting Dakota Dental Family Dentistry for your regular dental services and cleanings positively affect your heart health?

Well, the bacteria within the mouth can enter the bloodstream through the gums. This type of bacteria has also been found within artery plaque. So it’s possible that these bacteria adhere to the fatty plaques in the bloodstream and directly contribute to cardiovascular blockages.

Additionally, because inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection, it’s possible that as oral bacteria travels throughout the body, they trigger an inflammation-response, causing the blood cells to swell. This inflammation and swelling could narrow arteries and increase the risk of clots.

Researchers gathering data to better understand the underlying causes of disease are gathering more and more supporting information suggesting that many diseases such as heart disease and arthritis are linked to swelling and the body’s inflammatory response.

So come on in!

The caring staff at Dakota Dental Family Dentistry not only provides you with the professional dental procedures to have an absolutely beautiful smile, enjoy pain-free oral health, keep all of your teeth throughout your lifetime with added cardiovascular health benefits – we provide all of these dental services within a caring, non-stressful environment with your optimal comfort in mind.

The statistics related to oral cancer are very concerning …

• Around 37,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in America each year – about 100 people a day
• One person dies every hour from oral cancer
• On average, only 45% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will survive more than five years
• African-Americans are especially vulnerable; their incidence rate is 1/3 higher and the mortality rate is almost twice as high

Right about now, we need some good news …

The survival rate increases to about 90% if your dentist detects oral cancer early!

Oral cancer screening is always a regular part of your dental examination at Dakota Dental Family Dentistry. These regular dental procedures and check-ups including a professional examination of your entire mouth – including your lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard and soft palate by Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett are essential in detecting cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions at the earliest possible stage. It’s possible to have a very small, but life-threatening oral spot or sore and not even know it – oral cancer may not exhibit any other warning signs.

Recommendations regarding oral cancer from the American Cancer Society include:

Don’t smoke. Drink in moderation.

Even though not all oral cancers are preventable, tobacco and alcohol usage contribute to risk factors. Not starting to smoke is the best way to limit the risk of getting these cancers. Quitting tobacco also greatly lowers your risk of developing these cancers, even after many years of use. The same is true of heavy drinking. Limit how much alcohol you drink, if you drink at all.

Limit exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Ultraviolet radiation is an important and avoidable risk factor for cancer of the lips (as well as skin cancer.) Limit the time you spend outdoors during the middle of the day, when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. If you’re out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Wear properly fitted dentures.

Avoiding sources of oral irritation (such as dentures that don’t fit properly) may also lower your risk for oral cancer. (Your Dakota Dental Clinic is able to assist you in properly fitting your dentures.)

Eat a healthy diet.

The American Cancer Society recommends eating at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits every day. Choosing whole-grains instead of refined grains and eating fish, poultry or beans instead of processed meat can help lower your risk of cancer.

See your dentist twice a year for regular dental examinations.

Routine dental services including an examination of the entire mouth are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.

Fortunately, your Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental Clinic have the professional skill and tools to expertly (and painlessly) detect any indicators of oral cancers.

Schedule your routine check up and come in and see Dr. Shelley or Dr. Bennett for this vital, maybe even life-saving, examination.

In its 10^th consecutive year, the Give Kids A Smile program provides children from financially challenged families with needed dental work. Along with providing important dental services to those unable to afford it, the Give Kids A Smile program is effective in raising awareness of the challenges that disadvantaged families face in providing their children with needed dental care.

Services that the Dakota Dental team will donate for this charitable outreach program will vary from preventative oral health care, fluoride treatments, cleanings and sealants to restorative services such as fillings.

“Our Dakota Dental Clinic is honored to join with the Minnesota Dental Association and dentists across the state to make vital dental services available for every child.” said Dr. Wakefield. “Tooth decay is a serious problem – considered to be the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 50% of first graders in the United States. Sadly, it’s estimated that over 52 million school hours are missed annually due to oral health issues related to tooth decay.”

Along with providing dental services for the Give Kids A Smile program, Dr. Wakefield and Dr. Isabella speak to schools, parenting and church groups and other organizations within the community to advocate for proper oral health care and wellness.

Individuals interested in receiving free dental services through the Give Kids A smile program should be 18 years or younger and need to have a parent or legal guardian accompany them. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic at 952-431-5774.

Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry serves the southern Minneapolis/Saint Paul suburbs. Located in the Pennock Professional Building in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Dakota Dental Center provides comprehensive dental work including, but not limited to, preventative dental services, restorative dental procedures, dental implants, periodontal disease treatment, dentistry for kids, low anxiety dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dental emergency services.

