Yes, Virgnia, there is a Santa Claus

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.


 "DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. 
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. 
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' 
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

Newsman Francis Pharcellus Church wrote The Sun'sresponse to Virginia. VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

THAT'S A B+

If you are experiencing swollen tongue and frequent mouth ulcerations, you could have a folate deficiency. A lack of folate is bad for your entire system but -- it can be devastating to your oral health. Oral irritation can be one of the first signs of a deficiency. Extreme cases of it will lead to inflamed gums, weakened tooth enamel and eventually tooth loss.
Folic acid is essential for reducing the risk of stroke, macular degeneration and some cancers. Folate or Folic Acid (B9 vitamin) is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for growth and development. In particular, it is important for cell growth and red blood cell production. Being a water-soluble vitamin, your body needs a continuous supply of folic acid to maintain healthy levels.

The best way to get your fill of folic acid is through a healthy diet. Some good sources of folic acid are as follows:
    1.    Egg yolk
    2.    Leafy green veggies like spinach and kale
    3.    Legumes like beans and peas
    4.    Baker’s yeast
    5.    Sunflower seeds
    6.    Liver
    7.    Kidney
    8.    Fortified grain products

The first week of January is National Folic Acid Awareness Week (Jan 5-11, 2014)) but you can celebrate every day with healthy B vitamins and regular dental checkups.

BURNING THE MIDNIGHT BACTERIA!

The all-night study session, the weekend-long term paper dash, late nights, early mornings and stress – these are all part of being a college student. But all these factors can lead to neglect and abuse of your regular dental health.

All that hustle and bustle can mean not only skipping your regular brushing, but also skipping balanced meals in favour of snacking on sugary, carbohydrate-rich ‘convenience’ foods and beverages. A steady diet of pizza and soda, donuts, coffee and cappuccino can take a toll on your oral health.

 When you eat carbs, you never eat alone. Oral bacteria also feed on those insidious sugars and carbohydrates. This bacterial pig-out produces a sticky film called plaque that attaches to your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed every day, it builds up and eventually turns into a cement-like substance called tartar.

In addition to tooth decay, plaque and tartar can irritate your gums and cause them to become inflamed and bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. If left untreated, this condition can advance into periodontitis, an incurable gum disease that can lead to tooth-loss.

Another by-product of college, stress, also increases plaque levels and gingivitis production. pizza

When you are cramming for an important exam or rushing to an early class, brushing your teeth is probably the last thing on your mind. However, it needs to be the first thing you think about after you eat breakfast and before you go to bed. It takes only a couple of minutes twice a day to preserve your teeth and gums for a lifetime. In addition to making healthier food choices, use fluoride toothpaste, thoroughly brush your teeth and gums twice each day, and floss at least once every day. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.

We now offer walk in cleanings, walk in toothaches and convenient appointments before & after school.
So, when you study for your college exams, don’t forget to prep for your next dental exam.

SWEET DECEPTION

We all know that sugar is bad for teeth. Oral bacteria, fed by sugar, acts like a jack hammer boring through the enamel on your teeth and into the delicate dentin. It is this bacterium that creates sensitivity, cavities and potentially infection and tooth loss. Certainly candy and soda should be treated with care but other simple carbohydrates are essentially sugar in a less obvious form. The following foods have hidden forms of sugar that should also be approached with caution..

Tomato sauce – Tomato sauces and ketchups are loaded with sugar. On average, a tablespoon of tomato sauce is equivalent to a tablespoon of sugar. If possible, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce.

Salad dressing – Commercially available salad dressings are often loaded with excess sugar. A healthier option could be achieved by making your own dressing from vinegar, oil and herbs.

Yogurt – It seems like such a healthy option with protein and probiotics but most yogurts are drowning in syrupy flavourings. Several commercial brands have as much sugar per serving as a piece of fudge. A better option would be unflavoured yogurt with fresh fruit added for sweetness.

Breads – Many varieties of bread, even whole wheat, contain as much as a teaspoon of sugar per slice. Choose whole grain breads with a high fibre and low carbohydrate content. Meal Replacement Bars – Some meal replacement bars can contain as much sugar as a candy bar. A piece of high fiber fruit or nuts might be a better choice than a meal replacement bar.

Being aware of hidden sugar can help you make more informed choices for your dental health and overall health. To maintain good dental health, eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, good sources of protein and healthy fats like olive oil as well as keeping a regular checkup schedule.

CLEAN SWEEP

Most of us don’t go to the doctor’s office unless we are sick or injured. That may be alright for your overall health but not for your dental health. While at home maintenance is vital, even the most thorough brushing and flossing won’t negate the need for twice yearly dental cleanings to keep your mouth healthy. So what all is involved with a dental cleaning and why are they so necessary?

