Prevention for the H1N1 Virus – Optimum Oral Hygiene Can Prevent Flu

According to the California Dental Hygienists’ Association, it is critical that the public see the link between oral health and flu prevention because the H1N1 virus spreads through respiratory system and mouth. The primary infection control goal is to prevent transmission of disease – that begins with the mouth. The link is: http://www.cdha.org/news/releases/H1N1flu-10-06-2009.pdf.

Teaching your kids to wash their hands frequently during flu season is a good idea, but brushing their teeth correctly could do more to prevent their actually coming down with a virus, says Dr. McConnell. “One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that children and teens can’t get gum disease,” he says. “But, in fact, they can, and just as with adults, gum disease can lead to illness in other parts of the body, including flu, pneumonia, chronic colds, sinusitis and ear infections.”

Dr. McConnell shares his tips for teaching your kids flu-preventing oral hygiene techniques that parents can also use for their own benefit:

· Wash your hands thoroughly before practicing oral hygiene.
· Floss daily.
· Brush twice a day for two minutes focusing on the gum-line. Brush your tongue – it collects bacteria too.
· Use good products. Sonicare toothbrushes and WaterPik dental water jets are excellent, the latter of which is especially good for kids with braces.
· Visit your dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and check-up.
· Air-dry your toothbrush in an upright position after using to allow bacteria to die when exposed to oxygen.
· Replace your toothbrush at least every season. If you’ve been sick, replace it as soon as your illness is on the mend to prevent reinfection.
· Never share your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash or toothbrush holder.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Children’s Sonicare® Toothbrush

Sonicare® is offering a new solution to implementing good oral hygiene routines for children. The new Sonicare® For Kids comes with 2 brush heads: one for 4-7 years, and one for 7-10 years. Music plays when it is time to brush the next quadrant and also when time is up. With every use the time increases 1/3 of a second so when they have reached 90 days of use, they will be brushing for 2 minutes.

The Sonicare® For Kids toothbrush remove more plaque than a regular toothbrush, and are clinically proven to help reduce gingivitis, while remaining gentle on gums and braces.

For more information on the Sonicare® family, visit www.sonicare.com.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

The Latest in Athletic Performance Mouthguards

Under Armour now has a new item to offer the world to achieve optimum athletic performance other than their comfortable high performance clothing.

The newest addition to their family of products, Under Armour Performance Mouthwear has been engineered to unlock your power and potential. It’s all in you, but blocked by one of the human body’s instinctive reflex systems – teeth clenching.

When you train and compete, your natural reaction is to clench your jaw. It is part of the “fight or flight” wiring of your brain. Your clenched jaw and teeth compress your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), triggering the release of excess amounts of performance-sapping hormones (like cortisol) that produce stress, fatigue and distraction.

Patented ArmourBite Technology prevents your teeth from clenching and pivots your jaw forward to relieve pressure on the TMJ. Gone are the excess negative hormones and the energy-draining effects, so the body can now unleash its full potential.

For more information on this excellent support in achieving athletic success, or to find an authorized UA Dental provider near you, visit the UnderArmour Website.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Dental Sealants

Do you or your children have deep grooves on your teeth? Dental sealants are used to fill in deep grooves and pits in order to minimize cavities in these hard to brush and clean areas. Fortunately, this not invasive procedure does not require anesthetic, and may save you time and money in the future by preventing cavities.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Dental Intraoral Images – “Tooth Tour”

Everyone who has been seen by a Dentist or a Hygienist before has had their mouth examined. But have you even been given the opportunity to see what they see? With modern technology, there is now a digital camera that is so small – the size of a toothbrush – that is used by Dentists and Hygienists to take images of your teeth and gums for you to be able to see! This allows you to play an equal part in deciding what dental treatment that has been diagnosed is best for you.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. If you would like to find out more about digital imaging, or for more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Children’s Dental Health

Cavity prevention is not the only concern parents should have when considering their children’s oral health. Recent studies show that periodontal disease continues to plague millions of Americans, including children.

Many parents wonder when their children should begin to see a dentist. Usually around the age of 2, or when your child has all of their primary teeth (approximately 20 teeth), this is a good time to make an appointment for a first visit to your family dentist
The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life.
For more information on children’s oral health, visit www.adha.org/oralhealth/children.htm

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

The Oral Systemic Link – Gum Health and Diabetes

Periodontal disease is often referred to as the sixth long-term complication of diabetes People with diabetes are much more susceptible to periodontal disease and once it is established in a diabetic patient, then glycemic control is complicated from the constant supply of bacteria that sit at the bottom of gum pockets and produce chronic low grade inflammation throughout the body.

In addition to seeing your physician, regular visits to your dental hygienist is key to stabilizing gum infection. Different types of treatment may be recommended for patients who have active gum infection that is uncontrolled with regular cleanings and home care. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene on a daily basis is also important to reduce oral bacteria that causes gum infection, making it easier for your body to have good control over blood sugar levels.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Biotene Oral Healthcare Products

Dry Mouth is a condition known as Xerostomia. It can be caused by medications, disease, radiation, illness, aging, or even stress. In addition to having difficulties speaking and swallowing, consistent dry mouth can result in an increase in cavities, plaque, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and other oral irritations.
Biotene products are specifically designed for people with Dry Mouth. The mouthwashes are alcohol free. The toothpastes contain gentle, low foaming formulas. And, Biotene products contain an enzyme & protein system that is designed to supplement your saliva’s natural defenses. Biotene comes in a variety of different forms, including toothpaste, mouthwash, spray, gel, gum, and liquid.

For more information on Biotene, visit www.Biotene.com.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Digital X-rays – Better for Your Health AND the Environment!

With the worlds’ current environmental concerns, many Dental and Medical professionals are transforming their offices to be able to provide digital x-rays for their patients. “Going digital” benefits everyone involved. This new x-ray technology uses approximately 90% less radiation – which is excellent news for patients. There is no hazardous waste with processing materials and solutions – which is beneficial for the environment and medical and dental staff. X-rays are less time consuming, being that there is no processing time, and the images are visible on the computer monitor within seconds.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. If digital x-rays interest you, or for more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Veneers

Many people dream of a brighter, broader, more symmetrical smile. Dental veneers and bonding are used to repair damage from decay and fractures, or to simply make your teeth look better. Bonding is used to restore damaged teeth to bring back the smile of your youth, or to create the naturally beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Other ways veneers and bonging is used include:

- Close spaces between teeth
- Lengthen or reshape teeth
- Disguise misaligned teeth
- Whiten stained or darkened teeth
- Whiten naturally beautiful teeth
- Repair chips, decay and damage
- Rebuild worn teeth
- Protect teeth from damage
- Replace old crowns and metal fillings
- Restore teeth to their original appearance
- Restore ideal shape for proper health and function

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on veneers and bonding, or how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: www.CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Next Page »