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Dakota Dental

14682 Pennock Avenue

Apple Valley, MN 55124

952-431-5774

dakotadental.com

Dr. Shelley N. Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella

swakefield@dakotadental.com

According to a survey conducted by Opinion Corporation of Princeton, NJ, the four most popular resolutions include:

1)       Resolutions related to money

2)       Resolutions related to weight and improving appearance

3)       Resolutions related to self-improvement

4)       Resolutions related to relationships

And how do people fare at keeping their resolutions? Well, those statistics aren’t very encouraging …

• Only 8% of people are consistently successful in achieving their resolutions
• 19% achieve their resolutions every other year
• 49% have infrequent success
• 24% NEVER succeed and have failed on every resolution every year

This means that 3 out of 4 people almost never succeed at keeping their New Year’s resolution.

But wait! Don’t get discouraged. After reading these statistics your friends at Dakota Dental Center realized that we can help you keep the four most popular resolutions listed! Here’s how …

1)       Resolutions related to money

A recent American study determined that 75% of adults think that a nice smile is important to career success. So having your Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, perfect your smile, could possibly have a positive effect on your money related New Year’s resolutions.

Plus – Dakota Dental Family Dentistry is offering a teeth whitening special that will definitely save you money – helping you to maintain a larger bank account balance! Normally priced between $450-$475, our New Year’s resolution teeth whitening special let’s you brighten your smile for just $225-$250!

2)       Resolutions related to weight and improving appearance

This study determined that 94% of those polled said they are likely to notice a person’s smile when they meet them for the first time. Over one third agree that bad teeth overshadow the rest of a person’s appearance. This study also found that teeth are the number one facial feature that people would change. Your Dakota Dental Clinic can provide you with Invisalign and teeth whitening  dental services needed to improve your appearance with a beautiful smile!

3)       Resolutions related to self-improvement

Almost two-thirds (64%) surveyed agree that people with a nice smile are more outgoing. 77% think that having discolored teeth makes a person feel self conscious. 87% think a person’s smile is very important to their self esteem. When asked which facial characteristic they would change if they could, one in four adults (25%) would change their teeth/smile.  Dakota Dental’s teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry dental services can help you feel more confident and self assured with an attractive smile.

4)       Resolutions related to relationships

More than one half (71%) believe people with a nice smile make friends more easily. 84% think that an attractive smile is important for meeting Mister or Miss Right.

Dakota Dental’s safe and effective teeth whitening special can help you …

Get your smile bright to start the year off right!

As much as you’d like them to advise that along with brushing and flossing on these chilly winter nights, you include a hot buttered rum as well, your Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, say it is a mouth myth that drinking an alcoholic beverage has any beneficial value to your oral health.

It is a tooth truth that most antiplaque rinses and antimicrobial mouthwashes (like Listerine) contain alcohol, which does kills bacteria in the mouth. And yes, it is also a tooth truth that fewer bacteria does mean less plaque on your teeth. However, here’s the rest of the story …

Your saliva helps to protect your teeth from tooth decay and it turns out that alcohol has a drying effect within your mouth, which can remove the protection normally present by the production of saliva. Plus, alcoholic drinks (yup, this includes beer) tend to be high in sugars that can damage teeth. And those sweet wines and drinks concocted with sodas or citrus juices have high acidity which promotes erosion of tooth enamel.

If you’re starting to think that your Dakota Dental Family Dentistry friends are sounding a bit like Scrooge – ruining your holiday cheer, take heart! Here are a few simple tips to prevent damage to your pearly whites while you dream of a white Christmas …

• Always brush and floss well before going to bed (even if the office holiday party went into overtime and it’s really late!)

• Drink a full glass of water and swish to rehydrate your mouth after drinking an alcoholic beverage. (Probably a good idea to find a discrete way to do this.J)

• Stay away from alcohol within an hour of going to bed – your mouth naturally dries out while you sleep.

• Chew sugarless gum between holiday cocktails (and sweets) to help increase saliva production and flow, rinse away sugars and decrease the latent acid content of your mouth.

• Resolve this New Year to schedule those routine dental services and dental procedures to prevent oral disease and any dental work that you’ve been putting off.

With these helpful tips tucked in your holiday stocking, you’ll be able to enjoy some holiday cheer – responsibly and in moderation of course.

Your Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic wishes you a happy holiday season and great oral health!

With their extensive medical training, your caring Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, are knowledgeable and sensitive to the special needs and concerns of patients who have previously or are currently experiencing cancer treatment.

