Need a good laugh? We all do from time to time, especially as we age. I was reminded of this by the unfortunate passing of Robin Williams last month. The problem is that talking or writing about the health benefits of laughter is rarely funny in and of itself! Laughter is so important that many…
Year: 2014
What you need to know about Triclosan
Recently the news has been abuzz with reports about the purported health consequences of triclosan, an FDA approved antibacterial agent used in some of the Colgate toothpastes for years. I’m sure that Colgate’s’ competitors are having a “field day” with this development! I’ve even seen ads on TV touting products that specifically do not contain…
8 Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Kids From Using Chewing Tobacco
8 Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Kids From Using Chewing Tobacco Bill Tuttle was a major league baseball player who lost his battle with oral cancer in 1998 after a five-year struggle with the disease. A good friend and contemporary of Joe Garagiola, Bill endured five surgeries that resulted in his inability to…
10 Athletes Who Fought Oral Cancer
1.Tony Gwynn Recently the baseball world was saddened by the death of Tony Gwynn. only 54 when he lost his battle with oral cancer. Tony inspired fans for 20 years while playing for the Padres. This prompted me to research other athletes who may have had oral cancer and I was shocked by the names…
Three Ways That Modern Dentistry Can Help Improve Your Love Life!
Three Ways That Modern Dentistry Can Help Improve Your Love Life! Don’t believe it? Well, it’s true. There may even be more! I can think of at least three ways that modern dentistry could change your love life. I’ve seen it happen time and again. Here are the three ways that come immediately to mind: 1. Cosmetic…
15 Prescription Drugs That Can Lead to Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – and why you should be worried
Xerostomia (dry mouth), is a serious dental problem affecting millions of people. Saliva has antibacterial properties and when we don’t have enough of it we can suffer from increased tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, dry mouth makes it difficult for denture wearers to tolerate their appliances and affects our ability to taste the foods…
What is your dental health age?
I was reminded earlier today of a lesson I learned many years ago from a wonderful mentor I once had, Dr. Norman Schenk, one of my first employers. He taught me that much like our age in years, our age can be measured in dental health as well. For example, you could consider a youth…
Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Can You Pass This Simple Test?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most under-diagnosed and potentially most serious of all medical conditions. If untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and premature death. By taking this simple test below (the “STOP-BANG” questionnaire) you can determine if you are at risk for OSA. If so, speak with your…
Fluoridated water - why all the fuss?
When I read this morning that the city of Dallas, Texas was considering discontinuing fluoridating its public water supply I couldn’t believe my eyes! But it’s true! The city fathers want to save money ($1.8 million for a 3 year contract) by discontinuing the practice after nearly 50 years. Dallas would be the largest city…
How's your flossing technique?
I remember the first time I learned how to floss properly. It was while working as an associate many years ago in Southampton with Dr. Norman Schenk, one of my early mentors. He was a great man. Kind to everyone, even under the most trying of circumstances. It was embarrassing because I had already been…
