tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4252643401422406562024-03-05T02:03:11.634-08:00Dr. Bob's Blog"Creating Healthy Smiles to Last a Lifetime" is our commitment to your health. Dr. Bob's Blog is a place where patients and friends can find answers to their questions on dentistry. We will provide you with the latest dental news and updates from the office. We value your opinion! Please feel free to leave comments for us on how to improve our website, our blog and our service. Thank you for visiting Dr. Bob's Blog.Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-10139916772198606252018-09-06T16:04:00.000-07:002018-09-06T16:04:21.781-07:00Electrical or Manual Toothbrush: Which is Better?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUmx_9kW-O0VHd3EQYCiX4fhB5Ocljdnzb53DEk639aJZzq7aM-6iejtGYMlmFHLjymencq_mlY0LG9gvlat-9dKzllw1lub7r_TDasImGryKcNH-Doae1brIp3N5jO3AgKujw7r18gr6/s1600/toothbrush-comparison-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1229" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUmx_9kW-O0VHd3EQYCiX4fhB5Ocljdnzb53DEk639aJZzq7aM-6iejtGYMlmFHLjymencq_mlY0LG9gvlat-9dKzllw1lub7r_TDasImGryKcNH-Doae1brIp3N5jO3AgKujw7r18gr6/s320/toothbrush-comparison-100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is one of our most frequently asked questions! Our answer? It’s not the brush that matters, it’s who’s doing the brushing. Let’s break that down.<br />
<br />
The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis, so that we prevent the buildup of tartar which leads to tooth decay. A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars.<br />
<br />
For some people, it can be difficult to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some form of motor disability or arthritis may find it easier using an electric toothbrush. An electric brush can also be helpful for kids or patients with braces. Anyone can benefit from an electric toothbrush and many of our patients prefer to use one, they say their teeth just feel cleaner after brushing with an electric toothbrush. <br />
<br />
The same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. One advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those people who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush. At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!<br />
<br />
P.S. We have the Oral B Professional electric toothbrush in our office available for purchase. If you're interested, ask us to give you a demo next time you are in for an appointment, or call us anytime at <b>541-343-8527.</b>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-51856832727729934332018-07-19T14:06:00.003-07:002018-07-19T14:06:38.242-07:00Proper Brushing FAQs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k6m-6D39ysFGK2bZ-uCOF6-5z4TQJQTYXYcUctXojhuuKsdzQNraIs1FuDlOCEIONFaZxWbuR-k5i_LuJA6KxdnjBXqlPqEjIBY-uI1y-sktOnRGJDqyYaaDm3D8yTxt2Mozqv1mWHfc/s1600/Proper-Brushing-FAQ-1201x603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1201" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k6m-6D39ysFGK2bZ-uCOF6-5z4TQJQTYXYcUctXojhuuKsdzQNraIs1FuDlOCEIONFaZxWbuR-k5i_LuJA6KxdnjBXqlPqEjIBY-uI1y-sktOnRGJDqyYaaDm3D8yTxt2Mozqv1mWHfc/s320/Proper-Brushing-FAQ-1201x603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mouth open or mouth closed?
After lunch or after dinner?
Flat or at an angle?
We brush our teeth every day (hopefully!), but who knew it was this complicated. Just grab a
brush a get to work, right?
Not so fast, my friend! There are actually some best practices to be mindful of when brushing
those pearly whites.
The trick is cutting through the fat and finding out exactly what works. We live in a world of
alternate facts, truthiness, and lists of “7 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean Without Picking Up a
Toothbrush.” What’s even correct these days?!
Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions)
guide. We’ll keep it simple with some easy dos and don’ts of brushing. Let’s get to it!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Proper Brushing Habits</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Keep your brush flat<br />
<b>Do</b>: Use a 45-degree angle when brushing<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke!<br />
<b>Do</b>: Use short, side to side strokes<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Brush with the force of a giant. This isn’t a strongman contest!<br />
<b>Do</b>: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Go one and done<br />
<b>Do</b>: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus or
soda)<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for life<br />
<b>Do</b>: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first day
of each season<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 seconds<br />
<b>Do</b>: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing a certain section,
move to the next section after you hit Z. <b>Fun Fact</b>: most electric toothbrushes have a built in timer so you will always know when you have used the proper brushing time!<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Keep your toothbrush in a closed container<br />
<b>Do</b>: Put your toothbrush out to air dry<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it<br />
<b>Do</b>: Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet<br />
<br />
<b>Don’t</b>: Wield a tough-bristled brush<br />
<b>Do</b>: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamel<br />
<br />
And there we have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile.
Remember: Brushing is only 4 minutes out of the day, so why not make it the best 4 minutes of the day!<br />
<br />
<br />
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-66315192923466529602018-05-31T15:12:00.000-07:002018-05-31T15:12:13.029-07:00Kicking the Tobacco Habit is Good for your Mouth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXOlmviTU4jtAaiNiYQ9w2dEd_Y6EGEL2IXRx5l2gxuqCs4hBLzQZABXEcB6sgbLimrL4YihfYV_OnzpHKP9HEiLA5RQZdzWNaZaT6OD1yzWcV8TaKiF6PNHbUE0Qy0bvzPjcToD3IxVI/s1600/RW_Kicking_the_tobacco_habit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXOlmviTU4jtAaiNiYQ9w2dEd_Y6EGEL2IXRx5l2gxuqCs4hBLzQZABXEcB6sgbLimrL4YihfYV_OnzpHKP9HEiLA5RQZdzWNaZaT6OD1yzWcV8TaKiF6PNHbUE0Qy0bvzPjcToD3IxVI/s320/RW_Kicking_the_tobacco_habit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While the current percentage of Americans who smoke cigarettes is the lowest it’s been in
decades, those who continue the habit remain at risk for heart and lung disease. Additionally,
while we know smoking is also bad for our oral health, most don’t understand just how bad it is…<br />
<br />
<b>More Than Just Stained Teeth </b><br />
From its seemingly mild side effects (bad breath, tooth discoloration, buildup of plaque and
tartar), to the more sinister (increased risk of oral cancer, loss of bone within the jaw, gum
disease and any number of resulting complications) – tobacco is indeed an oral health risk. Tobacco can cause serious health issues by breaking down the attachment of bone and soft
tissue to your teeth. Because of this breakdown, the use of tobacco makes smokers much more
susceptible to infection and diseases. In fact, 90% of people who have cancer of the mouth,
throat, or gums admit to using tobacco in some form.
