Another Oral Health/Total Body Health Link from Dr. Markiewicz

April 25th, 2012

Wow! United Concordia has introduced a new program called UCWellness after a recent study showed that health care costs for diabetics were reduced by an average of $1800.00/year when periodontal (gum) disease is treated and periodontal health is maintained. It was found that hospitalizations were decreased by 33% and doctor visits by 13%.

The program provides additional benefits for periodontal maintenance, active periodontal therapy, and some surgical procedures to help diabetics treat and control periodontal disease. This is revolutionary change that is supported by research data.

- from Dr. Anthony Markiewicz

If I use fluoride toothpaste and the water in my area is fluoridated, do I still need additional fluoride?

April 18th, 2012

Cities have been adjusting the fluoride levels in water since 1964. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay, but you may not be drinking as much fluoridated water as you may think. If bottled or home-purified water is your main source for drinking water, you may be missing out on this extremely safe and effective mineral that prevents tooth decay.

Of course, using toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Approval is a good source of fluoride, but optimal levels of absorption can only be achieved if you use it as directed: brushing twice a day for two to three minutes each time.

At our office, you can receive professionally applied topical fluoride during your next dental checkup. This is extremely important for people who are at high risk for tooth decay, including children, people with less than perfect oral hygiene, people undergoing orthodontic treatment, and people with weakened enamel due to lifestyle choices or genetic factors. If you have any questions regarding fluoride, please feel free to ask us at the office. We want you to have the healthiest smile possible.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April 4th, 2012

Visiting our office regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

We are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth!