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Can your cell phone really be bad for you?

7/17/2015

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With new research I knew Cell phones were causing wrinkles along the neck in early 20's, and that most people who do work on their phones only have an attention span of 15 mins but wow add these to the list! 


5 Ways Cell Phones Harm Your Health 
Published on January 31, 2015,
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/5-ways-cell-phones-harm-health/

Last Updated on February 2, 2015 In 1996, only about 44 million American adults had cell phones. Now there are almost 330 million active subscriptions in the U.S., or one cell phone for every person in the country. Nowadays, adults aren’t the only ones with phones. In fact, many parents give their infants their cell phones to provide a portable entertainment option. So with all those mobile devices, should we be concerned about the health risks? Definitely. While not a definitive list, let’s go through 5 ways cell phones can harm your health.

 Cell Phone Hazards Smartphones are the most popular types of cell phones, and they’re also one of the few that emit a high level of radiation. Holding a smartphone, or any cell phone for that matter, in your pocket or bra is extremely risky to reproductive organs and breasts. Here are five ways cell phones pose a health risk: 

1. Cancer Risk A new study from Sweden suggests decades of cell phone use can triple your chances for brain cancer. [1] While even a tripled risk is low, this latest finding contradicts one from 2010 (in part funded by cell phone makers) that found no strong link between cell phone use and brain tumors. [2] [3] These types of studies look at users who are constantly holding cell phones against their heads.

 2. Hindering Sleep, Cell phones might even be hazardous to our sleep, with the latest evidence suggesting that individuals with smartphones in the bedroom sleep less each night. [4] In addition, microwave radiation from cell phones is much riskier for kids than originally thought. One study noted a child’s brain tissue and bone marrow actually absorbs significantly more than those of an adult. [5] 

3. Disease Carriers Let’s be honest, how often do you clean your cell phone? It’s not really something we think about, but a recent study noted cell phones could be as dirty as public toilet seats, and that the heat phones generate makes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. [6] Disinfecting cell phones is always a good idea since these germs can even infect you. 

4. Do Cell Phones Promote Social and Psychological Issues? Research has often studied the way cell phones change the way we think, but a team of researchers found cell phones actually interfere with normal socialization. The near constant use even creates learned compulsive behaviors (like self­importance). [7] With the average young adult sending about 109 text messages and checking their phone a little over 60 times per day, the fear here is that this type of behavior could lead to potentially dangerous addictions. [8] 

5. Spinal Misalignment: A Surprising Connection Think about how many times a day you check your phone. It might not be as many times as those in number 4, but all that constant tilting down to look at your phone screen can take its toll, leading to neck and back pain as well as migraines. [9] This is not just something caused by looking at cell phone screens; doctors are even seeing it more and more in younger children because of handheld games. More and more authorities are noting the possible risks of cell phones. In 2011, the World Health Organization conceded cell phones are “possibly carcinogenic,” and, since then, more and more research has been added to the danger pile. Now, the FCC is reassessing safe radiation exposure limits for cell phones, something that hasn’t been explored since 1996. [10] It might not lead to rapid change, but it’s a start. What You Can Do to Protect Yourself Cell phones expose you to a great deal of radiation, and your best bet for protecting your brain is to reduce the amount of verbal conversations you are having on the phone. Use speaker phone when you’re at home, and utilize text messaging when you can. You can also find a variety of EMF clothing protection options available online that will shield you from cell phone radiation. 

 Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM References: 1. Hardell, L. & Carlberg, M. Mobile phone and cordless phone use and the risk for glioma – Analysis of pooled case­control studies in Sweden, 1997–2003 and 2007–2009. Pathophysiology. 2. Crocetti, E. et al. Epidemiology of glial and non­glial brain tumours in Europe. European Journal of Cancer. 48 (10). 3. Wild, C. IARC Report to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) on the Interphone Study. International Agency for Research on Cancer. 4. Falbe, J. et al. Sleep Duration, Restfulness, and Screens in the Sleep Environment. Pediatrics. 5. Morgan, LL. et al. Why children absorb more microwave radiation than adults: The consequences. Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure. 2 (4). 6. Brady, RR. et al. Review of mobile communication devices as potential reservoirs of nosocomial pathogens. The Journal of Hospital Infection. 71 (4). 7. Ghosh, A. et al. Use­Dependent Cortical Processing from Fingertips in Touchscreen Phone Users. Current Biology. 1 (5). 8. Roberts, J. et al. The invisible addiction: Cell­phone activities and addiction among male and female college students. Journal of Behavioral Addictions. 3 (4). 9. PA Homepage. The Way You Hold Your Cell Phone Could Cause Health Problems. PA Homepage.
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What does independence mean to you?! Photo contest!

6/17/2015

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Here at Wall Family Dentistry we are having a photo contest starting June 24th- July 23rd
We will have you submit your best patriotic photos on our Facebook page and the winner will be decided on July 23rd, Just in time for Pioneer Day in Utah! The Lucky Winner will receive a prize pack from US!





How to enter:
go to
https://www.facebook.com/charleswalldds
Like our page
Post photo on Page contest slot
Winner will be chosen July 23rd 2015!


                      GOOD LUCK AND SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM!!!!!!!!


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It's raining now but what happens after that?

5/27/2015

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WHAT IS SPF SUNSCREEN? SUN PROTECTION FACTOR EXPLAINED
Most people know that the higher the number on your sunscreen the great protection but what does the number really mean? in this brief article by Badger Sunscreen products they explain the number meaning and how to select the perfect sunscreen for you and your family. 
http://www.badgerbalm.com/s-30-what-is-spf-sunscreen-sun-protection-factor.aspx

SPF measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. SPF does not measure how well a sunscreen will protect from UVA rays, which are also damaging and dangerous.Dermatologists recommend using a SPF15 or SPF30 sunscreen. Higher SPFs don't give much more protection.

What is SPF Sunscreen?SPF, or Sun Protection Factor,is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.

  • If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (a factor of 15 times longer). This is a rough estimate that depends on skin type, intensity of sunlight and amount of sunscreen used. SPF is actually a measure of protection from amount of UVB exposure and it is not meant to help you determine duration of exposure. 
     
  • For best protection, experts recommend using a minimum SPF sunscreen of 15, applying the proper amount (2mg/cm2 of skin, or about one ounce for full body coverage), and reapplying every 2 hours. 
     
  • Most people under-apply sunscreens, using ¼ to ½ the amount required. Using half the required amount of sunscreen only provides the square root of the SPF. So, a half application of an SPF 30 sunscreen only provides an effective SPF of 5.5!

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) scale is not linear:

  • SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
     
  • SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays 
     
  • SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
So, one way of looking at this is that SPF 30 sunscreen only gives you 4% more protection than SPF 15 sunscreen.

Or, another way of looking at it is:

  • SPF 15 (93% protection) allows 7 out of 100 photons through
  • SPF 30 (97% protection) allows 3 out of 100 photons through.

So, while you may not be doubling your level of protection, an SPF 30 will block half the radiation that an SPF 15 would let through to your skin.


It’s complicated, but to keep it simple, most dermatologists recommend using a SPF 15 or SPF 30 sunscreen.


Why not use a really high Sun Protection Factor? Sunscreens with really high SPFs, such as SPF 75 or SPF 100, do not offer significantly greater protection than SPF 30 and mislead people into thinking they have more protection than they actually do. Additionally, in order to have broad spectrum protection, the UVA protection should be at least 1/3 of the UVB protection. High SPF sunscreens usually offer far greater UVB than UVA protection, thus offering a false sense of full protection.

 
Badger sunscreens are tested according to the FDA monograph, Colipa (EU), and Australian requirements.

Stay Burn Free This Summer From Wall Family Dentistry!




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The Beginning of Summer Fun Planning!

5/15/2015

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Summer is one of my absolute seasons in Utah! Being a native here, I enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, scenic hikes, and new things to do around Salt Lake City.  As School is now ending for most of our younger patients some may be wondering what you can do to entertain everyone through out the summer? Or some haven't lived here that long and our wondering what new and exciting things there are to do in the valley?

Since I don't have young kids at the moment I googled to see some fun not to expensive things to do with younger kids in Salt Lake Utah and found this site.

http://www.24saltlake.com/utah-is-awesome/fun-things-to-do-with-your-kids-in-utah/
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I really liked this list they really do cover a lot to do, some activities are a little pricer than others so just be sure to call ahead. Some popular favorites are Granite School District Uplugged kid program, Movies in the park, Fountains, The Clark Planetarium, The Hogle Zoo, and the Aquarium. Here are some tips that I found helpful at some of these: 

Granite School District Unplugged Program- The Play Unplugged program has kids focus on being outside and active instead of playing on ipads, gameboys, computers, and gaming systems through out the summer. At www.graniteunplugged.com you can participate to have your kids earn badges over the summer. And we at Wall Family Dentistry are sponsoring the Flosser Badge :) 

The Hogle Zoo- New and improved and definitely remodeled, The Holge Zoo has been redesigned to forwards the younger crowd for more viewing and exploration. Remember to call ahead so when visiting you can feed the giraffes (always a big hit with the littles). 
 
The Gateway Snowflake Fountain- Very fun for the younger kids to run around but definitely bring your own shade because benches with umbrellas are limited.

The Clark Planetarium- extremely fun for all ages but call ahead and decided what movie you can see after the kiddos are done playing with all the fun discovery stations. 

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium- Lots of fun for ocean discovery plan on not rushing through because it's not super big and it will be more fun if you have questions about certain animals. Call ahead and find out the shark feeding times before you go so you can get a good seat. They do have food you can buy there for lunch but it might be fun to pack a fish themed lunch for the kids?