Cigarettes, cigars and pipes aren’t the only culprits; smokeless tobacco can be just as detrimental
to oral health, if not worse. In fact, there are twenty-eight chemicals found in chewing tobacco
alone that are proven to increase the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Chewing
tobacco and snuff contain higher levels of nicotine than those found in cigarettes and other tobacco products, making it exposes the roots, and ultimately makes teeth more susceptible
to decay.<br />
<br />
<b>Help is Just Next Door </b><br />
The only way to help eliminate these risks is to never start using tobacco products, or to quit if
you do. In fact, simply reducing tobacco use is proven to help lower your risks. If you feel that it
is time to reduce your risk of cancer, gum disease, infection and other oral complications, your
dentist or doctor can help you create a plan to help you quit using tobacco, along with
prescribing certain medicines or programs to help you kick the habit. Remember, it is never too late to quit. If you’re interested in getting help to quit, let us know
the next time you’re in for an appointment.Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-49916617597612848432018-02-15T11:43:00.000-08:002018-02-15T11:43:12.015-08:00Protecting Yourself Against Oral Cancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8e5loroN1w2gNAWL7cGQbvK4_edMhyG7AHxMJt_3KXdy3mO66-683HEJmHX_G7xXn7BJWiUbr5_M7dwZFunJAse5hV4DoVfjrEgAQRo9QuAWoDXl2q2YPkKyxqE_glNEe1-A-_j438Pl/s1600/Protect-Against-Oral-Cancer-1200x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8e5loroN1w2gNAWL7cGQbvK4_edMhyG7AHxMJt_3KXdy3mO66-683HEJmHX_G7xXn7BJWiUbr5_M7dwZFunJAse5hV4DoVfjrEgAQRo9QuAWoDXl2q2YPkKyxqE_glNEe1-A-_j438Pl/s320/Protect-Against-Oral-Cancer-1200x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
If there were a quick and painless way to identify pre-cancerous cells in the mouth of someone
you loved, would you want them to try it? What if that person were you? The truth is, as uncomfortable
as it may be to even think of the word “cancer,” thinking about it, and thus detecting it
early, is key. That’s why, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you should schedule a visit,
because while the oral exam that accompanies your cleaning may not be noticeable to you, it’s
often your earliest line of defense in the detection of oral cancer.
Lets take a quick look at a few of the risk factors and symptoms, and consider a few options you
may have to help reduce risk. Keep in mind that no list is exhaustive, and to always share with
each of your health care providers your concerns and strategies regarding your oral health.<br />
<br />
<b>Those at Risk for Oral Cancer</b><br />
Passing certain age thresholds and engaging in certain lifestyle habits can place you at increased
risk for oral cancer. For example, men tend to have higher rates of oral cancers than women.
Here is the short list:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Patients age 40 and older (95% of all oral cancer cases)</li>
<li>Patients age 18-39 who use tobacco, are heavy drinkers, or may have a previously diagnosed oral HPV infection.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Warning Signs</b><br />
If you experience any of the below symptoms lasting more than 7-10 days, please seek the
advice of your doctor. Also, keep in mind that aside from an obviously sore throat, the below
symptoms can present themselves in the absence of pain. Look out for changes that can be
detected on the lips, inside the cheeks, palate, and gum tissue surrounding your teeth and
tongue.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth</li>
<li>A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily</li>
<li>A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth</li>
<li>Chronic sore throator hoarseness</li>
<li>Difficulty chewing or swallowing</li>
</ul>
<br /><b>Reducing risk</b><br />
If you do not visit the dentist regularly, you could be missing out on the benefits of early cancer
detection. Currently, just over half of all those diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than
five years – a statistic driven by late diagnosis – so please visit your dentist and get an oral
exam at least once a year. If you are considered “high risk,” (see list above) you should be
receiving an oral exam at least every six months, if not more frequently.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Below is a short list of healthy habits you can start doing now, which may reduce your risk</li>
<li>Avoid all tobacco products</li>
<li>Avoid or reduce your consumption of alcohol</li>
<li>Consume more fruits and vegetables (good for everything, of course)</li>
<li>Avoid excessive sun exposure that can result in cancer of the lip (using lip balm with an SPF
of at least 30 can be helpful)</li>
<li>Avoid exposure to environmental hazards (wood dust, formaldehyde, printing chemicals)</li>
<li>Conduct a self-exam monthly so you can catch any of the symptoms listed above. Use a
small hand-held mirror so you can see the back of your mouth and tongue</li>
<li>Consider coffee. While the jury is still out, some research suggests coffee may help protect
the mouth from oral cancer. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Oral cancer is serious business. Yet, it can be managed when caught early. So, do the right thing
and visit your dentist regularly. Dr. Stephenson will complete an oral cancer screening with each exam. Call us today at <b>541-343-8527</b> to schedule.Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-55966983802151893802018-01-24T15:55:00.000-08:002018-01-24T15:55:49.554-08:00Understanding the Five Stages of Tooth Decay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aGD3yBqmVNocFgFMsxUJN_3DwVFirY8ph80KzTXdUvxtixEcMp5SSn2zaJ-4UKr9F9REDwhbNg4pSD7nz5FOsatxrOQmSAzDV0va05_MigqSy5wxeYCMS2Rseu6IP8zRrrQ5dr69kVIg/s1600/tooth+decay+stages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aGD3yBqmVNocFgFMsxUJN_3DwVFirY8ph80KzTXdUvxtixEcMp5SSn2zaJ-4UKr9F9REDwhbNg4pSD7nz5FOsatxrOQmSAzDV0va05_MigqSy5wxeYCMS2Rseu6IP8zRrrQ5dr69kVIg/s320/tooth+decay+stages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Did you know there are five distinct stages of tooth decay? And, that in the first stage of decay, you
can actually take steps to reverse the progression of the disease? Indeed, it’s true. In the first stage
of decay, whether you’re a child or an adult, the application of fluoride via fluoride treatments, your
toothpaste and even the local water supply can stop a cavity from penetrating through the enamel
and reaching its second stage. Even the saliva in your mouth and the foods you eat help to re-mineralize
a tooth in jeopardy. But that’s just the first stage! What about the rest? Understanding how a
cavity progresses can assist you in preventing each successive stage from occurring.<br />
<br />
<b>Stage One: White Spots </b><br />
In stage one, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from the attack of sugars and acids, and
white spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. These white spots are
representative of the demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss because they’re likely
to occur on your child’s molars. A dental exam, of course, is designed to catch such cavities! Can
you see why regular visits to the dentist are recommended? As mentioned previously, at this
stage, the cavity can be repaired without the need to excavate the tooth. When you come in for an exam, Dr. Stephenson will be able to pick these spots up in areas of the
mouth a patient can’t see on their own.<br />
<br />
<b>Stage Two: Enamel Decay</b><br />
Stage two marks the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked.
