Wellness Posts by Debbie Carroll

Top 10 Dental Mistakes to Avoid

2009-03-13T19:55:29Z

Wellness.com - Top 10 Dental Mistakes to Avoid by Debbie Carroll

A beautiful smile certainly speaks for you. One of the first things that people will notice about you is your smile. A recent study even revealed that those with a beautiful smile are perceived as more successful, intelligent, interesting, wealthy, attractive and popular with the opposite sex. As many people are looking for new jobs or to advance in their current job in this economy, a clean and confident smile can certainly make a difference and can truly help you live your best life.
Dr. Catrise Austin, an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) member and author of the soon to be released book "5 Steps to an A-List Smile" (Morgan James Publishing) says "Oftentimes people tend to underestimate the importance of dental health and the power of a smile. Some of my clients and people I meet in public feel that they can take their smiles in their own hands and avoid going to the dentist. This is a terrible mistake and can cost you not only your smile, but your overall health and quality of life". As a result, Dr. Austin has come up with her 'Top 10 List of Common Dental Mistakes' that we all should avoid to maintain a healthy and attractive smile.

Dr. Austin's Top 10 List of Common Dental Mistakes to avoid in 2009 are:

10. Sticking with a dentist/dental office that you don't enjoy visiting twice a year
9. Trying home remedies such as attempting to whiten your own teeth with "real" bleach or using crazy clue to mend broken dentures, fillings, and teeth.
8. Not getting enough or any fluoride in your system to fight cavities
7. Not paying attention to the hidden sugar in your food and drinks
6. Using a hard or medium bristled toothbrush in hopes of getting better cleaning results
5. Trying to mask bad breath with gum, mints, or tongue strips
4. Not brushing your teeth before you go to bed
3. Dare think that you can skip flossing everyday
2. Avoid dental treatment because your dental insurance company told you that you couldn't get it done because of THEIR rules and policies.
1. Saying to yourself, "My teeth are fine. I don't need to see a dentist".

Dr. Austin recommends brushing 2-3 times a day with a soft bristled or electric toothbrush to fight bacteria and preserve the enamel on your tooth. She advises that flossing is equally as important as brushing and both must be done at home regularly between dental visits. Visiting a dental hygienist and dentist team, every six months or as scheduled, is vital in maintaining cavity free teeth and gums. In addition to daily care and visiting a dentist-hygienist dental team, total oral health requires proper nutritional habits. The truth is, early gum disease and beginner cavities are silent and painless. If left untreated, gum disease and cavities can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and other health problems. Many dental offices today are comfortable and even have spa like amenities to make the visit more pleasant than once viewed in the past. Finding the right dental team that is not only skilled, but care about your health is critical. Dr. Austin pleads with all to avoid home remedies that can be harmful to your health. She recommends asking someone you trust for a recommendation for a dentist if you don't have or like your current dental home.

Take charge of your dental health today. This is the year of CHANGE. If you've been guilty of putting off your next dental exam and professional cleaning, consider visiting your dentist team this New Year.

Debbie Carroll, National Marketing Director for AmeriPlan USA. Visit www.1st-discount-dental.com to save money on all your dental needs.

Preserving Your Pretty Smile!

2009-02-27T18:58:23Z

Wellness.com - Preserving Your Pretty Smile! by Debbie Carroll

There are two ingredients to preserve your pretty smile: good personal hygiene and regular professional care. The first is in the hands of the individual or the parents of children. Brushing, flossing, a healthful diet, and avoidance of habits such as the use of tobacco products or drinking alcoholic beverages to excess will improve your smile. Secondly, regular professional care by a dentist and their team of trained health professionals.

Regular professional care is important for many reasons. The dentist can diagnose oral disease conditions before complications develop and while they can be treated easily with effective and economical care. Cavities and gum disease are the most common, but there are a host of oral conditions that the dentist can also detect. Additionally, many serious health conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, diseases of the skin and bone, and others may be noticed first in the mouth. When such conditions are noted, the dentist can take appropriate steps. Today, gum disease has been found to be associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pre-term delivery of infants.

