Diabetes and Your Mouth # 4 : Keep Plaque at Bay

Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Because developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month each February.

Now in its 63rd year, this month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.

Parents and teachers can help kids celebrate and learn more about the importance of a healthy smile. The ADA offers free downloadable information, kid-friendly oral health worksheets and games on MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s consumer website. Click on the For Kids tab on the left side of the page for a variety of age-appropriate activities, games and videos and presentations. There are also teaching guides that adults can use at home, in the classroom or in other community-based settings.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 3: See Your Dentist Regularly

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Don't turn your nose to Fido's or Fluffy's bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.

To address the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Click on the links below to learn more about  how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets. 

Test Yourself
How much do you know about your pet's dental health? Take our quiz to find out!

Watch
Dr. Sheldon Rubin gives easy, step-by-step instructions on how to teach a dog or cat to accept a daily tooth brushing. He also describes healthy treats, and explains the true risks of periodontal disease in pets. 

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it's completely preventable. Dr. Cindy Charlier explains what periodontal disease is and how we can prevent our pets from getting it.

To read the entire article visit AVMA.org.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

Oral Health for Senior Citizens

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental care for senior citizens.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 2: Control Diabetes to Keep Your Smile

Well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth. If you have poorly controlled or high blood sugar, your risk increases for dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, and fungal infections like thrush. Since infections can also make blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 6: Floss Every Day

Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com