Initially, the tooth erodes from the underside outward, so the outer enamel will still be intact
for the first half of this second stage. Once the cavity breaks through the surface of the
enamel, there is no turning back, and the patient will need to have the cavity corrected with a
filling.<br />
<br />
<b>Stage Three: Dentin Decay</b><br />
If a cavity were to progress beyond stage two without you knowing,
you’d tend become aware of it when it started to hit stage three because it would probably
start to cause some pain. At this level, the cavity begins to eat away at the second level of
tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: the dentin. A filling can still be used to stop the
onslaught of bacteria assaulting the tooth in order to prevent the cavity from reaching the
tooth’s most critical component: the pulp.<br />
<br />
<b>Stage Four: Involvement of The Pulp</b><br />
Once the cavity reaches the pulp, it’s going to hurt. A lot. So if you’ve unfortunately missed all
the signs to this point, your tooth will certainly let you know there
is a big problem now. Stage four is serious, and a root canal is the only option of treatment at this
stage, save for a complete extraction. Fortunately, root canals are easier than most people think and usually the preferred treatment in order to save the tooth.<br />
<br />
<b>Stage Five: Abscess Formation</b><br />
In the fifth and final stage of a cavity, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited
the tip of the tooth’s structure. This in turn infects the surrounding tissues and possibly the
bone structure. Swelling would be commonplace and pain severe. In children (as well as
adults) an abscess can be very serious (and sometimes life threatening) if not dealt with immediately. Root canal or extraction would
be the order of the day should decay reach this stage.<br />
<br />
As you can see, cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can stall and
reverse the progression of decay, so it really does pay to visit the dentist
at regular intervals. You can keep yourself and your children far from stage five by scheduling regular exams in our office. Call us today at <b>541-343-8527</b> if you are due for a dental exam!Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-31212916268442584392017-03-08T09:54:00.001-08:002017-03-08T09:54:47.055-08:00Tongue Scraping- Why, When, How and Where<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QUVXT32NE1W9AWCYeIl0CfOrDUhkc9z9T12hhL-pxBhcJhiEG48sL5iw4kQF_GEt0vzoYc-OzhGA_Q04ox8jvG2obJV8N6YlIe1EnN39329YikIIu5mkAHJMFyYDEcaa-ihLS0WHjX9b/s1600/blog+March.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QUVXT32NE1W9AWCYeIl0CfOrDUhkc9z9T12hhL-pxBhcJhiEG48sL5iw4kQF_GEt0vzoYc-OzhGA_Q04ox8jvG2obJV8N6YlIe1EnN39329YikIIu5mkAHJMFyYDEcaa-ihLS0WHjX9b/s320/blog+March.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 15px;">Imagine it’s still winter … you’re standing at the door, ready to brave the cold. You’re layered-up with three shirts and a sweatshirt, your heavy winter coat, and two layers of socks underneath your waterproof winter boots. Then you’ve got those awesome jeans with the flannel on the inside, your comfy hat, scarf, and gloves. You’re set! But wait. As you step toward the door, you suddenly realize you have an itch … and it’s deep down … buried beneath all those layers. And, try as you may, every attempt to reach that bugger-of-an-itch fails. Defeated, you realize the only relief you’re ever gonna’ get is to remove each one of those layers. Where are we going with this?!</span><br />
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The Tongue</h2>
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We’re going inside your mouth, of course, to your tongue – this is a dental article, after all! Because whether you know it or not, like you in the wintertime, your tongue is also “all covered up” – buried beneath layers of bacteria, fungi, and food residue that can inhibit your ability to taste, let alone cause your tongue to appear various shades of yellow, white, or green! Remove the bacteria, though, and your food will once again directly interact with those taste buds, and return to its natural hue. So how does one do that? With a tongue scraper, of course!</div>
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WHAT is a tongue scraper?</h2>
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A tongue scraper is a U-shaped device designed to “scrape” the top layer of scum from your tongue. They have been in use since ancient times, and have been made of everything from <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/342578" style="border: 0px; color: #6dc7dd; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear, background 0.1s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">wood to whalebone</a>. Nowadays, they are made of more hygienic material, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors.</div>
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WHY use a tongue scraper?</h2>
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The residue on your tongue includes things like the cavity-inducing <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14969377" style="border: 0px; color: #6dc7dd; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear, background 0.1s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">Streptococcus mutans</a> bacterium, fungi, rotting food (that’s not good), and what’s referred to as “<a href="http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.1999.70.5.485" style="border: 0px; color: #6dc7dd; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear, background 0.1s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">volatile sulfur compounds</a>.” In other words, sulfur – that “rotting egg smell.” Talk about ew! So, as you can see, there are several reasons why you’d want to get rid of this gunk in your mouth. Let’s tackle them one by one:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Reduce bad breath:</b> Enough said!</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="color: #555555; font-weight: inherit;">Reduce your risk of periodontal disease and cavities: </b><span style="color: #555555; font-weight: inherit;">Bad bacteria contribute to plaque and tartar on teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Bacteria build-up can also lead to inflammation of gum tissue (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which means a more expensive dental visit (plus other unwanted consequences!). Speaking of avoiding an expensive dental visit, when was the last time you came in to see us? Come see us now if it’s been awhile, by calling in at </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>541-343-8527</b></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Make room for good bacteria:</b> see our article <a href="https://www.patientconnect365.com/DentalHealthTopics/Article/Probiotics_and_Your_Teeth" style="border: 0px; color: #6dc7dd; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear, background 0.1s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">here</a> on probiotics for your mouth.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Prevent heart disease?</b> While the debate is still up in the air, some <a href="https://www.patientconnect365.com/DentalHealthTopics/Article/The_Link_between_Gum_Disease_and_Your_Heart_Fact_or_Fiction" style="border: 0px; color: #6dc7dd; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear, background 0.1s linear; vertical-align: baseline;">studies suggest</a> there could be a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.</li>
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HOW does one use a tongue scraper?</h2>
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In general, make sure to rinse your tongue scraper before and after use. Apply the tongue scraper to the back of your tongue and drag it forward. Then, rinse and repeat. Make sure to get the sides of your tongue as well, not just the center!</div>
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<span style="color: #555555;">Make sure not to press too hard or you can cause yourself to bleed. And, if you’re wondering if you should scrape your tongue while recovering from a dental procedure, that’s a good question … ask your dentist for the best advice particular to your situation. Still not sure how this thing really works? The next time you’re in ask </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tricha or Kristen</span> <span style="color: #555555;">for a quick tutorial!</span><br />
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WHERE do I buy one?</h2>
