August is here!

Wow! August is upon us and school is just around the corner.  Our hygienist's kids actually start school tomorrow!  It always amazes me how fast the summer goes.  As our lives return to "normal", I just wanted to take the time to remind everyone to get their dental treatments scheduled now.  Before we know it we will be looking at Christmas being weeks away, and dental benefits for the year being wasted!  Dental benefits are use them or loose them, so don't let your dollars slip away.  Insurance CEO's love it, but we don't need to give them any extra cash in their pockets.  I hope you all have had a great summer so far, and can find time to enjoy what is left of it.  Happy Wednesday!

Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Science has come a long way!

Here is an article about a discovery of a new molecule that can destroy bacteria in the mouth virtually eliminating decay in the mouth.  I can hardly believe how far we have come in dentistry.  What do you think of this discovery? 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/10/cavity-proof-teeth-keep-32-molecule-kills-bacteria_n_1662267.html

-Trisha

As always; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life!  ;)

Dental Cleanings more than "just" a cleaning

Here is an article that highlights the added benefits of seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings.  I am always amazed at how much the health of our mouth relates to how healthy we are, I am sure glad I get my cleanings done on schedule!   Follow the link below to read this article which gives some pretty convincing statistics in favor of getting in for those "pesky cleanings"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/13/dental-cleaning-stroke-heart-attack_n_1088943.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living-health-news

Hope everyone is doing well, and safe after the crazy week of fires here in Colorado Springs!

-Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Great Dental Health Starts at Home

Here is a great article I found about at home dental care!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/taking-care-of-your-teeth-at-home.aspx

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.

Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Kentucky Derby 5-5-12

I don't know about you, but I just love the Kentucky Derby.  I would love to go to the race someday and wear a crazy hat and drink mint juleps with all the yuppies!  It may seem crazy, but it is definitely on my bucket list.  What is on your bucket list?  Although I really know nothing about odds or picking a horse, based purely on their names, I am picking "I'll Have Another" to win!  Which horse do you think will win? 
I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys watching the Derby (if that's your thing)!

-Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)


Update 5-24-12


Can you believe I picked the winner, not only of the derby, but "I'll Have Another" went on to win the Preakness as well!  Man, can I pick em or what!  I am thinking Triple Crown!  (If only I had actually bet, oh well!)

Are you sleeping well?

It is no secret that a good night's rest is crucial to our health, but sometimes getting the needed rest is impossible.  Sleep apnea is a real problem in the United States and affects an estimated 12 million people.  What is sleep apnea?  Sleep apnea is the stopping or shallowing of your breathing during sleep.  The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea.  With obstructive sleep apnea you aren't able to get enough oxygen through your nose and mouth while you sleep due to a collapsed airway.  Treatments for sleep apnea range from simple solutions for mild sleep apnea patients like sleeping on your side rather than your back, or for cases of severe sleep apnea patients are given a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).  Although effective for helping with oxygen flow, the CPAP compliance rate is low, meaning patients who are diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP rarely use it the way it is prescribed.  There is another alternative treatment for sleep apnea, and can be helpful to patients that have been diagnosed anywhere from mild to severe but non-compliant with the CPAP.  This treatment involves an oral appliance you wear while sleeping that helps to bring your jaw forward therefore opening up your airway allowing better oxygen flow.  This applience can be made for you by Dr. Kearney.  If you have trouble getting enough sleep, if you snore, if you feel tired after "sleeping" all night, or in the worst case scenario, if someone has told you that you quit breathing during your sleep, you need to come in and talk with Dr. Kearney about this.  Even though it may seem strange to discuss your sleeping habits with your dentist, Dr. Kearney may be able to help.  Getting the sleep your body needs just might improve the quality of your life!  Keep that in mind next time your visiting our office, and as always, if you have questions please call us!  We are here for you, our most valued patients!

~Trisha

Always remember; Keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Dental X-rays and radiation

With the recent news coverage about dental x-rays and radiation, I thought it might be helpful to link to an article that shows actual radiation numbers.  Here at Austin Bluffs Dental we use digital x-rays which minimize patients radiation exposure over traditional film x-rays.  We only take x-rays when necessary to uphold our standard of care and we keep all of our equipment up-to-date to provide our patients with the safest experience possible.  Please feel free to read the following information as published by the American Dental Association regarding dental x-rays, and if you have any further questions we are here for you and can be reached at Austin Bluffs Dental (719) 593-8488.

X-Rays - American Dental Association - ADA.org

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend!

-Trisha

Always remember: keep your teeth healthy, and don't let them take a bite out of your life! :)

Ever wonder why Easter moves around so much? Well, I did!

Here is an answer I found online as to why Easter moves around the calendar so much.  Kinda interesting...

How is the date for Easter calculated each year?

It's time to "Spring" Forward!

It is almost unrealistic that this weekend it will already be time to move our clocks forward 1 hour, but it is true!  On March 11th (officially at 2am) we will need to set our clocks ahead 1 hour, essentially losing 1 hour.  Even though I do have a hard time adjusting to the loss of that hour, I sure do enjoy the extra daylight in the evening.  I am a fan of just keeping Daylight Savings time year round, are you with me?  I wanted to share a link for a website I found which discusses this more in detail, so if you are at all interested in the history of daylight savings time or other interesting facts, check it out.

