Articles
September 2009
JOIN OUR OFFICE IN "GOING GREEN"
On visits to our dental office you may have noticed that we no longer use "paper" charts to record your dental treatment. Our office has gradually converted to a paperless system where we enter all of your treatment, including digital x-rays, into our computer system. This not only saves us time and helps us work more efficiently, but we have the added benefit of knowing that we are doing our part in saving paper (trees) and reducing the amount of waste in landfills.
All of us need to be good stewards of the Earth. We should ask ourselves if we are doing everything we can, in our homes and communities, to leave the Earth better than when we found it, for future generations. There are many things that we can do to renew and reuse sustainable resources. One of the easiest things is to recycle. Did you know that 70% of material found in landfills is recyclable? Today recycling is easier than ever. There are recycling centers found adjacent to schools, grocery centers and even separate recycling centers that are happy to accept glass, plastic, cardboard, newspapers, and other paper products. Our office is doing its part by recycling those items. Each week we break down our supply boxes, plastic bottles and containers. Employees at our office take turns at loading up and taking recyclables to the local recycling center.
Other things that can help us as a community to "go green" is to use energy efficient light bulbs, compost leaves and grass cuttings, have a programmable thermostat in our homes, drive hybrid cars, or even as one employee's husband does... ride a bicycle to work.
We hope this will give you a few ideas on how to help conserve our natural resources. After all, the Earth is not given to us by our parents... instead it is on loan to us from our children.
July, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. MABRY
Dr. Don Mabry has been voted Hometown Favorite Dentist for 2009 by readers of the local press. THANK YOU to the community. Drs. Mabry, Rehder and Akhrass welcome new patients. We thank our patients for their many referrals to family and friends.
March, 2009
NUTRITION AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Most people know that nutrition plays an important role in their overall health, but it can also have an effect on dental health as well. People with poor diets lack crucial nutrients that help the body to fight off infections, and unbalanced diets can have a negative impact on periodontal health. Too much sugar, trans-fat, and sodium lead to tooth decay and poor periodontal health. The following nutrients have been shown to have a possible positive effect on periodontal diseases, but they are in no way a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.
LACTIC ACID AND CALCIUM A recent study found that people who consume 55 or more grams of foods containing lactic acid have a lower instance of gum disease. Lactic acid is found in many dairy foods, which also contain calcium that can help keep the jaw bone strong. The American Dietetic Association recommends that adults consume at least three servings of calcium per day.
VITAMIN C Many people take Vitamin C to ward off colds, but it may also help prevent gum disease. One study suggests that consuming less than the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C per day may increase a person’s risk for gum diseases. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C is 60 mg per day, or about one orange.
VITAMIN D Vitamin D is found in foods such as eggs, sardines, tuna fish, and vitamin D-fortified milk. Our bodies also produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun. With more people avoiding exposure to the sun by wearing sunscreen and limiting their time outdoors, it may be more important to get Vitamin D through our diets. Vitamin D can help lessen the inflammation associated by periodontal disease.
Remember, having a healthy body includes having a healthy mouth!
FEBRUARY, 2009
My Valentine, My Valentine, treasure your smile. Good teeth and strong gums will promote general health So see your Dentist often, just give them a dial “Cuz” dental care, my love, will ALWAYS add to your wealth.
Mounting research continues to show that gum disease may have an effect on several health conditions. Complications from this chronic bacterial infection (gum disease) have been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-term birth, osteoporosis and even pneumonia.
Since 1 in 2 adults over the age of 30 are affected with some level of gum disease, it is important to understand the mouth/body connection.
The biofilm & plaque that form on the teeth is a dense, slimy matrix of bacterial species. The longer the bacteria remain undisturbed, the more toxic they become. The toxins and enzymes that the bacteria release damage the tissues that support the teeth. In the early stages, gum disease is often painless, but frequently people will notice the gums bleed when they brush or floss. Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth is also a common complaint.