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Tongue scrapers are relatively inexpensive, and can also be found at any local drugstore. It doesn’t matter the material, color, or brand – just find the one you like and get scraping!</div>
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Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-19339941655609194092016-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:002016-08-04T08:08:41.731-07:007 Oral Health Concerns for Those Over 50 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When they say “age is all in your head,” they’re probably right. But then, your teeth ARE in your head -- so you likely can’t escape having to pay a little more attention to them after the age of 50. Although some oral health concerns are seen as common as we age, if you adopt a proactive mindset and educate yourself, these concerns do not have to be common for you. Anticipating and recognizing changes in your mouth can help you be on top of your health in this area -- so let’s take a look at the main ones you have to watch out for. <br />
<ol>
<li><strong>Dry Mouth:</strong> The most common oral health concern you’re likely to experience as you age is dry mouth. In the medical world, dry mouth goes by the name xerostomia, and can be brought on by a number of contributing factors, including the over-consumption of drying beverages like coffee and alcohol, as well as the frequent consumption of salty foods. Another big offender is the medication we take over a lifetime to treat various illness. And the list isn’t a short one – there are at least <a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/senior-dental-problems" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">400 medications</a> that can contribute to xerostomia, including medications for high blood pressure and depression. </li>
<li><strong>Ill-fitting Dentures: </strong>First off, it’s important to note that the need for dentures is <em>not</em> a must as we age. Today, healthier living and better access to dental care has <a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/senior-dental-problems" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">reduced the percentage</a> of seniors wearing dentures to 27% from nearly 50% just a few decades ago. That said, should dentures be a part of your life, or that of a loved one, wearing properly-fitting dentures is critical. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a denture reline<span style="color: red;">.</span>Give us a call at 541-343-8527 to see if we can help.<span style="color: red;"> </span>Dentures that cause pain or shift in the mouth tend to alter a person’s eating habits, which can lead to nutrition deficits if healthy, but hard-to-chew, foods are avoided. Ill-fitting dentures can also cause <a href="http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">thrush</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Physical Obstacles to Good Oral Care: </strong>As we age, we sometimes find ourselves having to contend with physical ailments that limit our desire to maintain good oral care. Arthritis, vision loss, or injuries are a few of the most common. To combat these concerns, using a floss pick to get between teeth can be helpful, and the regular use of oral rinses can assist in dislodging difficult-to-remove food debris, while adding to the overall health of one’s mouth and gum tissue. Here’s how to <a href="https://www.patientconnect365.com/DentalHealthTopics/Article/How_to_Choose_the_Mouthwash_thats_Right_for_You" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">choose the best mouth rinse</a> for your needs!</li>
<li><strong>Naturally Receding Gums: </strong>The old expression “long in the tooth” isn’t just a quaint idiom about how one accumulates wisdom with age – it also refers to how our teeth appear to “lengthen” as we age. In other words, it’s a fancy way of saying our gums are receding. While some degree of gum <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-it-younger-harvard-health-publications" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">recession is indeed natural as we get up in years</a>, this predisposes us to cavities along the root structure of the tooth where enamel doesn’t exist. So, as one ages, flossing, brushing and rinses are more important than ever.</li>
<li><strong>Gum Disease: </strong>Natural gum recession is one thing, and a part of “growing up,” if you will. <a href="https://www.patientconnect365.com/DentalHealthTopics/Article/Gum_Disease" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">Gum <em>disease</em></a>, however, is preventable. So, if it's been longer than six months since you've seen us, please give us a call at 541-343-8527. Each of the above items in this list can contribute to gum disease, and good oral care can prevent it. Failing to do so can lead to a need for dentures at its most extreme, and pain and swollen gums at its least. We’d prefer you experience neither concern!</li>
<li><strong>Tooth Loss: </strong>If a tooth is lost due to trauma or decay, and not replaced with an <a href="https://www.patientconnect365.com/DentalHealthTopics/Article/Dental_Implants__Getting_to_the_Root_of_Things" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word;">implant</a> or other prosthetic, it can have serious complications for the health of the jawbone. Teeth can shift out of place and fall out, and bone tissue can be resorbed back into the body. Not a good thing.</li>
<li><strong>Loss of Insurance Coverage: </strong>Retirees without dental coverage can sometimes cover the expense of dental care on their own; sometimes they cannot. But a lack of funds to take care of one’s teeth can be devastating to the health of our mouths, and our overall health. So we need to plan for two things: a care routine that allows us to take care of our teeth as much as humanly possible and some sort of financial backup plan for when problems do arise. If you are interested in financing, our office offers Care Credit for payment plans. Please contact us at 541-343-8527 if you would like further information.</li>
</ol>
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-75727884124062851042016-06-08T10:39:00.000-07:002016-06-08T10:39:47.772-07:00Gum Disease and Pancreatic Cancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">New study links pancreatic cancer to
2 types of bacteria found in gum disease</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/personalities/david-b-samadi/bio/#s=r-z"><b><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dr.
David B. Samadi</span></b></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Published June 07, 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">FoxNews.com</span></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/06/07/new-study-links-pancreatic-cancer-to-2-types-bacteria-found-in-gum-disease.html"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Facebook</span></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">232</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/06/07/new-study-links-pancreatic-cancer-to-2-types-bacteria-found-in-gum-disease.html"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">68</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/06/07/new-study-links-pancreatic-cancer-to-2-types-bacteria-found-in-gum-disease.html" target="_blank" title="Email"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Email</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/06/07/new-study-links-pancreatic-cancer-to-2-types-bacteria-found-in-gum-disease.html"><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Print</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gum
disease may cause more than just bad breath, according to a new study presented
at the 2016 American Association for Cancer Research meeting, which points to a
connection between periodontal disease as a potential early marker for
pancreatic cancer. This could pave the way for early detection of pancreatic
cancer – one of the most deadly forms of the disease –because of the advanced
stage at which it is often diagnosed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is estimated that in 2016, 53,070 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be
diagnosed with only 7.7 percent of victims surviving 5 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Researchers
from New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center with a grant from the
National Cancer Institute, found people with two types of periodontal
disease-causing oral bacteria have a higher prevalence of pancreatic cancer
than those who did not have the gum disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
two types of periodontal disease bacteria the research team found were<i>Porphyromonas
gingivalis</i> and <i>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i>.
