January Edition: New Year, New You, New Smile!

You may have heard the saying “New Year, New You.” But have you ever considered a New Smile? Every year we make resolutions and set personal goals to be healthier, more organized, get out of debt, etc.  With a new year underway, what better time to commit to becoming a better version of yourself? And why not start with a brighter, healthier smile? As we say at Bowie Dental Wellness, your smile is well worth it. The good news is that you are not alone; let us help you kick off your fresh start in 2017! Here are some simple habits to start with.

Top 5 Smile Goals

·      Brush for 2 minutes 2x per day.

·      Floss at least once per day.

·      Use a mouth rinse, such as Listerine or Crest Pro-Health, 2x per day to reduce the number of bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease.

·      Chew sugarless gum (i.e. Orbit or Trident) after meals when brushing is not possible.

·      Ask about your treatment plans and schedule your next appointment.

#smilegoals2017 #bowidentalwellness #newsmile

Lifestyle and Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about lifestyle and oral health.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Dental Implants

Is Losing a Tooth Bad?

Losing even one tooth can cause your other teeth to shift. This IS bad. Missing a tooth can change your ability to chew and hinder your ability to absorb your food's nutrients. If you have several missing teeth, your face may begin to look sunken. Your ability to speak may be impaired.

We recommend replacing missing teeth with dental implants. They look natural, they work like real teeth, and even a dentist will have a hard time telling the difference.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Your Smile is Important

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about why your smile is important.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Custom Fit Dentures

Better-Fitting Dentures

Are regular dentures your best option? Dr. Holness designs dentures with a custom fit for secure placement, allowing more comfortable eating and speaking.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about understanding your dental plan.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Dental Bridges

Bridges for Missing Teeth!

If you have one or more missing teeth, a bridge may be an option. It is custom made from the best materials, and it will provide chewing stability (with a crown on each side). It fills in the gap in your smile and functions comfortably and completely.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Chew on this: Six dental myths debunked

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Three Oral Hygiene Tips for Men

When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.

Toothbrush Tips
Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.

Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.

Sports and Dental Injuries
Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com 

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Sedation makes treatment relaxing, so if you are nervous and want to relax—or calm but want to relax even more—we can give you nitrous oxide (laughing gas). You simply inhale it through a mask. Coupled with a local anesthetic, we assure you your treatment will be relaxing and pain-free. We also have blankets and heated towels available for patient comfort.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about regular dental check-ups.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

A New Year's You: Dental Health Resolutions

Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.

Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits
Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.

To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Dental Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease

Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease and Strokes

Recent studies have found a link between gum disease, strokes, and heart disease. Researchers have found that periodontal (gum) infections play a role in the development or worsening of diabetes, strokes, and heart disease. According to the American Dental Association, 4 in 5 Americans have gum disease.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease; increase the risk of premature, underweight births; and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Professional Teeth Whitening

Brilliant White Teeth!

A bright smile is a healthy-looking smile. We ALL want a bright smile and, with our professional bleaching, you can have one. Dr. Holness makes custom-fit whitening trays that produce startling results–in less than two weeks! We provide supplies and instructions, and you complete the procedure at home. It is safe and provides the smile you have always wanted

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com

Are You Flossing Or Just Lying About Flossing? The Dentist Knows

There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?

Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane.

Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?"
More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss.
American Academy of Periodontology

She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!"

To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org

Bowie Dental Wellness  
Eijah Holness, DDS  
15231 Hall Road, Suite 103  
Bowie, MD 20721  
(301) 390-1300  
BowieDentalWellness.com