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Wuuhoo! The Daily Reviewer ranked www.gotteethguide.com in the Top 100 Dentistry Blogs. Thank you.

What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live withouth them.
www.gotteethguide.com

Researchers have found that people tend to miss appointments for life-saving procedures like a mammogram, colonoscopy, and skin cancer screenings. Dental appointments can be life saving, too.

If you’re not consistent about keeping appointments, you can begin by choosing a memorable date. Any date reminiscent of time passing (two weeks before or after your  birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Years) can remind you to take care of yourself.

Bleeding or painful gums should not be the reason you make a dental appointment. Make your appointment before it’s too late.

What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com

People without dental insurance are willing to barter to maintain their smiles.

A listing was seen on Craigslist.com offering pet-sitting services in exchange for fillings and veneers (Courtesy AARP Bulletin).

Dental work is expensive. What are you doing to improve your oral health?

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com

36% of the people polled skipped dental care or checkups in the past 12 months.

The Poll: Care-Cost Consequences

The Question: In the past 12 months, because of the cost, did you or a family member in your home do any of the following?

The Answers:

42% Relied on home remedies or over-the-counter drugs rather than go see a doctor.
36% Skipped dental care or checkups.
33% Put off or postponed needed health care.
29% Did not fill a prescription for a medicine.
27% Skipped recommended medical treatment.
18% Cut pills in half or skipped medicine.
8% Had problems getting mental health care.

I don’t how know how many people were polled in the Kaiser Family Foundation Poll, April 2009, but I have seen similar statistics in recent years. I was not one of the people polled. Were you?

This is the year of health care reform. Take action to have your voice heard!Contact your elected officials or become involved in the health care reform effort at http://www.healthactionnow.org/ or call 1-866-227-7449.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com

Edmund Hewlett, DDS, UCLA School of Dentistry, says, “Brushing when you get up and before you go to bed is just fine.” Don’t brush immediately after eating acidic food or beverages (wine, orange juice, soft drinks).

Dr. Hewlett said, “The acidity slightly softens tooth enamel.” Brushing right after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages may contribute to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

You don’t have to brush after every meal, but you still have to remove debris between your teeth after meals. Use a toothpick, a glass of water, mouthwash, or a piece of gum that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that inhibits the growth of cavity-causing tooth bacteria. Chewing gum with xylitol can increase your saliva and decrease the acidity levels in your mouth.

You still need to floss.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteethguide.com/

Before you toss your toothbrush, get a new one. A new toothbrush will boost your oral health by doing a better job of preventing gum disease.

You know you need a new toothbrush when the bristles separate and you have to work harder to feel as if you did a good job brushing your teeth and massaging your gums.

Buy two at a time so you’ll have a new toothbrush ready when you need it. You’ll feel a renewed energy to stick to your brushing schedule. At least twice a day, right?

1. Get a new toothbrush every two months.
2. Soak your toothbrush in peroxide to keep it germ free.
3. Do not share your toothbrush. Bacteria can be transferred.
4. Keep your toothbrush as far as possible from the toilet to avoid airborne particles after flushing.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips.

 Change a habit and stop drinking all sodas, including diet soda. Soda contains phosphoric acid that can make your teeth and bones soft. Dr. Robbin Quarterman, DMD, suggests that drinking soda may do as much damage as cigarettes to your teeth. Dr. Quarterman also suggests avoiding beverages high in salt.

Water, green tea, coffee, and lemonade with natural sugars may help you maintain healthier teeth. Prevention is a critical aspect for healthy teeth.

Water and green tea are my favorites. Okay, once a year on a special occasion I might have a soda, but only if ice cream accidentally falls into a glass of root beer  – and that hardly ever happens.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteeth.blogspot.com/ for your Free Tips.

Research shows that stress can make it difficult for our bodies to fight all infections, including periodontal disease and heart disease. Teeth grinding is an indication of stress.

The following techniques may help you stop grinding your teeth:

1. Find ways to reduce your stress level and relax.
2. Avoid or limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.
3. Ask your dentist about the use of a night guard.
4. If an abnormal bite is the cause of teeth grinding, your dentist can treat the improper alignment. [Read more →]

Make an appointment with your periodontist as soon as possible in 2009 if you haven’t had a dental check up and teeth cleaning in the last six months.

Periodontal cleanings are more in-depth than dental cleanings, so you might want to ask if they have nitrous oxide. They can’t touch me without it.

Please vote for me in the People’s Health Blogger Awards. Just click the “Vote Now” button on the left on my blog and on the right on my Wellsphere page. Thank you.

Happy New Year Blessings.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteethguide.com/ for your Free Tips.

If you don’t eat fresh fruits and vegetables, take vitamins to supplement your diet.

If you have, or will soon have dental or periodontal surgery, it is especially important to include Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin E.

1. Vitamin A: Beef, eggs, liver, salmon, shrimp, fortified milk, cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese.

2. Vitamin C: Bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, spinach and fruits and fruit juices (especially citrus). Studies have revealed that people who consume less of Vitamin C tend to be 25% more likely to suffer from gum disease.3. Vitamin D: Fortified cereals, fortified milk, fatty fish (helps absorb Calcium).

4. Calcium: Cheese, fortified juices, milk, tofu, salmon, sardines with bones, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables (including broccoli and kale, but not spinach or Swiss chard, which have binders that lessen absorption). 99% of the calcium in your body is your bones and your teeth. Dietary calcium is needed to make sure they’re in good shape.5. Phosphorus: Almonds, broccoli, eggs, dairy products, green peas, fish, liver, meat, milk, potatoes, and poultry.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteethguide.com/