Saliva samples came from 361 individuals who developed pancreatic cancer and
samples from 371 matched healthy individuals in large-scale, long-term
prospective cohort studies. The DNA extracted from the saliva was sequenced,
and variances in age, race, sex, smoking status, alcohol use, body mass index
and diabetes were controlled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Participants
with <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> in the microbiome of their oral
cavity had a 59 percent greater risk of pancreatic cancer than participants who
did not have it. The association of participants with <i>Aggregatibacter
actinomycetemcomitans</i> was not as statistically significant even though
they had at least a 50 percent increased relative risk of developing pancreatic
cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
findings support the current study’s hypothesis and previous research showing
that people who have developed pancreatic cancer tended to have poor oral
health. The researchers reasoned that periodontitis, which is inflammation of
the tissue around the teeth often causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening
of the teeth, is due to oral bacteria dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is a term for an
unhealthy change in the normal bacterial ecology of a part of the body, such as
the mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many previous studies have shown a strong relationship
between associated periodontal disease with pancreatic cancer..<br />
Findings from a 2013 European prospective cohort study showed having high
levels of <i>P gingivalis</i> antibodies in blood caused a 2-fold
increase of developing pancreatic cancer. Another 2007 prospective cohort study
looked at over 50,000 male health professionals with a history of periodontitis
and found a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Both of these
previous studies however, were unable to determine which came first, poor oral
health or pancreatic cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
new study from NYU is the first study to determine that periodontal dysbiosis
does in fact precede the development of pancreatic cancer and does not develop
after the diagnosis. This was determined by looking at the oral samples of
saliva collected prior to the onset of pancreatic cancer confirming the
positive association with P gingivalis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Researchers
pointed out that this finding does not confirm that the two periodontal
disease-causing bacteria cause pancreatic cancer. Rather, they most likely
correlate it with systemic inflammation occurring within the body, known to be
a precursor for developing cancer. Having periodontal disease-causing bacteria
in the mouth may increase the likelihood of inflammation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Symptoms of pancreatic cancer</span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen sandwiched between the stomach
and the spine, with a small portion of it nestled in the curve of the upper
portion of the small intestine. It functions as a glandular organ having an
essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cells. It
has an exocrine function of secreting digestive enzymes into the small
intestine helping with digestion, and an endocrine function of releasing the
hormone insulin into the bloodstream, a critical controller of blood sugar
levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tumors
of the pancreas are rarely palpable, which is why most symptoms of pancreatic
cancer do not appear until the tumor has grown large enough to interfere with
the functioning of the pancreas, or has spread to other nearby organs such as
the stomach, liver, or gallbladder. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Upper abdominal pain spreading to
the back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jaundice or yellowing of the skin
and whites of the eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diminished appetite and unexplained
weight loss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fatigue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Digestive difficulties<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nausea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New onset of Type 2 diabetes in
people over 50<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Risk
factors which may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cigarette smoking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Age – over 80 percent of pancreatic
cancers develop between the ages of 60 and 80<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Race – more common in African
Americans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gender – more common in men<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Religious background – more common
in Ashkenazi Jews <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chronic pancreatitis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diabetes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 12.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Obesity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diet – diets high in meats,
cholesterol, fried foods and nitrosamines <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family history<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Future
additional studies are planned to determine if periodontal disease is a cause
of pancreatic cancer. Until then, good oral hygiene including regular brushing
and flossing of the teeth and visits to a dentist are recommended. If a person
does have periodontal disease, they should be seen regularly by a periodontist
for regular cleanings and checkups to get the condition under control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anyone who has any of the potential symptoms of pancreatic
cancer should make an appointment with their physician for an evaluation and
testing as soon as possible.<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Samadi is a board-certified
urologic oncologist trained in open and traditional and laparoscopic surgery
and is an expert in robotic prostate surgery. He is chairman of urology, chief
of robotic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and professor of urology at Hofstra North
Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. He is a medical correspondent for the Fox News
Channel's Medical A-Team and the chief medical correspondent for am970 in New
York City. Learn more at</span></i><a href="http://www.roboticoncology.com/"><i><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">roboticoncology.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Visit Dr. Samadi's blog at </span></i><a href="http://samadimd.com/"><i><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SamadiMD.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Follow Dr. Samadi on </span></i><a href="https://twitter.com/drdavidsamadi"><i><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter </span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and </span></i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SamadiMD"><i><span style="color: #006699; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Facebook.</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-35029341489311262962016-03-08T09:26:00.001-08:002016-03-08T09:26:10.238-08:00Teeth Whitening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbA4vQocrf8NxS_9LuRWnLhlSheumM_WrmjWoBzJCmSbj7kSfwIhG2GZzBYaH6I3sEmhbmuTKVPbT3Z8gwS2jhLxqQcdn7zSg8flIdbXQrVV27t2_innZ9BidUysUVMYa5wDHmr0XSFtq/s1600/website+whitening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbA4vQocrf8NxS_9LuRWnLhlSheumM_WrmjWoBzJCmSbj7kSfwIhG2GZzBYaH6I3sEmhbmuTKVPbT3Z8gwS2jhLxqQcdn7zSg8flIdbXQrVV27t2_innZ9BidUysUVMYa5wDHmr0XSFtq/s320/website+whitening.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Would you like a whiter, brighter smile? Visit our office for a professional whitening treatment! Most patients will see results in just two hours with our in-office treatment. <br />
<br />
Professional whitening can take years off your smile, giving you a more youthful appearance. Dr. Stephenson will review your dental history to determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and which product works best for your needs. Only a dental professional can use the strongest whitening gel available in the safest environment possible. <br />
<br />
The fee for professional in-office whitening treatment in our office is $300, which includes custom trays to take home to use with whitening gel to boost the results and keep your teeth looking great. Call us today to schedule your appointment and look forward to a beautiful smile for all of your special occasions!Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-32847370521079325942015-09-30T09:03:00.002-07:002015-09-30T09:03:37.166-07:00Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants <img alt="Dental Implants" class="img-indent1" height="141" src="http://stephensondds.com/images/treatments_implants.jpg" width="358" /><br />
<br />
If you would like to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be a good option for you. Many people have teeth that are lost due to injury or disease. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew properly or speak properly and can cause the teeth surrounding the space to shift. Bone loss can also occur around the missing tooth and may cause remaining teeth to become loose over time. Loss of teeth and bone can cause your face to sag and give the appearance of looking older. Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth, improve your health and help you start smiling again!<br />
<br />
The benefits of dental implants include: <br />
<ul class="list1">
<li class="list-bot">Blending in with your other teeth for a natural look</li>
<li class="list-bot">Implants are a secure and stable replacement for one or more missing teeth</li>
<li class="list-bot">Replaces missing teeth without damaging the healthy surrounding teeth</li>
<li class="list-bot">Can be used to help stabilize a loose, uncomfortable denture</li>
<li class="list-bot">Excellent long-term option for restoring your smile</li>
<li class="list-bot">Implants can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental visits</li>
</ul>
<div class="list-bot">
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with your body. The implant is surgically placed into your jaw, and after a period of time for healing, the replacement tooth (implant crown) is placed on top of the implant. </div>
<div class="list-bot">
</div>
<div class="list-bot">
The dental implant process generally takes three steps:</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="list-bot">
Placement of the dental implant</div>
</li>
<li><div class="list-bot">
Healing </div>
</li>
<li><div class="list-bot">
Placement of the restorative tooth or teeth</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="list-bot">
</div>
<div class="list-bot">
Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. Dental implants are used to support a bridge or denture when multiple teeth are missing. An implant supported denture helps to stabilize the denture and allow you to bite and chew naturally.</div>
