Smiling Could Help With Stress

Smiling Stress If you're feeling stressed, maybe the best thing you can do is crack a smile. New research shows that smiling -- and especially genuine smiling (where your eyes and mouth muscles are engaged) -- may play a part in lowering heart rate after you've done something stressful. The study will be published in the journal Psychological Science.

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Vibrating dental device could cut brace time in half

Traditionally, dental braces reshape the positioning of one's teeth by applying force to them. The AcceleDent device, worn with braces, simply speeds up tooth movement by vibrating them 20 minutes a day.
In a randomized, controlled clinical trial out of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, this vibration accelerated tooth movement by 106 percent during the initial alignment phase, and then 38 to 50 percent later, all without any adverse events

22 Players with the Worst Teeth in Hockey History | Bleacher Report

22 Players with the Worst Teeth in Hockey History | Bleacher Report

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Some Advise for The Holidays

As each October creeps up on Cindy Flanagan, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), her mind always wanders to the amount of sweets both children and adults will be consuming during the last few months of the year.

"Too many sweets can cause a spooky mouth," says Dr. Flanagan. "People have the tendency to graze on the sugary treats lying around the house during the holidays, and this increases the likelihood of cavities."

Dr. Flanagan knows that candy consumption is almost unavoidable at this time of the year, so she's offering some advice as to which sweets are less damaging to your teeth than others.

The Good:

1.Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies: These treats stimulate saliva, which prevents dry mouth. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on teeth faster, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
2.Sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can actually prevent cavities, not only because it helps to dislodge food particles from the teeth, but also because it increases saliva. Saliva works to neutralize the acids of the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
3.Dark chocolate: Chocolates are loaded with sugar, but studies have shown that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure. Just be sure to eat it in moderation.


The Bad:

1.Sugary snacks: Candy corn, cookies, and cake all contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
2.Chewy/sticky sweets: Gummy candies, taffy, and even dried fruit can be difficult for children and adults to resist, but they are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in the crevices between teeth and make it nearly impossible for saliva to wash away.
3.Sour candies: High acid levels in these treats can break down tooth enamel quickly. The good news: Saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth. Dr. Flanagan recommends that patients wait 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks, otherwise they will be brushing acid onto more tooth surfaces, increasing the erosive action.


So this Halloween season, try not to overdo the sweets. And, that goes for the little ones, too. "Parents, remember: A proper oral hygiene routine for your little ghosts or goblins is essential to maintaining good oral health all year-round," says Dr. Flanagan.

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Michael Mostofi D.D.S.
15 Mareblu #360
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Back to school, back to the dentist, it’s the law

Tooth decay is one of the biggest health issues among children, accounting for over 51 million hours of school time lost every year. What’s more, poor dental health in youth can lead to chronic problems like discomfort, difficulty chewing and the need for painful and expensive procedures down the road.
An annual back-to-school dental checkup is an easy way to help prevent these problems. It’s so important, that several states — including California, Oregon and New York — actually require children to get a dental exam before entering public school.
Regular dental exams do more than catch tooth decay. They also let us see if teeth are growing in properly, monitor the results of their brushing and flossing techniques (and give lessons, if necessary), and apply fluoride treatments or protective sealants that can prevent decay before it happens. If your kids play sports or engage in other activities that might cause oral injuries, we can fit them for protective mouth guards.
If your kids are in college, planning checkups during school breaks can ensure that they’re receiving regular professional dental care. And even if they’re too young for school, your kids are probably old enough to go to the dentist. The ADA recommends babies start seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually when they’re between 6 and 12 months old.
So while you’re making back-to-school plans, plan on bringing your kids in for a visit. And for extra credit, try these fun tips for sending them to school with a smile:
1. Buy new toothbrushes: While they’re getting new notebooks, pens and other supplies, why not let them pick out a new toothbrush? While you’re at it, pick up two — one for home and one to bring to school.
2. Make a dental care kit for school: To encourage them to brush after lunch and snacks, buy a zippered plastic-lined bag and include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
3. Pack dental-friendly lunches and snacks: Fruit, nuts, string cheese and bottled water are all good choices. Avoid sticky foods like raisins or fruit leather, as they can cause cavities.
4. Start a reward system: Encourage good dental exams like you encourage good grades — with a prize like a night at the movies, a new video game or other coveted item.