Gum disease (periodontitis, gingivitis) is linked to letting these toxic germs gain access to the vascular system, or when inhaled, to the lungs. However, the good news is that it is treatable and the earlier you diagnose and treat, the better the outcome. The dental professionals at Mabry, Rehder & Akhrass, DDS will assess the health of your gums and make individual recommendation. So don’t delay, give us a call today (865) 986-0842.
Tooth Whitening (March 2008)
Most of us would like to have a whiter smile. Today there are may bleaching (whitening) options. Choices range from high concentration in office bleaching, lower concentration at-home bleaching, and over the counter (OTC) products. While bleaching is the quickest and most cost-effective way of obtaining a whiter smile, it can be confusing to choose the best method with so many options available.
The most important and first step in any procedure is to seek the advice of your Dentist for a thorough examination, assessment and recommendation. This visit will result in the whitest smile possible by making sure that your mouth and teeth are healthy, and any oral heal problems are addressed prior to beginning the bleaching process. The recommendation your Dentist makes for bleaching will depend on your personal needs such as time, cost, and the type of fillings or dental work you presently have, including tooth colored fillings or crowns. Only natural teeth respond to bleaching agents.
Bleaching will continue to provide an excellent, safe and cost-effective way to improve your smile. Your Dentist will determine which of your teeth will whiten, and the best product for your individual needs.
Most important to having an attractive and healthy smile is to see your Dentist on a regular basis to maximize your oral health and maintain your smile!
Digital Dental X-Rays (July 2008)
Digital radiographs are one of the newest x-ray techniques around. With digital radiographs, film is replaced with a flat electronic pad or sensor. A small sensor is placed in the mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. X-rays hit the sensor in the same way they would hit film. The image is electronically sent directly to a computer where it then appears on screen. The image can then be stored on the computer or printed out.
The digital x-ray system is more sensitive than dental x-ray film systems, so your exposure to x-rays is cut by greater than 80%. The large, color-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees; you are able to better understand what type of treatment your dentist can provide. Some benefits of using digital x-rays include not having to pay for photo chemicals, film storage as part of your fees. Another benefit is that you're going "green" - you're not polluting the environment by having used photo chemicals and film left over. Digital x-rays are an amazing new way to provide better check-ups and also a fun way of watching how this new technology works.
New Technology Means Less Discomfort
Electric Handpiece (drill) July 2008
In keeping pace with technology, our doctors use electric drills during patient treatments. These handpieces are much quieter and allow smoother cutting of the teeth. Treatment with electric handpieces is less invasive, puts less stress on healthy tooth structure, and results in less post-op pain or discomfort. For the patient, this means measurable less pain in most cases.
Favorite Hometown Dentist (July 2008)
Dr's. Mabry, Rehder & Akhrass were chosen by the community as the Hometown Favorite Dental Practice for 2008. Thank you for your vote of confidence. We welcome new patients and invite you to contact our office at 865-986-0842 for further information or to schedule an appointment.
Sealants (August 2008)
Sealants are easy for the dentist or hygienist to apply and only takes a few minutes. The teeth to be sealed are cleaned and the chewing surface is roughened with a solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant material is "painted" onto the tooth enamel where it bonds to the tooth and hardens. Sealants hold up well under the force of chewing and routinely last several years before reapplication is needed. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface is protected from decay. Development of pit and fissure decay begins early in life so children and teenagers are the most likely candidates for sealants, but adults can benefit from sealants as well.
Links
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is at work in communities all across the country providing programs aimed at reducing the risk of cancer, detecting cancer as early as possible, ensuring proper treatment, and empowering people facing cancer to cope and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
www.cancer.org
Tennessee Dental Association
We are a membership organization of Tennessee dentists and part of a tripartite organization along with the American Dental Association and our nine component societies.
www.tenndental.org
Vizilite Patient Information
The ViziLite Plus exam can help your dentist or hygienist identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
http://www.vizilite.com/patient_site/