A dental cleaning is more in-depth than your daily brushing. A toothbrush can remove plaque and bacteria but it can’t

brush away calculus build-up. Your dental hygienist uses a small metal tool called a scaler to breakup and remove calculus from the teeth, in-between and under the gumline. Failure to remove calculus provides plaque and bacteria a breeding ground for cavities and gum disease.

After the calculus has been removed, the next step is to polish. Using a spinning tool with a soft rubber end, your hygienist applies a gritty paste designed to polish the teeth and remove surface debris. After rinsing, your hygienist flosses your teeth to make sure that all calculus has been removed from between teeth.

An optional third step is a fluoride treatment. A flavored foam or gel fluoride is placed inside molded foam trays that fit over the teeth. These trays are left on the teeth for about 30 seconds. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay.

This twice a year deep cleaning and inspection helps protect your teeth and gums from decay as well as spotting early signs of serious issues such as oral cancer and gum disease before they become problems. If you haven’t been keeping your twice yearly cleaning schedule, give us a call today.

HOW DRY I AM

Saliva is the first step in digestion and serves to keep the mouth moist and clean. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, you become more vulnerable to bacteria and fungi. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can be caused by a variety of situations.

Some of the most common causes of dry mouth are:

Medication side effects – prescription and nonprescription drugs for allergies, colds, acne and hypertension can result in dry mouth symptoms. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy for head and neck cancers can also be a cause.

Dehydration – failing to stay hydrated during fitness or due to fever or vomiting can cause temporary dry mouth.

Nerve damage – damage to the nerves in the head and neck area can lead to dry mouth issues.

Tobacco – use of tobacco can aggravate dry mouth symptoms.

If you are experiencing dry mouth symptoms, some ways to increase saliva production include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum
• Using a room vaporizer when you sleep
• Over-the-counter oral rinse products that are designed to increase moisture
• Consulting with your physician about changing medications
• Ceasing or limiting tobacco use

Chronic dry mouth can increase your risk for gum disease, dental decay and bad breath. If you are experiencing dry mouth on a regular basis, give us a call to assess the causes and potential treatments.

HYGIENISTS ARE NOT JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE

This year marks the 50TH anniversary of the Canadian Dental Hygienists’ Association

In honour of all the hard-working registered dental hygienists across our country, here are a few myths we’d like to dispel.

Donna of McLeod Dental Care

Myth: We are just another pretty face.

Fact: Although it’s true we are a good-looking lot, we also have brains. To become a dental hygienist, one must first be accepted into an accredited college.The competition is tough, with far more applicants than available slots.Receiving a degree is only one part of the journey.

We also must pass rigorous provincial written board exams along with written and clinical regional exams.  Yearly we are required to keep a professional portfolio including 25 hours of updated courses.

Myth: We love to nag people about flossing.

Fact: What we love is to complement those who do floss on a daily basis. The first sign of periodontal disease (bone loss around teeth) is gingivitis. Gingivitis is bleeding, swollen and infected gums caused by bacteria. With only brushing, bacteria are allowed to settle in between the teeth and make new colonies consisting of millions of little germs that excrete acid onto the teeth and bury into the gums. Your gums are skin. If the skin on any other part of your body was swollen and bled from the slightest contact, you’d do everything you could to take care of that infection. Do the same for your mouth by flossing daily to prevent infection and decrease the chances of getting a cavity between the teeth. Live by the mantra “healthy gums do not bleed.” (By the way, don’t lie to us and tell us you floss. We aren't fooled!)

Kristy Lee of McLeod Dental Care

Myth: What happens in the mouth stays in the mouth.

Fact: Your mouth is the portal to your body. The bacteria that cause plaque in the mouth are the same bacteria that clog arteries and lead to heart attack and stroke. Research by the Mayo Clinic has shown that people with gum disease are twice as likely to die from heart disease and three times as likely to die from stroke. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are more likely to deliver a premature baby. Gum disease can affect glucose levels of diagnosed diabetics, and can even place one at risk for becoming diabetic. Gum disease increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as head, neck, pancreatic and kidney cancer. Research has also found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Myth: We love to inflict pain.

Fact: We strive to give you the best treatment we can in the time allowed and truly try to make it as comfortable as possible. You can make a difference in the comfort of your appointment by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and by flossing at least once per day. People with healthy mouths usually look forward to and enjoy their appointments. Really!

Myth: We just clean teeth.

Fact: Scraping tartar build-up off teeth and nagging about flossing are just two of our important tasks. In a day’s work, we also review medical history, assess for periodontal disease, screen for oral cancer, provide oral hygiene instructions, take radiographs to look for abnormalities, suggest products that improve individualized care, educate, administer anaesthetics  answer questions, increase comfort, decrease anxiety, place sealants, apply fluoride, all while having a personalized conversation.

Some days we go to schools to demonstrate proper oral hygiene to children or provide dental screenings.

We volunteer for various programs. We learn about the latest research, technologies and products.

And, yeah, we clean teeth. 

McLeod Dental Care has 14 Registered Dental Hygienists on staff and is proud of their dedicated, caring and hard working team.

HAVE BRUSH WILL TRAVEL

A vacation is sometimes a good excuse to eat rich foods, get more sleep (or less) and generally abandon good habits. Don’t let oral hygiene end up on the ‘hooky’ list. Neglecting your teeth while traveling can create a breeding ground for calculus build-up, cavities and pulpitis. Pre-plan your oral routine with a waterless, pre-pasted toothbrush.

When it comes to these travel companions, there are some different options. One style delivers tooth gel or liquid onto the bristles with a squeeze of the replaceable cartridge, located in the handle. Another style delivers toothpaste onto the bristles when you push the handle into the brush head. Others have a dot of toothpaste in the center of the bristle

head.

Some styles of toothbrush require water while others do not. If your vacation requires long periods away from indoor plumbing, consider choosing the waterless, pre-pasted variety. This convenient option can fit in a pocket or backpack for hikers, bikers and even beach dwellers.

Prepare your toddler with a ‘dry run’. Play dentist’s office with your child to give him or her some idea of what is in store. Lean your toddler back in a chair and attach a paper bib. Use a big mirror to look at his or her teeth. Then encourage your child to play dentist with one of his or her toys. This will help the child feel more in control of the situation in the real office.

Consider also using disposable floss picks when on the road. Unlike regular floss, a pick can be used with one hand. This makes them exceptionally convenient when you are on-the-go.

Don’t let oral bacteria be one of the souvenirs that you bring home from your vacation. Whether you use a traditional brush and paste or a pre-pasted travel style, make oral hygiene one of your vacation plans.

COLA NOT

Studies at Tufts University show that there may be a link between drinking cola and bone loss in women. In the study, the more cola and soda that women drank, the lower their bone mineral density was. Drinking cola isn’t just bad for your teeth but it may be eroding your jawbone as well.

This bone loss was present even in women who still drank a significant amount of milk.

The study was conducted by studying bone mineral density in three areas on the hip. This link between cola drinking and bone loss wasn’t affected by smoking, drinking alcohol, age or calcium consumption.

Phosphoric acid may be the ingredient to blame for bone loss. While phosphorus is an important bone mineral, getting a disproportionate amount of it compared to calcium could lead to bone loss. While caffeine is long known to interfere with calcium absorption, non-caffeinated sodas had a similar, if lesser, effect.

Interestingly, the men in the study were unaffected by cola consumption.

So, how can you off-set this bone loss?

• Eliminate or reduce the amount of cola in your diet.
• Get more calcium and vitamin D into your diet.
• Add weight bearing exercise into your routine such as walking up stairs.

If you have questions about your own bone density, call your doctor and set up a simple bone density test. If you are concerned about the effects of cola consumption on your teeth and jawbones, give us a call today.

MIND THE GAP

Young children can become upset and self-conscious about a gap between their upper front teeth. However, there usually is no reason for concern because during tooth eruption, it is normal for a diastema, or gap, to appear.

Nearly every 5-year old has a diastema. Half of all 8-year olds will have a diastema. At this age the permanent “eye-teeth” start pushing against the roots of the permanent central incisors and move them apart. The eye teeth complete their eruption when your child is about 12-years old, letting the teeth naturally snuggle up next to each other.

However, sometimes teeth do not develop normally. An abnormal diastema can cause speech problems and poor chewing function as well as affect your child’s self-esteem and social behavior.

There can be several reasons why the diastema appears, including:

1.    •an oversized frenum, the flap of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums.

2.    •a habit such as pushing the tongue against the front teeth.

3.    •a hormone imbalance that makes the jaw grow larger, but the teeth are normal size.

If the diastema does not close on its own, we can consider several treatment options such as doing nothing, fitting braces, adding veneers (thin porcelain shells that cover the fronts of the teeth), bonding (placing tooth-colored material between the teeth) or creating crowns or a bridge.

It’s important that we regularly examine your child’s developing teeth to prevent dental problems later in life because everyone’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime.

HOT AND DRY

Have you ever had ‘cotton mouth’? Everyone occasionally has a dry, sticky feeling in their mouth because of heat or a reaction to food but when your mouth is chronically dry, it’s a serious problem. When you notice a dry mouth, it’s a condition called xerostomia (zero-stow-me-uh) and may be only noticeable after you've lost about 60% of your saliva.
Xerostomia refers to a sensation of a dry mouth and can be caused by many different factors including over 400 different medications. A constantly dry mouth isn't just annoying but makes it difficult to speak, chew and swallow foods and prevents you from maintaining proper nutrition.
Without that protective saliva, your mouth becomes a bacteria playground. If left untreated, xerostomia can result in tooth decay and gum disease, painful oral ulcers or a rampant yeast infection.
There are a few things that you can do to treat the symptoms of xerostomia. There are over-the-counter and prescription products and saliva substitutes that may help alleviate symptoms. They are available in sprays, toothpaste, lozenges, gels, chewing gum and liquids.

Another way is to avoid the things that cause dry mouth. Dental products that contain drying ingredients like alcohol or sodium laurel sulfate can exacerbate the existing problem. Other steps include stopping smoking and the drinking alcoholic beverages, consulting your physician about changing medications as well as reducing stress and anxiety.
If you are experiencing chronic dry-mouth, it is also important to have more frequent dental check-ups so that we can closely monitor the condition. If you are concerned about xerostomia, call and make an appointment, and bring a current list of medications with you to your check-up.

BETWEEN CHEEK & GUM

Just a pinch between your cheek and gum can cause a condition called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch of thick and slightly raised soft tissue that usually appears on the tongue, gums or the inside of the cheek.
Tobacco users who hold a wad of tobacco in the mouth for long periods of time or smoke a pipe are at high risk of developing leukoplakia. It can take weeks or months for the patch to develop. Although it is painless, it might become sensitive when touched or to hot and spicy foods.
Fortunately, the condition usually resolves itself when the irritation is removed; however, sometimes, we must perform surgery to remove the patch. Leukoplakia can progress into oral cancer or remain as a pre-cancerous lesion if left unchecked.

Non-tobacco users aren’t off the hook for leukoplakia though. Along with smoked or smokeless tobacco, leukoplakia can result from other irritation caused by a broken tooth; a poorly fitting denture; rough spots on a filling, crown or tooth and chewing the inside of your cheek.
Identifying conditions such as leukoplakia when they are in their early stage is very important, which is one reason why we recommend bi-yearly dental check-ups. However, you should see us immediately if you have something out of the ordinary in your mouth. The earlier we make a diagnosis, the quicker we can restore your health.

A HARD ITCH TO SCRATCH

tongue It itches; it flakes, and it‘s unwelcome. Psoriasis is an auto-immune inflammatory condition that runs in families. It could be running across your mouth as well. Recently made notable by Kim Kardashian, psoriasis only affects about three percent of the world population. If you’re in that three percent and develop it, especially in your mouth, it can be annoying at best and scary at worst. An equal opportunity disorder, it affects men and women equally and often doesn’t show up until a person is in their 20s or 30s.

While we primarily think of psoriasis as a dry skin condition, it can appear anywhere in the moist oral cavity. Commonly seen on the top of the tongue, it resembles the inflammatory condition known as geographic tongue, which consists of bare patches outlined by a thin white or yellow line, like outlining the continents on the globe.

On the cheek, lip, gums, palate or floor of the mouth, oral psoriasis can be irregularly-shaped, flat or raised, red or white patches or even ulcers. It’s no surprise that if you have psoriasis in your mouth you probably have it on other parts of your body. The exact cause is unknown. There are several likely factors, such as stress, trauma or infection. The episodes come and go, and some episodes are more severe than others.exam

It is fairly easy to diagnose, especially when we have your complete family medical history. We might need to take a biopsy to rule out other conditions. The good news is that oral psoriasis is not cancer, nor does it permanently damage your oral tissues. It usually goes away on its own without treatment. Most importantly, anytime you notice something unusual in your mouth, please see us immediately so we can check it out.

DECAYING SELF-ESTEEM

Hidden tooth decay is the number one preventable, chronic childhood disease. But unlike most childhood diseases, a cavity-riddled smile can cause embarrassment, chronic discomfort and damaged self-esteem.

Teens or young adults that have decayed teeth, oral infection and foul breath might be ridiculed and shunned by peers at the time in their lives when social acceptance can seem like the most important thing in the world. If nothing else, a teen with an unhealthy mouth is less apt to smile.

