Answers to Quiz Questions

True, The Average woman smiles 7 to 8 times more than the average male.

True, Bite correction and smile enhancement can occur at any age.  There are things that can interfere with treatment such as sleep apnea devices and certain medical conditions.

True, Sports Guards are very important.  Although, severe trauma may still cause damage it will lessen the severity.

False, Toothpicks are most commonly choked on.

False, replacing a missing tooth is very important.  When a tooth is lost and not replaced the remaining teeth are stressed by performing functions they weren't intended to do.  Additionally, teeth will likely shift which can cause future problems for the jaw joint and teeth.

False, if you are right-handed, you will likely favor the right side for chewing. 

False, it's very important to share upcoming and past surgeries.  Prosthetic joint and heart surgeries top the list, you should never assume it isn't important to share.  Frequently, antibiotic premedication is necessary for all dental visits including a dental cleaning.  Let us know before your appointment.

True, humans have been grinding away their teeth now than before but unfortunately, we do not get new molars like the elephants do. 

Things you should be shredding:

1. Magazines and Catalogs

No, you don’t have to shred the entire thing, but rip off the personalized label before you toss them in the recycle bin. For catalogs, check the interior order form to make sure it hasn’t been preprinted with your name, address, and customer or account number. Some catalogs do that to make it easier for you to place an order, but unfortunately it makes identity theft and fraud easier too.

2. Coupons

The ones you get in the newspaper are safe, but the personalized ones sent directly to you from your favorite stores have your name, address, and perhaps other information about you that stores use to track whether sending you a coupon gets you to make a purchase. If you don’t use them, shred them.

3. Signatures

Anything with your official signature—even if it’s a birthday card—should be shredded. That includes receipts and all official documents.

4. Travel Documents

Travel itineraries can tell criminals not only your personal information and payment details, but also the exact dates when you’ll be away from home. Keep your travel plans away from prying eyes by shredding travel itineraries, boarding passes, and luggage tags.

5. Envelopes

Make sure any envelope that displays your name and address is shredded for safety.

6. Junk Mail

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and that is certainly the case for unsolicited mail, which can hide a wealth of personal data that can be used to appropriate your identity or open accounts in your name. Be sure to shred all junk mail to be sure none of it falls into the wrong hands.

7. Personal Letters

You know how some financial institutions require you to answer several “security questions” as an additional way to keep your account safe? Questions often involve things like your favorite TV show, high school mascot, first car, childhood pet, etc. Your personal correspondence may include some of this information, and in the wrong hands could be used to attempt to access your accounts, or even set up an account in your name.

8. Anything Involving Your Child

When it comes to identity theft, children are extra vulnerable because most parents don’t think to check their child’s credit report, so a lot of financial damage can be done before anyone discovers the crime. Be sure to shred anything that contains identifying information about your child, including medical documents, school forms, report cards, and transcripts.

9. Resumes

Your name, address, and entire education and career history—a treasure trove of information for a criminal. Be sure to store current resumes in a safe place, and shred outdated ones.

10. Packing Receipts and Labels

Take an extra minute to peel off and shred those pre-printed address labels from packages you’ve received before you recycle the boxes. And always shred packing receipts—many have bar codes containing personal information, or reference credit card numbers or other payment details in addition to your name and address.

Give someone a "Hug".

Hugs lower your blood pressure and heart rate, while also improving cardiovascular function. Hugs decrease the release of cortisol, making you less stressed and allowing for improved sleep. Hugs boost oxytocin in our bodies, which is associated with feeling happier.

Happy 18th Birthday!

When a child turns 18, some parental responsibilities change, others remain. When your child turns 18, it doesn't mean that you quit providing the love, instruction and guidance that they still need. However, in the eyes of the law, you no longer have the same legal responsibilities or legal privileges that you once had. It has all happened so quickly!  It's likely you do not have a family attorney who can direct you.   

Cholesterol 

 Cholesterol is typically measured utilizing HDL & LDL blood levels along with high blood pressure.  One other measurement you might consider is homocysteine.  This can be included in your bloodwork.  Homocysteine is a type of amino acid, if elevated it can contribute to arterial damage and blood clots in your blood vessels.

