Entry bubble Every 6 months... Visit the Dentist!

By: Colleen | May 14, 2008 | Category: Health

Friday morning I have an appointment with the dentist. I'm psyched! dentist 2 No, seriously—I love going to the dentist.

As a kid, my parents took me to a pediatric dentist who offered free games of Pac-Man while you waited; thus, I've always equated the dentist with fun.

While I've been very diligent about getting a cleaning every six months, there are many people, especially my age, that do not. My best friend's rationale for this is, "My teeth don't hurt, so why should I get them checked?"

Not having your teeth cleaned professionally allows plaque to build up that regular brushing and flossing can't remove. The excess plaque leads to tooth decay, which causes cavities. Cavities, which don't always hurt at first, must be treated before they become more serious. If let go, they can require a root canal or other more advanced dental work.

Not sure how to start looking for a dentist? Check out this site: http://www.ada.org/public/directory/index.asp. You want to be sure the dentist is board certified, and check to see if they have an area of specialization. Free Pac-Man doesn't hurt, either.

Does anybody have a dental horror story? Any great experiences?

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Entry bubble Root Canal Awareness Week

By: Colleen | March 26, 2008 | Category: Health

Direct from the "strange but true" file: Next week is Root Canal Awareness Week!root canal

Sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), it lasts from March 30-April 5th.

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in root canals.

This year endodontists unite to stress the importance of protecting your teeth during sports activities with the theme "Watch Your Mouth!"—a phrase I typically associate with my childhood and mother.

While mouth guards are typically associated with full-contact sports like football and hockey, it is actually eight times more likely a dental injury will occur while playing a game like soccer.

Parents and coaches should encourage (or flat out force) their budding Michael Jordans and Mia Hamms to wear a protective mouth guard for all sports. (Although I'm pretty sure your young Tiger Woods should be okay without one—unless severely uncoordinated.)

It may not be the coolest accessory on the field or court, but it can really pay off. In high school, after thousands of dollars in orthodontia my sister took an elbow right to the kisser. You better believe the very next day I was not only sporting the coolest red and black Nike Air high-tops ever, but a bright yellow "boil and bite" mouth guard as well. I had prom dates lining up around the block.

Regardless, I can credit my beautiful pearly whites to protecting my teeth during all those years of athletic competition. A public "thanks" to Mom and Pops.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to injure oneself while engaged in athletics. For additional information check out "Sports Injuries"—and keep smiling!

| Comments [2] | envelope Email This Entry | Tags: canal   colleen   injury   protection   root   sports   teeth