What's New...
Hi everyone! Well a lot has happened this fall in everyone's life and we all need to unite, take care of our families and loved ones, and get on with our lives. Dr MacKnight was on vacation in California during the terrorist attacks and he camped out in the airport for 13 hours but got home safely. Our prayers go out to all the victims in the recent attacks. GOD BLESS AMERICA!. Well, we have some good news : BOTH of our dental hygienists delivered healthy babies. Gina had a little girl, Carson Rae, 5lbs 5oz. Amy had a baby girl, Allison Michelle, 7lbs, 15 oz. And all are doing well.BOTH dental hygienists are back working again.. thank goodness things are back to normal! Thanks everyone for your patience and understanding during this unusual event of "Dual Pregnancies" in the hygiene department!! Fortunately, we were able to get substitute hygienists during 98% of the days they were off. Welcome back Gina and Amy!.. Diane's son, Michael, is now in the US Air Force flight school, learning to be a jet pilot. He is thrilled about this and we are all proud of him.. Jerrad, Marilyn's son was is a very serious car accident in July and was flown by Air Care to University Hospital. We are happy to report Jerrad has recovered and is doing fine. We were all praying for him. Dr. MacKnight's son is still in electrical engineering at Ohio University, and just recently turned 21!!. Congatulations to new parents: Amy and Bradley Riffle, baby boy, and Jack and Helen Hamon, first time grandparents, baby girl! |
Men's Oral Health
Why is oral health important? According to Men's Health Magazine and CNN, approximately one-third of American men have not had a dental checkup in the past year. This report found that men make 150 million fewer trips to the doctor than women because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. Men of all ages are more likely than women to have periodontal disease. A survey found that 34 % of males aged 30 - 54 had periodontitis, compared with 23% of females. And 56% of males at age 55 - 90 had periodontitis compared with 44% of females. Periodontal disease is a result of plaque and food which is not flossed or brushed off the teeth properly. This plaque hardens into a hard substance called calculus (or tartar) The calculus harbors bacteria which release toxins. The toxins breakdown gum tissues and bone, destroying the attachment tissue around the teeth. This eventually results in tooth loss. Symptoms are: bleeding gums, bad breath, red swollen gums, and loose or separating teeth. Periodontal disease has been linked as a risk factor to heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
Do you take medications? Since men are more likely to suffer heart attacks, they are also more likely to be on medications that cause dry mouth. If you take antidepressants, high blood pressure pills, water pills or other heart medications, your salivary flow could be reduced, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. A healthy flow of saliva can inhibit growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Do you use tobacco? If you smoke or chew tobacco, you increase the risk of oral cancer. Men are affected twice as much as women and 90% of oral cancer occurs after age 45. Over 8,000 people die of oral cancer every year. Dr. MacKnight does an oral cancer exam on every patient during your cleaning appointment and we have a new easy and painless way to test a suspicious spot to see if it is cancerous.
Do you play sports? If you play contact sports, you increase the risk of oral or dental injury. It is extremely important to wear a flexible, protective sports mouth guard. The stock kind you buy and heat up to fit provides limited protection, but a custom fitting mouth guard is the safest way to protect your teeth from injury. Ask us to make one for you or your children. They are affordable and a great investment, especially after a $4,000 orthodontic treatment! If you ride a motorcycle, please protect your teeth and your head with a helmet.
Do you drink soda pop? Soft drink consumption has become the leading cause of tooth decay. Tooth decay is epidemic in people who are "hooked" on the caffeine, the sugar, and the "burn" of certain soft drinks. The stronger the "burn", the stronger the acid. Acid and sugar are the two causes of tooth decay and guess what soft drinks contain???
Do you want to improve your "sex appeal"? Studies show one of the most important things the opposite sex notices in a guy is his smile and appearance of his teeth. It can be a turn on or turn off! We have some very effective tools in this area including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, teeth whitening, bad breath treatments, etc. Ask us for a consultation.
Here are some good oral hygiene tips for men:
1) Brush twice per day with a soft bristle brush and a fluoride toothpaste.
2) Floss before going to bed EVERY night.
3) Get regular checkups and cleanings twice each year, including oral cancer exams. If you have gum disease, get it treated. Don't ignore it!
4) If you smoke or chew tobacco, drink excessive soft drinks, or consume a lot of sweets, stop those destructive habits.
5) Ask us about improving your health and appearance with oral hygiene and diet instructions, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, bad breath treatments, and sports mouth guards.
Remember, God gave you one set of permanent teeth. Take care of them! |