The dental and oral side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments can include:

*         Inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes
*         Painful mouth and gums
*         An increase in the risk of developing oral and systemic infections
*         Xerostomia (commonly called “dry mouth”), a condition in which saliva is thickened, reduced or absent
*         Rampant tooth decay
*         Burning, peeling or swelling tongue
*         Stiffness in the jaw
*         Impaired ability to eat, speak or swallow
*         Change in ability to taste
*         Poor diet because of problems with eating

Often times, patients will feel that they need to interrupt their important cancer treatments because of the discomfort to their teeth, gums, salivary glands and other oral tissues.

The helpful staff at Dakota Dental Clinic will work with the patient and oncologist to provide effective dental services that help to manage any oral side effects before, during and after cancer treatment to make the difficult process as comfortable as possible.

Some suggestions from your Apple Valley dentists include:

*         When possible, visit your Dakota Dental Center for a thorough dental checkup at least two weeks before treatment begins. At this visit, you can update your medical history with Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett and provide them with the contact info for the physician who is handling your cancer treatment.

*         During cancer treatment, continue to gently brush your teeth twice a day.

*         Use fluoride toothpaste and look for products that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

*         Patients who receive cancer treatment of the head and neck sometimes discover that they cannot tolerate the flavor of their regular toothpaste. If this happens, try another flavor that will not irritate mouth tissues.

*         Continue to gently floss once a day. If the gums are sore or bleeding in places, avoid those areas but continue to floss other teeth until the condition improves.

*         Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry may recommend a mouth rinse in addition to daily brushing. You also may be advised to use fluoride gel at home to help reduce the likelihood of tooth decay.

*         Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of baking soda and salt, followed by a plain water rinse. Use one-quarter teaspoon of baking soda and one-eighth teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. This is particularly helpful if you experience vomiting after cancer treatment.

*         If xerostomia (dry mouth) develops, your Apple Valley dentists may recommend a saliva replacement, available at pharmacies. Taking frequent sips of water, sucking on ice chips or sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar free gum may provide relief.

*         Eat a balanced diet. Soft, moist foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs are a good choice if your mouth is sore.

*         Avoid using tobacco and alcohol and schedule regular appointments at your Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic.

Going through a health crisis and treatment is a very challenging time in an individual’s life. The committed and caring staff at Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry will provide you with professional dental services and support to help you in your recovery.

In reality, it’s the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities, says Dr Isabella. What the bacteria do, however, is eat carbohydrates — and sugar is one of them. Rice, potatoes, bread, and fruits and vegetables are also carbohydrates.

When you eat anything with carbs, the bacteria become active and produce acid that then eats into your tooth.

“Once they do that, the bacteria now have a nice little hole to live in where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach,” Dr. Isabella says. The bacteria continue to metabolize carbs, produce acids, and your cavity just keeps getting bigger.

Also, it’s not the amount of carbohydrates you eat that causes tooth decay, but the length of time your teeth are exposed. If you eat a lot of carbs for lunch, that’s one big exposure. But if you spend the day sipping sugary drinks, that’s continuous exposure — and much more dangerous for your teeth.

“We have a saying,” Dr Isabella tells . “Sip all day and get decay.”

Untreated dental problems such as gum disease can contribute to various diseases and conditions. By allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream, gum disease can cause an infection in other parts of the body including the inner lining of the heart – a condition called endocarditis. Research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may all be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease. Gum disease in women has also been connected to premature birth and low birth weight. Research is also suggesting an association between poor oral health and diabetes, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease as well.

“Routine oral hygiene and preventative dental services are important on so many levels,” says Dr. Shelley Wakefield. “Good oral health enables individuals to eat in a healthy manner, speak properly, avoid painful dental and oral health problems, look good, feel confident about their appearance and also promotes overall good physical health. Good oral health is vital to an individual’s overall well-being and is very achievable with personal oral care and general dental services.”

The Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic suggests the following to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease which can lead to more serious health problems: brush and floss well and regularly, replace your toothbrush every three to four months, eat a healthy diet with limited snacks and schedule routine dental services to prevent oral disease.

Dr. Shelly Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella speak to school, scouting, parenting, and church groups and other organizations to promote an understanding of the importance of good oral health and wellness.

Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry serves the southern Minneapolis/Saint Paul suburbs. Located in the Pennock Professional Building in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Dakota Dental Center provides comprehensive dental work including, but not limited to, preventative dentistry services, restorative dental procedures, dental implants, periodontal disease treatment, dentistry for kids, low anxiety dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dental emergency services.

