I Love You, Gums! Gum Disease Awareness Month

Have you heard? February is Gum Disease Awareness Month.  Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may be a familiar term for you, while for others it may sound a bit scary. An infection of the tissue and bones that support your teeth, gum disease impacts nearly 85% of adults in the U.S.  The good news is that it is quite treatable, especially when caught early.  Preventative care can be as simple as choosing the right toothbrush, brushing twice and flossing once daily, monitoring sugar intake, and keeping up with regular dental check ups. Left unchecked, however, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health complications.  If you are experiencing bleeding when brushing or flossing, it’s crucial that you mention that to  Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos.  They will have a treatment plan for you to take care of your gums while you take care of your teeth.  And while we are on the topic, when was the last time you truly appreciated your gums?  Since February is also when another holiday takes place…perhaps you’ve heard of this one…Valentine’s Day? We decided it was time to share the love with your gums!

 

Dear Gums,

It hurts to chew and my breath stinks! 

Why do I ignore you when I’m not at the sink?  

I vow that I will brush and floss every day.  

Oh gums, please do not take my teeth away!

I love you!

XOXO

 

 

Dear Gums,

The red I see, it must mean true love.  

Oh dear, I think it is actually blood.

I must call Dr. K and Dr. B at FDA, quick!

With their compassionate care, they will know just the trick.  

Phew! Thank goodness, I still have a chance, 

to treat you right, gums, and continue this dance.  

Thank you, Gums!  

XXOO

 

 

Dear Gums,

Diabetes and heart disease…oh my!

I didn’t know you were with those guys.

 

When I neglect you, I see it impacts my health.

Not just my teeth, but my whole body’s wealth.

 

I promise to be tender, I promise to be true. 

I’ll eat more apples, I do love to chew.

 

I quit smoking, and now I know what to drink:

Water! To hydrate and to help me think.

 

Being healthy, that’s what I’m all about.

Oral care, it’s about more than just my mouth.

 

Gums, let’s go steady!

XXOO

 

 

This February, show your gums the love they deserve!  Keep up with your oral health care routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and come see us for your regular check ups.  Our line is always open for questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment  – 207.781.5900.  Our mission is to give you the best dental care possible so your beautiful teeth and gums shine! Because we love to make you smile! XOXO 🙂 

 

Images courtesy of 123RF.com, virtualvocations.com, webmd.com

 

 

Children’s Dental Health Month: 3 Tips to Help Your Kids Have Healthy Habits

It’s that time of year again…National Children’s Dental Health Month!  We love this month-long health observance because it is all about promoting the benefits of good oral health to kids!  Our team of caring healthcare professionals is here to help you get your kids set up with some healthy habits this month and every month…it can be as easy as ABC! Here are our top 3 tips:

A is for Apple!

Help your kids make good choices when snacking; it will not only help keep their bodies healthy but their mouths too!  For example, people don’t call apples nature’s toothbrush for nothing!  These tasty treats can stimulate your gums, reduce cavity-causing bacteria and increase saliva flow.  Plus, perhaps you’ve heard us say it before…eating a nutritious diet is a vital part of oral health!  Stock up your pantry with things like apples, carrots, almonds, yogurt, and cheese…these snacks are full of mouth-happy nutrients and fiber.  

B is for Brushing Tips! 

Parents often have a lot of questions about how to get started with an oral health care routine.  You can start gently brushing your child’s teeth when they first appear with a soft-bristled brush and a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.  Once your child is over the age of 3, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  There are lots of silly toothbrush choices and fun-flavored toothpastes you kids can incorporate into their oral care.  Let them pick a brush that excites them!  And don’t forget to floss!  Once your child has teeth next to each other, it’s time to floss between them.  As with brushing, be gentle as you introduce floss into the routine.

You are their best teacher and best example.  Show your kids how you brush and floss each day and it will surely inspire them.  Whenever you have questions or concerns, please call us!  Our hygienists love to educate kids and help them set up their oral health care routines!

C is for Creativity!

There are lots of ways to make brushing twice a day fun for your kids, so get creative!  Throw a bathroom dance party!  Play some fun tunes about brushing teeth!  Pretend your child is a dinosaur or a hippopotamus with a lot of teeth to brush!  Or perhaps your child is an ice queen and she needs to “freeze” each tooth with her magic wand (aka toothbrush)!  Or just put on some sunglasses and get brushing because everyone looks cool when they wear sunglasses.  The possibilities are truly endless.  When you flex your creative muscles and make oral care fun rather than just a dreaded chore, you’re helping your kids set up healthy habits for life.

 

If you have questions about your child’s oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.  Happy, healthy smiles are for everyone at every age!

 

Image courtesy of fand19 on vectorstock.com