<div class="list-bot">
</div>
<div class="list-bot">
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for a dental implant is by calling our office at <strong>541-343-8527</strong> for a complimentary implant consultation. Generally, if you are in good health and your jaw can support an implant, this treatment is a good option to replace your missing teeth.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-38257659776111171112015-01-13T11:24:00.002-08:002015-01-13T11:24:44.917-08:00Start the New Year with a Healthy Smile!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIZE8dJp_A04kykQG-x-BuRFIF8gwdABVMHfflFFZRRKex1IlBmvPOXg0L1M_14cAQMpPxoYxsXBzMLzK4QgLVKmR7HMJXCv1aYCAJeObvPyeL_ggrNd14asYUlvGPJP5a1pm9keGK5ui/s1600/beachcouple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIZE8dJp_A04kykQG-x-BuRFIF8gwdABVMHfflFFZRRKex1IlBmvPOXg0L1M_14cAQMpPxoYxsXBzMLzK4QgLVKmR7HMJXCv1aYCAJeObvPyeL_ggrNd14asYUlvGPJP5a1pm9keGK5ui/s1600/beachcouple.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
How long has it been since your last dental exam and cleaning? Preventive dental care is an important part of a goal to help you keep your healthy smile to last a lifetime. Dr. Stephenson recommends regular cleanings and exams for all adults and children. The interval between cleanings is usually between 3 and 6 months, depending on the rate each patient accumulates plaque or calculus, and the level of inflammation or bleeding present. The interval between periodic exams is usually once per year. <br />
<br />
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to periodontal (gum) disease than to decay. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to have professional cleanings on a regular basis and to practice good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing techniques that are recommended by Dr. Stephenson and your hygienist. Good oral hygiene can also help promote a healthier life. Recent studies strongly suggest a link between the bacteria that causes periodontal disease and some systemic diseases. For your continued health and wellness, it is very important to complete any recommended periodontal treatment as soon as possible. Our well-trained, professional hygienists are dedicated to your comfort and helping you maintain a healthy smile.<br />
<br />Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-493967650403327852014-10-19T14:12:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:13:09.865-07:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0jXiKEGc2H4uYsaHZ2OU8cGGi85hjI4JwRkX-9NjPTzO1pmntPDdWGB9OJd4DGrclCSoqO2R2LNsHLvVe61K2rGS2sMlOuw9Pq2htV-I2BFfHblT24JitDqU46TdM6ZGYvWct6dhx0xP/s1600/MC900436224.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0jXiKEGc2H4uYsaHZ2OU8cGGi85hjI4JwRkX-9NjPTzO1pmntPDdWGB9OJd4DGrclCSoqO2R2LNsHLvVe61K2rGS2sMlOuw9Pq2htV-I2BFfHblT24JitDqU46TdM6ZGYvWct6dhx0xP/s1600/MC900436224.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
It's that time of year again for Tricks and Treats! We like treats as much as everyone else does, and we want to remind patients of all ages that a healthy smile can include snacks in moderation as long as you brush, floss and have regular dental check-ups.<br />
<br />
We love children in our family dental practice. Ideally, we would like to see them for a "first visit" as early as possible. The American Dental Association encourages parents to take their child to the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than the child's first birthday. We want to make dental visits fun for your child and will plan to give them a great first dental experience. The best compliment we can receive is hearing from parents how much their children look forward to coming in to see Dr. Bob, having their teeth cleaned and checked, and visiting the treasure box after their appointment. It sets a happy and positive feeling for a lifetime of healthy smiles.<br />
<br />
Here are some children's dental health tips to remember:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease</li>
<li>Schedule your child's first visit by their first birthday</li>
<li>Have your child use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing</li>
<li>Consider fluoride supplements for your child if your water isn't fluoridated</li>
<li>Children should brush twice a day and after snacks</li>
<li>Cleanings, fluoride and dental exams are recommended every six months</li>
<li>Ask us how sealants may help prevent cavities</li>
<li>Start healthy habits early with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits</li>
</ul>
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<br />
We hope everyone has fun and safe Halloween!Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-2625309894000548952014-04-10T10:57:00.000-07:002014-04-10T10:57:23.568-07:00New Dental Health Recommendations for Children<br />
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">February 10, 2014</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Article courtesy of the ADA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #a5a184; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 19pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ADA Uses Fluoride Toothpaste to Fight High
Cavity Rate in Children<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHICAGO, Feb. 10, 2014 — To fight
cavities in children, the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Council on
Scientific Affairs (CSA) is updating its guidance to caregivers that they
should brush their </span><a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="color: #006699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">children’s teeth</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in. This new guidance
expands the use of fluoride toothpaste for young children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To help prevent children’s tooth decay, the
CSA recommends that caregivers use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (or an amount
about the size of a grain of rice) for children younger than 3 years old and a
pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste for children 3 to 6 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"For half a century, the ADA has
recommended that patients use </span><a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluoride" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="color: #006699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fluoride</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> toothpaste
to prevent cavities, and a review of scientific research shows that this holds
true for all ages," said Edmond L. Truelove, D.D.S., chair of the
Council on Scientific Affairs. "Approximately 25 percent of children have
or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it’s important to provide
guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help
prevent their children from developing cavities."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cavities" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="color: #006699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dental
decay</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is the most common chronic childhood
disease with more than 16 million children suffering from untreated tooth decay
in the U.S, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Oral disease
causes children to miss 51 million school hours and their parents to lose 25
million work hours annually. Additionally, oral disease disproportionately
affects children from low-income families and these children have almost twice
the number of decayed teeth that have not been treated by a dentist as compared
to others in the general population.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CSA previously recommended using water to
brush the teeth of children younger than 2 years old and to brush the teeth of
children 2 to 6 years old with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. CSA
updated the ADA’s guidance based on a review of scientific evidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The report, "Fluoride toothpaste use
for young children," and the results of the systematic review,
"Fluoride toothpaste efficacy and safety in children younger than 6
years," are published in the February 2014 issue of <i>The Journal of the
American Dental Association</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The new guidance is intended to provide
children with the full benefit of cavity protection while limiting their risk
of developing fluorosis, which is a mild discoloration of teeth usually appearing
as faint lines. Based on a systematic review of the evidence, CSA concluded
that using just a "smear" of toothpaste for children younger than 3
years old and a pea-size amount for children 3 to 6 years helps prevent
cavities and is less likely to cause fluorosis. Children should spit out
toothpaste as soon as they are old enough to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ADA encourages caregivers to </span><a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="color: #006699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">take
their child to the dentist</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> when the first tooth appears or no later
than the child’s first birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About
the American Dental Association<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's
largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier
source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's
health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's
state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and
materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient
experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable
and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly <i>The
Journal of the American Dental Association</i> (JADA) is the ADA's flagship
publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more
information about the ADA, visit </span><a href="http://www.ada.org/"><span lang="EN" style="color: #006699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.ada.org</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment
of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer website </span><a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/"><span lang="EN" style="color: #006699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.MouthHealthy.org</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-45453577118076675652013-09-04T13:19:00.000-07:002013-09-04T13:19:53.603-07:00Visit our Patient PortalWe have had great feedback from patients who have used our patient portal to request appointments, review account history, make secure payments online, check upcoming appointments, confirm scheduled appointments or write a review. We know your time is valuable and we want to make it easy to view information when it's convenient for you. If you haven't done so already, we hope you will check out our portal soon!<br />
<br />
Follow this link for appointment requests:<br />