                                                           www.timeanddate.com

I wish everyone a fantastic weekend, it is supposed to be gorgeous weather this weekend so enjoy!

-Trisha

Always remember; Keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Strange facts about Leap Day

Since today is Leap Day, and since Leap Day only happens once every four years, I thought what better to post about today than the strange traditions and facts of Leap Day!

Did you know:

The chance of being born on Leap Day is 1 out of 1,461, and if lucky enough to be born on a Leap Day it is said that you will have special talents or powers. 

Leap Day was traditionally the only day that women could propose to men.  Although many women propose throughout the year now, their are still many women who use Leap Day, also referred to as Sadie Hawkins Day, to ask for their mate's hand in marriage!

There is an official Leap Day cocktail. Google it and you could be indulging tonight!

Hugh Hefner opened the first Playboy Club in Chicago, IL on Leap Day 1960.

Workers who have fixed annual salaries pretty much work for free on February 29th as most employers do account for the extra day. 

Oh what fun!  I do love Leap Year!

-Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Dental Extractions, just the facts!

Most of us have either been in the situation or will face the decision at some point in our lives; should I try to save my tooth, or should I just have it extracted.  There are several factors that go into making this decision.  The first thing you should always do is seek the opinion of your dental professional.  There are some cases that saving a specific tooth may not even be an option.  If a tooth is compromised due to periodontal disease resulting in significant bone loss, attempting to save said tooth is really a no win situation.  That being said, many times treatment options are available to save even a severely decayed tooth and although the options might seem more expensive in the short term, in the long run those options might actually save you money.  If a tooth is extracted, the teeth surrounding the now missing tooth will start to shift to try and fill the void.  This may not sound like a huge problem, but the shifting teeth can affect your chewing ability and jaw joint function. (See animation below)

  

I feel it is always best to try to save our natural teeth, but if it is not possible, then most likely the dentist will recommend you replace the extracted tooth as soon as possible (depending on healing time) with either a bridge, a partial denture or a dental implant.  The biggest thing to be aware of is there are options available to you, so talk with your dentist, and come up with a treatment plan that you can live with!  For more information or if you have questions, please call! 

-Trisha

Always remember:  Keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Vitals - FDA warns of toothbrushes that mess up your face

Check out this article posted to the MSN blog Vitals:

Vitals - FDA warns of toothbrushes that mess up your face

Who knew that brushing your teeth could be so dangerous!

P.S. I still reccomend brushing your teeth, just wanted you all to be aware!

-Trisha

Always remember: Keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

And the answers are....

Here are the answers to the pop quiz from last week.

1) Halitosis is the medical term for "bad breath".
2) E. All of the above could be causes, and there are others.  If you suffer from bad breath that does not go away, talk with your dentist to find out about treatments that may be able to help you.
3) Well, this could be both true and false.  Using a mouth rinse daily may help combat halitosis, but to actually treat the condition, you have to find out what is causing the bad breath.  Treatments will vary depending on the cause. 

Did you know...some people that suffer from bad breath actually can't smell their own halitosis?  This happens because the odor detecting cells get "used" to the smell and therefore the person has no clue that their breath may be offending others.  If you notice someone backing up from you when you speak, it might be time to see your dentist to discuss the possible causes and treatments! 

Hope you all have a great halitosis-free weekend! :-)

Trisha

Always remember;  Keep your teeth clean, and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Pop quiz, Bad breath style!

Bad breath is not a topic that many of us want to think about, but it is something that over 90 million Americans suffer from.  With that in mind, I present you with your pop quiz.

1) What is the medical term for "bad breath"?

2) All of the following can be causes for bad breath except,
           a) food odors
           b) sinus problems
           c) stomach or "gerd" issues
           d) gum disease
           e) all of the above could be causes

3) True or False...the best cure for "bad breath" is using a mouthwash daily.

I'll give you all a few days to think on this and so be sure to check back in a few days for the answers to this weeks... POP QUIZ!!!

-Trisha

Always remember, keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Oral and Dental Care Articles & News |Oral Hygiene, Dental Health Information and Resources | Colgate®

Happy Friday to all! I thought that for the first post of the new year, I would give everyone a chance to learn something new. Many of us deal with dry mouth but may not know causes or the affects it can have on other health factors. I found this article about xerostomia (dry mouth) and I thought it was interesting so I am sharing it with you! I hope you can learn something and possibly benefit from your new found knowledge. Happy reading!


Oral and Dental Care Articles & News Oral Hygiene, Dental Health Information and Resources Colgate®


-Trisha

Always remember: Keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Here's to 2012!