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Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
dakotadental.com

Dr. Shelley N. Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella

Closing Details: Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dentistry provides quality dental work in all areas of family dentistry while keeping patient comfort and satisfaction a top priority. Supplying all family dental services from preventative dental health care, pediatric dentistry, emergency dental services and general dental procedures. Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella are also awarded Preferred Providers for Invisalign and have been recognized for expertise in aesthetic cosmetic dentistry including veneers, bonding, professional teeth whitening and smile makeovers.

Summary: Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella, speak to community organizations to encourage an understanding of the importance of good oral healthcare and its positive effect on overall health and wellness.

Thanks for submitting your dental and oral health questions to Dakota Dental Family Dentistry at: http://www.dakotadental.com/ask-questions/.  Don’t forget to like us at Facebook

This week’s question is:

Is it a Tooth Truth or a Mouth Myth that flushing the toilet spreads germs that can contaminate your toothbrush?

Answer:

Your Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, report that this is a Tooth Truth.

Often people keep their toothbrush in a holder somewhere on their bathroom counter top. Although this is a handy spot, this convenience comes with a price. When the toilet is flushed, the bacteria within the toilet are aerosolized and can travel up to six feet, landing on your counter top, floor and your toothbrush.

Your Dakota Dental clinic suggests that you tuck your toothbrush in a medicine cabinet or drawer to keep it from accumulating bacteria. It’s also a very good idea to get into the habit of always closing the toilet lid before flushing in order to prevent the spreading of bacteria.

Just for giggles – and of course, bright healthy smiles – here are five additional hygienic toothbrush tips from your Dakota Dental Family Dentistry friends:

1.      Even though it may seem more hygienic (and maybe even a bit more civilized) to slide a nice little cover on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth, it actually is not a healthy practice. Moisture gets trapped within the toothbrush cap, keeps your toothbrush bristles from drying out and promotes bacterial growth.

2.      The caring staff at your Dakota Dental Center suggests that you replace your toothbrush after you have a bout of the flu, a cold or other viral infections. Notorious microbes like to implant themselves within your toothbrush bristles and can lead to re-infection.

3.      Think of proper toothbrush care as an important part of your personal oral hygiene. A worn toothbrush can’t adequately clean your teeth. Dakota Dental Family Dentistry suggests following the American Dental Association’s recommendation that you replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

4.      Make sure you’re brushing for an adequate amount of time! Your Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists remind you that it takes at least three minutes to adequately brush your teeth. Time yourself! Don’t cheat your teeth!

5.      Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Because bad breath related bacteria like to hide out within the many crevices of your tongue, it’s important to make brushing your tongue a routine part of brushing your teeth.

Even with the toilet lid down, a brand new toothbrush and your very best personal oral hygiene, it’s still very important to come in and see the caring and professional team at your Dakota Dental Clinic for routine dental cleaning and preventative dental procedures. These professional dental services are vital for good gum and dental health.

Tooth Truth or Mouth Myth?

“I’ve heard people say that they have ‘soft’ teeth and that’s why they tend to get a lot of cavities? Is there any truth in this statement?”

Okay, myth-bustin’ Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett, is this a Tooth Truth or a Mouth Myth?

Soft teeth are a Mouth Myth.

The Tooth Truth is that people do not have soft teeth. In fact, the enamel that covers the part of your teeth above the gum line is the hardest substance in your whole body – even harder than your bones!

Teeth are hard because of a crystal molecule they contain called “hydroxyapatite”. Hydroxyapatite is what makes teeth and bones resistant to bending or compressing. Your teeth are harder than your bones because the outer layer of enamel contains more hydroxyapatite than anything else in your body.

This hard tooth enamel is a non-living substance. Because it contains no living cells, your tooth enamel cannot repair damage from decay or from wear. Only a dentist can correct these problems with proper dental services.

It’s not tooth softness that causes cavities—in fact, cavities are formed when acid produced by bacteria dissolves your hard tooth enamel. This missing enamel creates a ‘soft spot’ in the tooth which is the cavity. But the tooth itself is not soft.

It’s true that some people can be more susceptible to cavities – but not because their teeth are soft. People may have more susceptibility to cavities because of a mix of genetics, what they eat, medical problems and medications they take. But even with these factors, it’s important to know that cavities are very preventable!

No one should resign themselves to the belief that they’re just destined to suffer from cavities and dental problems. Good oral hygiene habits and the preventative dental procedures provided by Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry work together to stop those ‘soft spots’ (A.K.A. cavities) from forming on teeth.

The caring and gentle, preventative dental work, general dental services and emergency dental treatment we provide may leave you with a ‘soft spot’ on your heart for your Dakota Dental Apple Valley dentists – but never a ‘soft spot’ on your teeth!

Don’t forget to schedule your next checkup 952-431-5774
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