Are You a Smile-Smart Senior?

Older Couple Showing Off their Healthy SmilesThe older you get, the more things you have to smile about. And, encouragingly, as the U.S. population ages, more and more Americans are keeping their natural teeth longer. Of course, men and women over the age of 55 remain at a higher risk for certain oral diseases, namely gum disease. Although it may seem harmless, this serious inflammatory condition is the leading cause of tooth loss and, according to current dental research, is linked to a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis flare-ups. Today, Ankeny family dentist Dr. Erika Peddicord shares some simple tips that seniors can use to keep their smiles healthy, strong, and beautiful. (more…)

Dental Care Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Woman Excited to Receive Dental Care Gifts for ChristmasChristmas is less than two weeks away and there are sure to be a few people on your list who you haven’t found the right gift for yet. Rather than waste money on plastic knick-knacks or sugary candies, why not take a trip down the dental care aisle at your local grocery superstore? You’re sure to find a wide variety of Christmas gifts perfect for just about everyone on your list. (more…)

Taking Cosmetic Dentistry to the Extreme

VampireTeethOpting for temporarily bejeweling your teeth might seem like a harmless form of self-expression. The problem is, while there are some dentists who offer jewel adhesion to teeth with FDA-approved glue, do-it-yourself kits exist that can lead to a host of tooth damage. No matter how a jewel is applied, the American Dental Association (ADA) is concerned that tooth jewelry can trap food and bacteria, presenting a great opportunity for decay to fester and do long term damage to the most visible teeth. Here are a couple more of the most unusual dental trends in the last few years.

A Wider Gap

America’s Next Top Model was a very popular show for a time, as were many makeover shows which involved cosmetic dental changes to the extreme. However, the former show went in the opposite direction with extreme cosmetic changes. Chelsey Hersey was a prospective model who appeared on the show with a small existing gap in between her two front teeth (also known as a diastema). Generally, to close such tooth gaps, dentists recommend dental bonding where composite material is adhered and shaped to make teeth just close enough to touch. In some cases, a surgical procedure called a maxillary frenectomy is advised to shorten the labial frenulum (the skin between the upper lip and gums, between your two front teeth). On the advice (more…)

Dental Pros and Cons of Cranberries this Thanksgiving

Cranberry PlantIf you’re a planner, you may already be making your list for your holiday menus. Sugary, cavity-inducing treats will soon be brought into work on a daily basis. Doubtless, sugar should be avoided if you’re thinking about your oral and overall health. There are some holiday favorites that have been shown in studies to have compounds with the potential to fight tooth and gum disease, however. One of these consumables is the cranberry. Most often served on the Thanksgiving table as a sauce to go with turkey, cranberry juice has become a year round beverage.  Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord explains some pros and cons of cranberries when it comes to your teeth.

The Good News

According to a study at the University of Rochester, cranberries can fight tooth decay. The study was led by Dr. Hyun “Michel” Koo, a dentist turned food scientist and microbiologist. Cranberries have deep properties that can make it impossible for S. mutans (the bacteria that cause tooth decay) to create plaque and stick to teeth. Scientists are working to isolate the compound so that it can be infused into toothpastes, mouthwashes, and sugar-free gums in the future.

The Bad News

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It’s Fun to Brush Your Teeth

gameLet’s face it…it can be difficult to get your kids to brush their teeth. You can bribe, plead, cajole, and threaten but, short of standing behind them and watching them do it, you can’t really guarantee they will. In an effort to inspire kids to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, the Ad Council and Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives released a new mobile gaming app earlier this year. Your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord, tells you all about it in today’s blog.

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Is Mouthwash Bad for You?

Mouthwash can be a fast and convenient way to freshen your breath and kill harmful bacteria without actually brushing your teeth. However, according to a new Swedish study, using a powerful antiseptic twice a day may not be good for your heart health. Today your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord, discusses mouthwash.

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Gum Disease: Just for Adults?

famPeriodontal disease, or gum disease, tends to be associated with older people. However, gum disease is on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) half of Americans aged 30 and up, have periodontal disease. For adults 65 and older the percentage increases from 50 to just over 70 percent. Based on these statistics you might think gum disease only affects older people. However, most gum disease is the result of poor oral health care, and that can begin at birth. Today your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord, stresses the importance of good oral hygiene in children to help avoid gum disease.

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Genetics And Dentistry?

Have you ever heard of epigenetics? There may be a time when it plays a large role in dental health. Genetics play a huge role in health now, and according to the Australian Dental Journal epigenetics may soon play an important role in dental treatment. Genetics is used to determine if certain people are genetically prone to certain diseases, and chances are one day genetics will be used to personalize your dental treatment. Your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord, discusses epigenetics and its likely future in dentistry.

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Is Your Child A Thumb Sucker?

If your child is a thumb sucker you may well be worrying yourself gray. Although some parents are actually relieved when they first realize their child sucks their thumb, if they continue sucking after a certain age even they begin to fret. For a young child, thumb sucking is self-calming, which can be good in a way. After all, as a parent you may not need to reinsert the pacifier time and time again throughout the day and night, and you may not need to comfort them for every little thing, and they may be able to fall asleep on their own without crying until you want to pull your hair out. You know what I mean if you are a parent. Today, your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord, will tell you whether or not you need to worry about your child’s thumb sucking.

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