Comfort Family Dental - March 2022

Comfort Family Dental - March 2022

2036 W. 95th St. Chicago, IL 60643 773-366-8718 www.comfort-familydental.com

MARCH 2022

IN HONOR OF NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION MONTH LET’S TALK ABOUT FLUORIDE

Hello, friends. This month is National Poison Prevention Month, and I’d like to address a common concern of people who may not be as familiar with dentistry. What is fluoride, really? Is fluoride poisoning real? Fluoride is a mineral that, when used to treat our teeth, hardens our teeth’s enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities. That’s why it’s often added in small amounts to city water or tap water. Decades of research have proven that small amounts of fluoride can be a completely safe and effective substance that benefits public health in major ways. (As discussed in previous newsletters, poor oral health can lead to major overall health issues, from heart disease to Alzheimer’s.) Debunking Fluoride Myths It’s true that fluoride is a versatile mineral that can be used for many different things. You may find articles on the internet that suggest fluoride is poisonous since it’s also used as a cleaning agent or pesticide. This is misleading because fluoride is a completely safe ingredient on its own, and has many safe uses. You may also find conflicting studies showing that fluoride is linked to bone cancer in young males. While this study does exist, there is a 2011 review and a 2016 study that found no correlation. In science, no single study provides all the answers, and it’s crucial for findings — especially if they are exciting or terrifying — to be tested. In this case, and in nearly all cases, fluoride has been proven by an overwhelming number of studies to be safe for consumption in small quantities. Even if you accidentally swallowed your mouthwash, you’d be safe as an adult or even a child. “Fluoride is a mineral that, when used to treat our teeth, hardens our teeth’s enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities.”

For Parents: AVery Specific Exception For Fluoride Supplements Unlike toothpaste or tap water, supplements contain a higher, condensed amount of fluoride. That’s why it’s important to note that children under the age of 6 do not need fluoride supplements and should not consume them. Adults may rely on fluoride supplements if they struggle with a lot of cavities, but young children are often perfectly able to keep their teeth healthy without fluoride supplements. After age 6, your dentist may recommend fluoride supplements if your area doesn’t provide fluoride in tap water, or if your child only drinks bottled water. If a child ingests too much fluoride, previous patient cases show that most children experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. These symptoms are very rarely fatal — however, if you suspect fluoride poisoning, make sure to call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. They can provide expertise and treatment advice by phone, and are staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and toxicology specialists. Fluoride may seem scary for those that are unfamiliar with the long scientific history behind it, but I assure you that millions of people benefit from fluoride’s presence in our lives. It makes all of our smiles a little brighter and healthier.

– Dr. Corie Rowe

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IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring-cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones. It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses. Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better. Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing.

When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s

truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. It keeps you more active.

Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body. This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Does Your Skincare Routine Include Brushing Your Teeth? IT SHOULD — HERE’S WHY

Struggling with acne? It might be caused by more than just stress, hormones, or not changing your bed sheets often enough. Research has shown that there’s a relationship between oral health and systemic health — and there’s also a link between oral health and skin health. Your mouth is often the gateway to your overall health. If you aren’t brushing your teeth often enough, and bacteria is allowed to fester, it can cause various health and skin conditions. If you suffer from stubborn acne, skin blemishes, or pimples, there’s a possibility that oral bacteria is contributing. How Does That Happen? When bacteria builds up in your mouth, it can enter your bloodstream and cause infection, inflammation, and disease. Facial breakouts, irritation, and rashes are not left out. Your skincare routine might be top-notch and help you to a certain extent, but without addressing your oral health, you may still experience skin issues. Some research suggests that harmful oral bacteria can even be linked to psoriasis due to inflammation.

However, acne and oral health seem to have the closest relationship. Acne that occurs on any part of the face — especially upper lips, upper cheek, below the nose, and chin — could even be a symptom of gum or tooth decay. This is often because bacteria from gum disease or tooth decay can get into the bloodstream and spread the disease. Prevent Decay — How to Make a Difference Taking care of your teeth doesn’t just improve your health. Just like clear skin, a clean and healthy smile improves your confidence. To improve your oral health, make sure to floss and brush your teeth twice a day while limiting sugary foods. A pro tip: It may surprise you to learn that flossing before you brush your teeth is proven to be slightly more effective than vice versa — some experts suggest this is due to removing stubborn plaque and allowing more fluoride to move between your teeth.

At Comfort Family Dental, we hope these tips help you smile confidently for many more years to come!

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DITCH THE SPORTS DRINKS, GET A MOUTHGUARD DO ALL ATHLETES HAVE BAD TEETH?

Sports drink commercials would have us believe that the secret to an athlete’s success can be found at the bottom of their drinks. And in theory, they are not wrong! The right nutrition and proper hydration can help an athlete outpace even the stiffest competition, but sports drinks are not healthy — for many reasons. Sports drinks often contain high levels of sugar, which is great for short bursts of energy but not so much for your teeth. Over time, the excessive use of these sugary drinks can cause decay, which can be painful and detrimental to the integrity of an athlete’s teeth. In 2015, a European study found that of 352 athletes training for the 2016 Rio Olympics, nearly 50% had some form of tooth decay. While most maintained a healthy oral care routine, including brushing, flossing, and not smoking, many of these athletes were consuming sports drinks, energy gels, and nutrition bars — all loaded with sugar. Furthermore, it may also impact an athlete’s performance. A recent study found that 40% of athletes surveyed were bothered by their oral health, and 18% said it had an impact on their athletic skill. After all, it’s difficult to move gracefully down the track when your gums are throbbing in pain! However, sports drinks are not the only culprits in bad oral hygiene habits among athletes. Dental professionals encourage many athletes — of all ages and sport preferences — to wear mouthguards. These devices are fitted to an athlete’s teeth and can protect their lips, tongue, face,

and jaw. So, when your second-base player tries to field a bad-hop ground ball off their face or your power forward makes a move and takes an elbow to the jaw, their oral health is better protected. This spring, as new youth sports seasons begin, protect your athlete from poor oral health in three easy steps. (These are great for our weekend warriors, too!) 1. Fuel up with water instead of sugary sports drinks. 2. Get fitted for a mouthguard and wear it regularly. 3. Brush twice each day, and floss once each day. You can learn more about oral health for athletes at your next dental appointment or by visiting the American Dental Association’s website at MouthHealthy.org.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” –GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

Take a Break

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2036 W. 95th St., Chicago, IL 60643 773-366-8718 www.comfort-familydental.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Is Fluoride Poisonous? (No — But There’s One Exception) Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning! How Oral Health Affects Skin Health Attention Parents of Athletes — You Want

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to Read This! Take a Break Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake But Find the Elusive Good-Luck Charm First

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns,

shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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