Cholesterol Lowering Vitamins

1. Niacin (B3)

2. Psyllium

3. Fish Oil

4. Garlic

5. B12

6. Folate

FOODS TO AVOID IF YOU HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL

COCONUT OIL, BACON, FATTY PORK SAUSAGE, FROZEN PIZZA, SODA POP, WHITE BREAD, RIBEYE STEAK, MOVIE THEATER POPCORN, BUTTER, CHICKEN WINGS, FRIED FRENCH FRIES, BISCUITS, PIE CRUST, ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND GRAPEFRUIT (Can interfere with your cholesterol medication.)

High cholesterol is usually treated based on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels, plus the presence of additional risk factors for heart disease.

While some risk factors cannot be changed, others can.  Heart attack risk factors may include:

Of these, you can take action on not using tobacco (or quitting if you do use tobacco), being active, eating a healthy diet, and losing excess weight. You can also take medications to keep high blood pressure and/or diabetes under control.

Top 5 Anti-Aging Oils

1. Jojoba Oil

2. Pomegranate Seed Oil

3. Frankincense Oil

4. Lavender Oil

5. Rosehip Oil

HOW TOOTH LOSS AFFECTS FACE SHAPE

Unfortunately, tooth loss can affect much more than your smile. Teeth are attached to your jawbone by ligaments, which tug the bone tissue as you talk and eat. Because your jawbone tissue relies on this constant stimulation from your teeth, missing teeth due to advanced periodontal disease can also affect your overall face shape.

In fact, research has shown that patients can lose as much as 25% of jaw bone ridge width within the first year following tooth loss, and it can continue to lose as much as 4 millimeters more over the next few years. Although a little bone loss might seem inconsequential, it can alter your facial bone structure and age patients dramatically. Here are a few ways that tooth loss could affect your overall face shape:

Facial Angles

As teeth are lost, the height of the jawbone is reduced, which also shortens your face height. People who have naturally short faces have higher bite forces, which causes faster and more severe bone loss. This unfortunate change can alter the angles of your face, decreasing the angle next to the lips and deepening the vertical lines on your face. The angles under the nose tend to increase, making the nose look larger.

Bite Relationship

As vertical bone loss increases, the bite relationship deteriorates, creating a harsh appearance. The angle at the corner of the lips decreases, making the mouth look like it is constantly scowling. Patients with this problem can look unhappy, even when their mouths are in a state of rest.

Chin Position

When the bite relationship deteriorates, the chin can rotate forward, giving patients a severely aged look.

Lip Appearance

As teeth are lost, the lips can thin from the poor support behind them. The muscles around the mouth can lose tonicity, resulting in more wrinkles. The upper lip, which naturally becomes longer with age, can become pronounced in patients who experience tooth and bone loss.

Jowls

Advanced periodontal disease that leads to bone loss can also affect the attachments of the muscles of the lower jaw, making the tissue sag. Patients with tooth loss are more likely to have problems with jowls or a witch’s chin.

Because all of these consequences of bone loss can age a person dramatically, studies have shown that bone loss can add as much as 10 years to a person’s face. Fortunately, there are advanced gum disease treatments today.

September is Prostate Awareness Month

A cancer of the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system. Prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males.

 

Prostate cancer develops when the prostate cells undergo genetic changes. Changes in bodily functions are the main symptoms. Treatments include chemotherapy, medications to stop hormone activity, radiation therapy, and surgery. These can be used alone or in combinations to treat cancer.

Symptoms

Early stage prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. Symptoms commonly noted during the advanced stage include:

• Trouble with voiding
• Frequent voiding
• Blood 
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone Pain

Treatments

Treatments include chemotherapy, medications to stop hormone activity, radiation therapy, and surgery. These can be used alone or in combinations to treat cancer.

 

Medication

• Hormone therapy 
  
• Anti-androgens
  
• Chemotherapy
  
  

Causes

A prostate cell becomes cancerous due to a change in its gene. The exact cause for this change is unknown. The following are risk factors:

• Increasing age
• Family history
• Obesity