As we near the end of yet another year, I look to the words of others for guidance for the new year.  Here is a "gem" I found from Mark Twain:

New Year's Day:  Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions.  Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.  ~Mark Twain
Well, if that isn't just the truth.  I find that anymore, I won't even propose a resolution for the new year, for if I do, I am sure to fail at it.  More often that not, the resolutions we make are more about the champagne we are drinking than the reality we will have to deal on January 2!  That being said, I have found that setting small goals throughout the year works much better for me, and if I set those goals when I am not "under the influence" I have a much better success rates! 

Here at Austin Bluffs Dental, we are excited for the New Year.  We plan on carrying on our resolution to provide our patients with the best possible dental experience by continuing to attend education courses and keeping up-to-date with all the latest and greatest technology.  Thank you to all of our patients for a wonderful 2011, and as we transition to 2012, please know that we are here for you! 

I hope everyone has a very happy New Year!

-Trisha

Always remember:  Keep your teeth healthy, and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

Merry Christmas!!

Well it is here, Christmas is only two days away and I think I am just about as ready as I can be!  I have wrapped the gifts, hung the stockings, decorated the tree and gained 5 lbs from all the wonderful goodies we have received here in the office!  So, yes, I would say I am officially ready for Christmas!  I did want to thank all of our awesome patients and all of the fantastic offices we work with for the many delicious treats you brought to us, we have enjoyed them all. 
 
I did scan the Internet to find a few good holiday jokes, so I hope you can get a good chuckle with these!

What did the dog breeder get when he crossed a Irish Setter with a Pointer?
           A PointSetter!

Why are Dasher and Dancer always taking coffee breaks?
          Because they are Santa's star bucks!

What do you call an elf who has just won the lottery?
          Welfy!

What do the elves sing to Santa after he finishes his rounds on Christmas Eve?
          Freeze a jolly good fellow!

What is a snowman's favorite food?
          Burrrr_itos!

LOL!!

FYI:  Our office will be closing early today, December 23, and we will open again on Wednesday December 28, 2011.  I want to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday!  Merry Christmas to all!

Trisha

Always remember, keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)



 

Recipe Alert! Nutmeg Maple Butter Cookies

Here is a recipe I found on one of my favorite food blogs; smitten kitchen.  If you ever have a chance to get on the smitten kitchen food blog, you will not be disappointed.  She has several recipes that you will not see anywhere else and many of them are really simple.  This recipe sounded yummy and doesn't involve much, so I figured I would post it here. 

Nutmeg Maple Butter Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter (at room temp)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup maple syrup (Grade B works best for this recipe)

1 large egg yolk

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 1/4 teaspoon flaky salt or 1 teaspoon table salt

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Keep the mixer running and add egg yolk.  Once that is incorporated slowly pour in the maple syrup.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, nutmeg and salt).  Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.  The dough will be loose.  Gather the dough together and wrap tightly with a piece of plastic wrap.  Chill the dough in the refrigerator anywhere from 2 hours to 4 days.  Dough should be firm. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out dough on a floured surface (quarter to half the dough at a time, keeping the remaining dough in the fridge until ready to use) to 1/8 inch thickness.  Cut into desired shapes.

Arrange cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 8-11 minutes.  Cookies will be golden at the edges when they are ready to come out of the oven.  Transfer to cooling racks and cool.  Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them until you are ready for them! 

( smittenkitchen.com/2011/12/nutmeg-maple-butter-cookies)

Enjoy!

Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)

December is here!

I have such a hard time believing that we are now into December and that the holidays are coming at us like a freight train, but my 5 year old son keeps me in check!  Everyday he gives me the countdown to Christmas, last night I heard, "24 days until Christmas mom!"  (like I need the reminder!)  It's not that I don't love the holiday season and all that it represents, but I am just not ready!  Is anyone else with me on this?  I don't know how it happens, but with every passing year time moves faster and faster!  I am ready for a slow down, "mommy needs a time out," but I doubt I'll get it.  Here's to wishful thinking!  I want to wish all of our patients a little slow down!  Let's all take a "time out" and be thankful for what we have right in front of us!

-Trisha

Always remember; keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;) 

New technology for oral cancer screening is here!

We are excited to announce that we now have a new "tool" in our arsenal to help us screen for oral cancer.  We attended a continuing education seminar in Denver, Co last Thursday and Friday and part of the focus of that seminar was on oral cancer screening.  We have always preformed oral cancer screenings in our office, but we now have a velscope.  A velscope "is the most powerful FDA approved oral screening tool for assisting in the discovery and detection of oral cancers.  The velscope works by emitting non-harmful blue light allowing the doctor to see areas of concern that are otherwise undetectable with the naked eye.  The velscope is NOT a diagnostic test.  It is, however, a visualization tool that will help the dentist and hygienist to identify a wide range of unhealthy tissue in the mouth including oral pre-cancer and cancer." (Velscope.com)  If the doctor does see something of concern he will then schedule the patient for diagnosis.  For more information you can go to Velscope.com. 

We will begin to use the velscope routinely at your regular check-ups, so if you need another reason to get in for your check-up, there you have it.  Our patient's health is extremely important to us, and this is why we have decided to bring this new technology into our office. 

-Trisha

Always remember, keep your teeth healthy and don't let them take a bite out of your life! ;)