<a href="https://patientconnect365.com/dentists/oregon/eugene/97401/robert_h_stephenson_dds">https://patientconnect365.com/dentists/oregon/eugene/97401/robert_h_stephenson_dds</a><br />
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Follow this link to login for complete account management:<br />
<a href="https://patientconnect365.com/Auth/PracticeLogin/3010">https://patientconnect365.com/Auth/PracticeLogin/3010</a><br />
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-4140683682550062912013-08-07T15:05:00.001-07:002013-08-07T15:09:51.140-07:00The Health Benefits of Chocolate!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="createdate"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcwQueCC-_7rdUv4i21lsKZg5cpRP1GGXJFYhM5i2LK07eyy_MP4AnssjbUcXFEvaidkJfcdvDmn0xLktXQGYNOtfqUSPbErnXPVYXJ8l90DiQbWGNqhy1KeA1bS8VOJG8xnYhzSvtd94/s1600/MP900182704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcwQueCC-_7rdUv4i21lsKZg5cpRP1GGXJFYhM5i2LK07eyy_MP4AnssjbUcXFEvaidkJfcdvDmn0xLktXQGYNOtfqUSPbErnXPVYXJ8l90DiQbWGNqhy1KeA1bS8VOJG8xnYhzSvtd94/s320/MP900182704.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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Written by Dentistry Today <span class="createdate"> Tuesday, 06 August 2013</span></div>
</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is good news for chocolate lovers: new research
indicates that chocolate could be considered a “super food,” joining the ranks
of blueberries and broccoli. It can even fight tooth decay. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate is produced from cacao, which contains
powerful concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antibacterial
properties.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Researchers stress that these benefits apply only to
dark chocolate – not milk chocolate – and the higher the natural concentration
of cacao, the better.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some health benefits of chocolate as a super food are: <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fight tooth decay<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">•
Because of cacao’s antibacterial properties, dark chocolate may significantly
reduce the incidence of plaque, bacteria, and tooth decay. <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better cardiovascular health</span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
• Cacao is rich in polyphenols, a molecule that can significantly improve
cardiovascular health by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide, which
leads to improvements in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and blood lipid
levels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lower risk of diabetes</span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
• Thanks again to polyphenols, researchers found that individuals who consumed
about 40g of dark chocolate daily cut their risk of developing diabetes in
half.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lower body fat percentage</span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
• Antioxidants in dark chocolate reduce inflammation and help alleviate the
production of the stress hormones that would otherwise cause weight gain.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve mental well-being</span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
• Cacao can promote feelings of calm, clarity, and bliss by stimulating the
production of phenethylamine while regulating serotonin.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other benefits include increased mental clarity and
improved management of stress.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-55230444033122267362013-07-10T10:23:00.000-07:002013-07-10T10:23:20.344-07:00Dental Implants can save money, boost quality of life!Written by Dentistry Today <span class="createdate"> Monday, 08 July 2013 20:32 </span><br />
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Dental implants may provide the best way to avoid emptying one’s bank account.A new report in the <em>International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants </em>demonstrates the ways in which dental implants are a beneficial alternative when compared to conventional tooth replacement treatment.<br />
The report stems from a comprehensive review of all studies published in the English language from 2000 though 2010. The total ended up being 14 studies on the matter.<br />
There were numerous specific findings that came from the study. The first of which was that for single-tooth replacement, implant-based solutions were cheaper than traditional tooth-borne prostheses.<br />
There were also higher initial costs for implant-borne solutions for patients with full dentures. The consensus, however, based on most studies was that dental implants are a long-term, cost-effective treatment option. For older edentulous patients, they were ok with paying for dental implants. There was also a movement for raising the overall level of quality of life based on oral health, which coincided with lower healthcare costs.<br />
The goal of this study was to put all of the recent information on this matter into one study that could end up being the study of record on this matter. Based on the places in which the study appears, the goal has been achieved.Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-53502650256996495302013-02-27T15:20:00.001-08:002013-02-27T15:20:39.412-08:00We have a new Patient Portal!
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Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-19708257124949629682013-02-15T15:34:00.001-08:002013-02-15T15:34:22.536-08:00Celebrate Healthy Hearts <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February is American Heart Month! Recent studies suggest there may be a link between oral health and cardiovascular health. Celebrate heart month by creating a health plan that includes regular visits to Dr. Bob for a check-up and cleaning and making sure you complete all recommended treatment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other ways to take care of your heart include:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Eat a healthy diet.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least 5 servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Maintain a healthy weight.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Exercise regularly.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Monitor your blood pressure.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Don't smoke.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Limit alcohol use.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Have your cholesterol checked.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Manage your diabetes.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Take your medicine.</strong><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something.</span></span>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-48531426409691515302012-11-28T10:21:00.000-08:002012-11-29T07:48:38.845-08:00Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We wish all of you a happy and peaceful holiday season! As a reminder, our office will be closed for the holidays from December 21 to January 2. If you would like to maximize your insurance benefits before the end of the year, please call us to schedule an appointment at 541-343-8527. </div>
Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-36139742824530773392012-10-24T10:34:00.000-07:002012-10-24T10:34:29.271-07:00Trick or Treat Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We wish all of our patients and friends a Happy Halloween! Remember to brush and floss after enjoying your treats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stop by our office on October 31 to see Dr. Stephenson and our office staff step back in time.... we are celebrating the 70's for Halloween this year. We hope you have a great Halloween!</span>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-50870952824150860882012-08-23T13:35:00.000-07:002012-08-23T13:35:22.494-07:00FluorideMore than 65 years ago - on January 25,1945 - Grand Rapids, Michigan became the world's first city to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Approximately 72.4% of the U.S. population served by public water systems receive the benefit of optimally fluoridated water. <br />
Fluoridation of community water supplies is simply the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water to an optimal fluoride level recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service (0.7 - 1.2 parts per million) for the prevention of tooth decay. Water that has been fortified with fluoride is similar to fortifying milk with Vitamin D, table salt with iodine, and bread and cereals with folic acid. <br />
Studies conducted throughout the past 65 years have consistently shown that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, children and adults can benefit from fluoridation's cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.<br />
Today, studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by 20-40%, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste. <br />
Fluoridation is one public health program that actually saves money. An individual can have a lifetime of fluoridated water for less than the cost of one dental filling.<br /> <br />The American Dental Association continues to endorse fluoridation of community water supplies as safe and effective for preventing tooth decay. This support has been the Association's position since policy was first adopted in 1950. The ADA's policies regarding community water fluoridation are based on the overwhelming weight of peer-reviewed, credible scientific evidence. The ADA, along with state and local dental societies, continues to work with federal, state and local agencies to increase the number of communities benefiting from water fluoridation. <br />
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<em>Article courtesy of ada.org</em>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-27726439577436229092012-08-09T16:07:00.003-07:002012-08-09T16:12:04.163-07:00Small, Easy Steps to a Healthy Smile<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="Table1"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="body">1. <b>Brush your teeth at least twice each day.</b> Aim for first thing in the morning and before going to bed. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth to remove food that your toothbrush missed. <br />
Make sure you:<br />
<ul>
<li>Drink fluoridated water if you can. Fluoride's protection against dental decay works at all ages. Most communities in the United States are served with public water systems that have added fluoride. But not everyone lives in a community with a centralized, public or private water source that can be fluoridated. Check with your community's water department or health department to find out if there is fluoride in your water. You also may want to use a fluoride mouth rinse, along with brushing and flossing, to help prevent tooth decay. <br /><br />
<li>Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Circular and short back-and-forth strokes work best. <br /><br />