The dentist and hygienist can educate their client in achieving good oral health by providing diet recommendations and specialized prevention instructions. Supplemental fluoride may be indicated, particularly for children or adults with specific disease conditions. Tooth whitening, teeth straightening (orthodontics), and restoration of missing or disfigured teeth can be provided.

There are great psychological benefits to a healthy and winning smile. Everyone who has had his or her teeth cleaned can remember that great just-cleaned feeling. Those who possess a winning smile enjoy the confidence that this provides.

We have the highest quality of dental care in the world. The Commission on Dental Accreditation reviews dental schools and dental residency programs to ensure that the quality of education meets high standards. State dental boards grant licensure after demonstration of clinical competence and then hold dentists to continuing education requirements to ensure continuing competency.

Many people deny themselves and their families these benefits by failing to get regular care. It may be due to the high cost of dental care or lack of a cost effective insurance program, perhaps out of fear about dental care or because of financial challenges.

Advances in dental practice have eliminated many of the factors that used to cause dental fear. Your compassionate dentist can help you overcome lingering anxiety with the methods of modern dentistry.

Financial challenges can be lessened through AmeriPlan dental plans and good dental hygiene. Ameriplan Dental and Health provides a solution to the high cost of dental care. Clients can save up to 80% off the cost of preventive dental care and can expect to save over $200 on exams, x-rays and cleaning. Ameriplan has made dental care affordable to the masses.

Take a moment to go to my website www.1st-discount-dental.com and request a copy of my FREE Report "Dental Insurance is a Rip-OFF."

Debbi Carroll, the author, is a benefits consultant who helps individuals, families, and small business owners cut their dental and medical costs with AmeriPlan Dental and Health Plans.

Gum Disease is a Risk Factor for Heart Disease

2009-02-27T18:39:56Z

Wellness.com - Gum Disease is a Risk Factor for Heart Disease by Debbie Carroll

More than 75% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of dental gum disease. Dental gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Most people know little about dental gum disease or how to prevent it.

Studies have shown that dental gum disease can cause heart disease. Gum disease is now considered a risk factor for heart disease. Doctors and dentists believe that gum disease from not brushing or flossing causes a clot which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Certain dental bacteria can also cause the same problems.

In May of 2000, the Surgeon's General report labeled Americans bad oral health as a "silent epidemic" and called for a national effort to improve oral health in Americans.

The good news is that in most people gum disease is preventable. Attention to everyday brushing and flossing, coupled with professional cleanings twice a year, could be all that's needed to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease affects the tissues that support and hold in the teeth. If not treated the person can lose their teeth and parts of their jaw.

Signs of Gum Disease?

- Gum recession

- Bleeding gums

- Swollen or tender gums

- Bad breath Red gums

- Loose teeth

Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, diabetes, family history, having certain bacteria in your mouth or having a spouse with gum disease. There is some evidence that gum disease may be transmissable.

How do they treat it?

In the initial stages with gum disease, it can usually be treated by removing plaque and tartar. The inflamed gums around a tooth usually heal quickly.

More serious cases of gum disease may require dental surgery to remove plaque, tartar, and infected gum tissue. If an infection is present, treated with antibiotics is indicated.

Gum disease is easily treated with the proper dental care. The gums usually heal quickly and resume their normal shape and function. Even in cases where surgery is necessary the end results are usually successful.

How can I prevent it?

Most forms of gum disease can be prevented with good dental hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing are sufficient to prevent most cases of gum disease. Tartar control toothpastes can help prevent the formation of tartar.

Regular visits to the dentist and twice a year cleanings can prevent gum disease. The cost of annual check-ups and cleanings to prevent gum disease in the long run will save Americans money.

Many Americans have found that they can save up to 80% on their routine care utilizing a fee-for-service discount dental plan through AmeriPlan USA.

AmeriPlan® Corporation is the nation's premier Discount Medical Plan Organization. They have saved their members hundreds of millions of dollars.

-

Debbi Carroll, RN is is a National Sales Director for AmeriPlan USA. The Dental Plus program includes dental, vision, prescription and chiropractic benefits. Plans start at $14.95 for an individual and $19.95 for an entire family www.dentalplanswork.com