Cold Sores

Are you one of the "lucky" ones that get cold sores? If you do, you maybe wondering what you can do to prevent from getting more in the future. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus most commonly enters the body through a break in the skin either around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when someone touches a cold sore or the infected fluid from a cold sore. This can happen by using an infected person's eating utensils or razors and by kissing.

The beginning signs of getting a cold sore are pain around your mouth, sore throat, swollen glands, and a fever. You may only experience one of the signs or you could experience more than one. Cold sores can be very painful for some people. Treatment includes skin creams, ointments, or pills. Your dentist can help you determine which option of treatment would be best suited for you. Cold sores usually start to heal within a few days on their own. The virus itself can't be cured though. Once you have had a cold sore, the virus will be in your system forever. To help the prevention of cold sores, avoid kissing someone with a cold sore and avoid sharing their eating utensils. Also, it is important to wash your hands often to help prevent the spreading of the virus. Hopefully, being more aware of the causes of cold sores will help you to prevent from getting cold sores in the future.

Smiles Change Lives

Smiles Change Lives is a national organization that operates on a community-based format. A local orthodontic office is providing pro-bono care for deserving children that meet certain criteria.

* Children must be ages 10-18, and not currently wearing braces
* Family income must be at or below 200% of Federal Povedrty Level
* Child must have a moderate to severe malocclusion and documented good oral-hygiene
* Children must be eligible for one-stage, comprehensive orthodontic treatment
* Family is willing to sign child/family agreement to follow program rules, pay $500 to
participate in the program, keep scheduled appointments and follow all treatment instructions.

Whitney Family Orhodontics is a qualified provider. Go to www.smileschanglives.org/apply

Challenge To Men

Attention all men! Recent studies have shown that women are better than men about seeing their physicians for regular checkups and seeing the doctor when they are feeling sick. New studies also show that women are more likely to visit their dentist for routine checkups. The new research indicate that women are more proactive when it comes to mantaining their oral health than men.

A study conducted at the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences had more than 800 participants between the ages of 18 and 19 who were asked to complete questionnaires about their dental knowledge, dental attitude, and oral hygeine habits. The study revealed that women are two time as likely to have had a dental check-up in the past year. Women were also more likely to schedule the treatment recommended following the visit.

Men it is time for you to show that you do care about the overall health of your mouth. Don't let the women outshine you in this department. We now know that our oral health can also affect our overall health. Having good oral hygeine habits at home and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can have benefits that can last you a lifetime.

Can Metal Piercings Affect Your Oral Health

If you are thinking of having your tongue pierced, you may want to ask yourself if this would affect the health of your mouth. The answer is yes. Studies have shown that oral piercings can cause a number of different problems in your mouth. Chipped, fractured, or cracked teeth are just a few that can be a result of oral piercings. Another problem that can be caused by oral piercings is gingival recession. If you are still set on having an oral piercing after reading this, it is reccommended that you get plastic jewelry instead of metal. The metal jewelry can accumulate more bacteria than the plastic jewelry according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. The more bacteria collected causes a greater risk for infection. Oral piercings can also have orthodontic affects on your teeth also. The piercing could affect the movement of your tongue and cause your teeth to shift. Oral piercings may be the "cool thing" to do, but they can have lasting effects on your oral health and your overall health in general. You should talk to your dentist before making a decision that could affect you so much in the long run.

Georgia Force Team Dentists Score 100%

The Georgia Force beat the New Orleans VooDoo 59-47 last night before an enthusiastic crowd of home fans at the Gwinnett Arena. With just one more home game to go, the Force has sustained ZERO dental injuries this season while wearing their professional level dental mouth guards provided to the team by Dr. Bill Williams and the team at Suwanee Dental Care

Each year, Suwanee Dental makes dual laminate professional mouthguards for the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL and for the first time was selected by the Georgia Force to make their professional mouthguards. Many high school and recreational league team players in the North Geogria area come to Suwanee Dental for specific mouthguards and sports related dental treatment, including treatment for acute trauma to teeth, and the construction and fitting of the patented Maher Mouthguard.

Suwanee Dental Care and the team there have been extensively trained in treating trauma caused by sports injuries and in the prevention of those injuries to the teeth as well as the prevention of brain concussions through the proper construction and use of dental mouthguards. Many sports require mouthguards, some do not. All student and professional athletes will benefit from adequate protection of the head, teeth and facial structures.

Liquid Smile Bleaching

I personally have used the liquid smile bleaching pen and Love It! It is easy to use and works well. No messy leaking from bleaching trays. No bad taste that makes you feel like spitting.
You twist/turn the end of the pen; like liquid makeup, and apply to clean, dry, teeth. I floss and brush, smile wide; air drying my teeth for about a minute, and paint a thin layer on my upper and lower smile line. Presto! It is so easy!
It comes in great flavors: mint, root bear, cola and lemon-lime. Pick it up today at Suwanee Dental Care.

June Is Stroke Awareness Month

June is stroke awareness month. There are many things that we can do to improve our lifestyles that would help the prevention of strokes like eating a healthier diet and exercise. One thing that can be done that we have written about in the past is to prevent periodontal disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth which can lead to heart disease and strokes. Regular cleanings and home care can help to prevent gum disease. If you already have periodontal disease, there are treatments here in the office that help reverse the symptoms. You may not even know if you have gum disease. If this is the case, get to your dentist and hve him evaluate to see if you may need in office treatment. Help your future and the future of those you know. Help people become aware of the dangers of strokes and heart attacks and ways that they can prevent them from occurring.