<li>Take time to brush along the gum line, and lightly brush your tongue to help remove plaque and food debris. <br /><br />
<li>Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the best way to floss your teeth. <br /><br />
<li>Change your toothbrush at least every three months or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn. A new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that's more than three months old. <br /><br />
<li>If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them before putting them back in the next morning. </li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
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2. <b>Have a healthy lifestyle.</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Eat healthy meals. Cut down on tooth decay by brushing after meals and not snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals. <br /><br />
<li>Don't smoke. Smoking raises your risk for getting gum disease, oral and throat cancers and oral fungal infections. <br /><br />
<li>If you drink alcohol, only drink it in moderation — no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. Heavy alcohol use raises your risk for oral and throat cancers. When alcohol and tobacco are used together, your risk for oral cancers is even greater than using one of these alone. </li>
</li>
</li>
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3. <b>Get regular checkups.</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Having an oral exam twice each year will help find signs of problems early. During regular checkups, dentists and other types of dental providers can find signs of nutritional deficiencies, diseases, infections, immune disorders, injuries and some cancers. <br /><br />
<li>Make an appointment right away if your gums bleed often, if you see any red or white patches on the gums or tongue, have mouth/jaw pain that won't go away, have sores that do not heal within two weeks or if you have problems swallowing or chewing. <br /><br />
<li>Besides your dentist, here are some other types of dental providers:
<ul>
<li>Dental hygienists — work as part of your dentist's staff. They clean gums and teeth and instruct patients on ways to prevent oral disease and to maintain oral health. <br /><br />
<li>Periodontists — dentists who treat gum disease and place dental implants, or artificial teeth, to replace lost teeth. <br /><br />
<li>Oral surgeons — dentists who can perform biopsies (taking a sample of tissue in your mouth to look at under a microscope) or surgery on your mouth and supporting tissues if you have a serious problem. </li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
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4. <b>Follow your dentist's advice.</b><br />
Your dentist may suggest that you do different things to keep your mouth healthy. He or she can teach you how to properly floss or brush and how often. He or she might suggest preventive steps or treatments to keep your mouth healthy. <br />
5. <b>If you have another health problem, think how it may affect your oral health. </b><br />
For instance, if you take medicines that give you a dry mouth, ask your doctor or nurse if there's another drug you can use instead. Have an oral exam before beginning cancer treatment. And know that if you have diabetes, good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease is very important.<br />
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<i>Source: The National Women's Health Information Center, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</i><br />
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</tbody></table>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-5934060557583063732012-06-26T10:37:00.000-07:002012-06-26T10:37:26.413-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 140%; margin: 0in -10.5pt 10.5pt 141pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<a href="http://www.dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/7704-fruit-drinks-like-energy-drinks-may-be-problematic"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #cf230b; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 17pt; line-height: 140%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Fruit Drinks, Like Energy Drinks, May be Problematic</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 17pt; line-height: 140%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written by Dentistry Today Wednesday, 23 May 2012 20:23 </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Parents need to rethink giving their children fruit drinks. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dentists are warning that some fruit drinks can have the acidity levels of vinegar. So some parents with good intentions may actually be putting their children's oral health at risk.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fruits drinks and smoothies were thought to have some nutritional value as a healthy option other than drinks like soda. But, in actuality, these drinks contain sugar, in addition to having high acidity levels.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When consuming these fruit drinks, bacteria in the mouth produce dangerous plaque acids that attack the enamel. With weakened enamel, it's possible for the tooth to become compromised.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">According to some studies, there are certain fruit drinks that are considered more acidic than vinegar.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Based on this information, whether or not a drink contain fruits is irrelevant. What's more important is whether or not it contains sugar. Water is beneficial because it doesn't have any sugar and lowers the risk of obesity, something that is rising among young children. Drinks filled with sugar are one of the main reasons for this rise.</span></div>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-8511045200173184382011-12-15T09:40:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:40:25.241-08:00Dental X-Rays May Project Bone Fractures<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #f0f0f0; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>X-rays are not a bone density scan, but they are a useful tool for diagnosing a number of things such as tooth decay, bone loss from periodontal disease, and tooth pathology/infection in the form of an abscess. It would not be possible to predict bone fractures with dental x-rays but studies indicate we may be able to identify those at risk.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #f0f0f0; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Dr. Bob</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #f0f0f0; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Article Written by Dentistry Today Friday, 09 December 2011 13:14 </span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dentistry may aid in predicting who’s at risk of fractures. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By using dental x-rays, it’s now possible to tell who may be more susceptible to fractures, according to the journal <i>Nature Reviews Endocrinology</i>. The information was developed by researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After earlier research by this group, it was determined that there’s a correlation between sparse bone structure in the trabecular bone in the lower jaw and a higher likelihood of having had some bone fracture at some point in the past.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The researchers wanted to find out even more information, however. That’s why they wanted to use this information as a method to make educated guess as to who will suffer fractures in the future. These results appeared in the journal <i>Bone</i>, as well the <i>Wall Street Journal</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The study includes information from the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, which began in 1968. This study included 731 women who have been analyzed many times since 1968. Their jawbones were closely studied in 1968, 1980 and any time the suffered a fracture. There were 222 total fractures reported.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The bone structure in the jaw would be considered sparse in roughly 20 percent of the women. These women were in the age group of women from age 38 to 54. The older the person was, the sparser the bone structure was in the jaw and the more vulnerable the person was to fractures.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 7.5pt 0in 11.25pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Helvetica", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This information also applies to men even though they weren’t analyzed in the same way as women for this study.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425264340142240656.post-34911173316083049042011-12-14T14:25:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:25:31.166-08:00GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">Give Healthy Smiles This Holiday Season</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">With The Oral B ProfessionalCare Electric Toothbrush </span></span></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8ehwEtuUQHjIf_FEqSkZ3x8R3wqJvIstAKGCaB6VBKgtAVhlo_MVJ9iiWE6GKPdjX1XZlCvLonlKKfeLjPD8FCPrrjNaenGjGJQg69Vv1JznXgWYRi91O12M5us0EJZauSheryXkuAdt/s1600/santas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8ehwEtuUQHjIf_FEqSkZ3x8R3wqJvIstAKGCaB6VBKgtAVhlo_MVJ9iiWE6GKPdjX1XZlCvLonlKKfeLjPD8FCPrrjNaenGjGJQg69Vv1JznXgWYRi91O12M5us0EJZauSheryXkuAdt/s320/santas.jpg" width="223" /></a></div></span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Regular Price- $105.00 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Mail-In Rebate- $40.00* </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-no-proof: yes;">Final Cost After Rebate- $65.00</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">*Special Offer is only available while limited supplies last</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Separate, wireless SmartGuide helps maximize brushing performance</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Deep Clean mode removes up to 99.7% of plaque from hard-to-reach areas*</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pressure sensor stops pulsations when brushing too hard</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gentle on teeth and gums</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Improves gum health better than Sonicare FlexCare</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Offers outstanding whitening and polishing in 3 weeks**</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening, Massage, Deep Clean</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 15pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oral-B is the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand worldwide</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8ehwEtuUQHjIf_FEqSkZ3x8R3wqJvIstAKGCaB6VBKgtAVhlo_MVJ9iiWE6GKPdjX1XZlCvLonlKKfeLjPD8FCPrrjNaenGjGJQg69Vv1JznXgWYRi91O12M5us0EJZauSheryXkuAdt/s1600/santas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Dr. Bob Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11102245059370127079noreply@blogger.com0