 A lack of self-esteem can lead teens to worsen dental issues by eating an unhealthy diet and having poor oral hygiene. Many teen's diets consist mainly of sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods and beverages. Besides unhealthy snacking, some teens drink multiple cans of sodas, sports/energy drinks and/or sugary coffee drinks all day every day. Oral bacteria convert these sugars into acids that leech the calcium and phosphorous out of the teeth and lead to tooth decay.Happy

 When the teen’s teeth and mouth show signs of lack of care, such as bad breath and cavities, the teen’s self-esteem sinks even lower. It’s a vicious cycle.

We encourage parents to not only seek help for their struggling teenager, but to step up their teen’s dental visits. We may need to see your teen more than the typical two hygiene exams each year so that we can closely monitor any changes in the teen’s mouth and take immediate preventative measures. Working together we can give your teenager a healthy, beautiful smile to show off a dynamic, confident new attitude.

THE MODERN MAN

The myth of the rugged he-man ‘washing’ his face with a handful of gravel is fading into obscurity. Nowadays, men enjoy a lot of the same self-care products that women do. Modern men use hair styling products, gentle soaps, moisturisers and balms to keep their skin, hair and nails healthy and attractive. There’s nothing especially masculine about neglecting your health or appearance…especially when it comes to your oral health.

Taking good care of your oral hygiene isn’t just about appearance but it is integral to maintaining your overall good health. Without strong healthy teeth and gums, getting proper nutrition can become a challenge and that can affect every part of your well-being  Poor nutrition can lead to hair loss, sallow skin, lack of energy and even serious health problems.

In addition to maintaining good oral habits and regular dental visits, enhancing your appearance with an in-office whitening will help to further upgrade your appearance. A safe and professionally administered whitening can elevate your smile from good to dazzling.

Statistics show that people who have good teeth smile more and appear more confident. Considering having any crooked or misshapen teeth corrected with beautiful natural-looking porcelain veneers. Having a confident and well-groomed appearance can only be of benefit to you in your life and work.

Proper grooming isn't about vanity. It’s about keeping your entire body healthy and in good shape. Maintaining your health through good nutrition and proper care can enhance your quality of life. If your smile needs some TLC, give us a call today.

ONE HOUR MAKEOVER

When it comes to services, quicker is better. We use one-hour photos, one-hour eyeglasses and now you can have one-hour immediate load implants. As busy as you are, finding an hour to improve your smile, strengthen your bite and protect your teeth from shifting is time well-spent.implant

An implant is a metal post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a tooth’s root. This allows you to replace a missing tooth after the root is gone.

There are differences between an implant, immediate implant, and immediate load implant. A traditional implant takes several months for the bone to regenerate and fuse to the implant. During that healing time, we surgically expose the top of the implant post and attach an extension. Afterwards, there is a series of appointments to create and place the permanent crown onto the extension. The immediate implant procedure is pretty much the same, except that the extension is put on the post when the implant is placed. After several months have passed and the bone has regenerated, the extension is surgically uncovered, followed by a series of appointments to make the final tooth. Then, the permanent crown is attached. Both the immediate implant and the implant use a more time-consuming bone-grafting process to stabilize the implant. The immediate load implant is similar to an expansion anchor used to hang a heavy picture on your wall. The anchor sleeve flares outward when the screw is inserted into it. The immediate load implant sleeve flares towards the side of the tooth socket, and the temporary tooth is attached. No additional surgery is necessary.

While all three implants will serve the purpose of replacing a tooth, neither the implant nor immediate implant is functional when you leave the office. The immediate load implant is fully-functional as soon as it is placed into your jawbone and only takes one-hour to implant. Talk about a time-saver!

GLUCOSE TO CALL

Did you know that one of the first areas affected by diabetes is your mouth? “But I’m not diabetic,” you think but ….are you sure? The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that approximately 7.0 million Americans are diabetic but undiagnosed and that 79 million more are in a ‘pre-diabetic’ state.
Diabetes is a growing problem in America. According to the ADA*, 25.8 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and 1.9 million more were added last year.
Poor blood glucose makes your gums vulnerable to attack by the millions of bacteria currently inhabiting your mouth. Oral symptoms of diabetes include dry mouth, inflammation and poor healing. This infestation can start you on a path toward gingivitis and periodontitis as well as a whole host of systemic health problems including kidney disease and stroke.

One way to keep an eye on your blood glucose levels is to have your dentist test you during your twice yearly oral examination. By making this a part of your regular cleaning, you can address current dental concerns while preventing potential future threats. Like an x-ray looks for decay, a simple blood test can be helpful in spotting those first signs of diabetes and pre-diabetes before they wreak havoc on your system.
Ask us today about adding a simple blood glucose screening to your regularly scheduled checkup. *Data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet (released January 26, 2011) http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/