Movies in the park/ at the Capitol- This is fun for everyone watching a movie outdoors in the warm weather. There are many movies in the park all around the valley you just need to find the ones closest to your family. At the Capitol they will not be showing movies for Summer 2015 but there are tons of other places one example is

Friday Night Flicks Salt Lake City will show a free movie at a new park for seven straight Fridays starting in June. The movies are all family-friendly, but fun for all ages. They are shown on a large inflatable screen and popcorn is free while it lasts.Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a neighborhood party under the stars. Community booths will open at 8 p.m. and the movies will begin around 9 p.m. Fridays, June 6-July 25, 2014 (excluding July 4), 9 p.m. See website for each week's location 801-535-6110

For what movies your local community parks participate in you can always google your city, or call your local recreation center for more details.
I hope that these ideas will help you start your summer planning and don't forget to come visit us for the FLOSSER Badges :) 

Wall Family Dentistry
wallfamilydentistry.com







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We want to hear from you! Dental

4/27/2015

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Thanks to those of you who follow and keep up with our many blog posts and updates from the Staff of Wall Family Dentistry!

We were wondering, have you ever had any dental questions? Needed dental related health tips? Or a way to tell your aunt Bertha she needs to brush once in a while because you just can't have her breathe on you any more? Ha Ha Ha (true story). We love giving you information, recipes, health tips, and many other things but we really want to hear from you what you would like to know? They can be health questions, dental questions, special events going on around the office, latest dental technology, more fun videos .... etc ...  :)

As an office focused on service we always want to make sure we get positive responses from patients and others who follow the office. Like the patient the other day who asked "why do you give me a face massage before my cleaning?" Funny they should ask not only is it an amazing feeling to get one, but it's actually an oral cancer exam special designed to target your sinuses and lymph nodes so we can feel or see any irregular tissue, lumps, bumps, that could potentially be harmful/cancerous.  Remember to make sure that your dental professional is doing this routine screening because it could be the different between life or death, and hey, it's a massage right?! What do you have to lose?

Hope to hear from all of you and be sure to either post or email us your questions, tips, videos, and or concerns to wallfamildentistry2014@gmail.com

Happy Monday!!!! :)


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A Dentist that knows

4/10/2015

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At Wall Family Dentistry we all took Thursday and Friday off to go do continuing education to better our office and learn how to give our patients the best care that can be offered. 

As you can see from the pictures we had a very good time learning and attending exhibits on the latest products for dentistry with our sugar free snacks ;).  We each attended different courses so we could gain information from all of them. Topics discussed were how to help patients get the most out of their insurance, periodontal disease- how to treat and care for our patients who have perio, social media growth in the dental field, maintenance of dental equipment, and striving as updated practice.

At Wall Family Dentistry it's important for us to stay as up to date as possible to provide comfort and care to all patients that visit our coffice. It's important to know that your dental care givers are seeking out new education because you never know what treatment you may be missing out on. We had the best time at the conference and we are so excited to see all our patients at your next appointment :)

Remember if you aren't scheduled be sure to give us a call so we can schedule your relaxing recall dental health appointment so we can start sharing all the new techniques and information with you :)

wallfamilydentistry.com
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Office Bowling! What's happening with our Staff :)

4/8/2015

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That's right ,not only do we all have a great dentist but we have a
                                                    Super Awesome Boss!!
As an office we went out to pizza and bowling treated by Dr. Wall! By the pictures you can tell we had a pretty good time :) Dr. Wall won by a landslide 120 points! Followed closely behind was Shantel, then Taylor, Melanie, Tori, and Karla.  
                                                  As an update of all the Staff
Dr. Wall: Attending UDA conferences and improving on more ways to practice the art of dentistry. 
Taylor: Applying to dental school and anticipating becoming a Dentist
Shantel: Has been the office go to on healthy treats, and exercise techniques
Melanie: Interested in office education and always attending classes to improve to help our patients. 
Tori: Also is attending UDA and learning more on patient treatment skills. 
Karla: Welcomed a new baby granddaughter and is enjoying semi retirement while keeping us in line :) 


                 At our office it feels like family for us as a staff and mainly for our patients. 
                                                        We love to see ya,
                                                      Happy Wednesday!!!!
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Spring Recipe You Need this Year

3/31/2015

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In the spirit of Eggs is month this chocolate mouse recipe is just simply divine!!!! Hope you enjoy from Wall Family Dentistry
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay

Dark Chocolate Mousse
Total Time:
1 hr 20 min
Prep:
15 min
Inactive:
1 hr
Cook:
5 min
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Level:Easy
Ingredients

5 1/4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
14 ounces cold heavy cream
3 large egg whites
1 -ounce sugar
Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish, optional
Shaved bittersweet chocolate, for garnish, optional
Directions

Place chocolate in a large bowl set over a bain marie or in a double boiler at a low simmer. Stir chocolate until melted. Turn off the heat and let stand.

Beat the cream over ice until it forms soft peaks. Set aside and hold at room temperature. With a mixer, whip egg to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until firm.

Remove the chocolate from the bain marie and using a whisk, fold in the egg whites all at once. When the whites are almost completely incorporated, fold in the whipped cream. Cover the mousse and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour or until set. Serve in goblets topped with more whipped cream and shaved chocolate, if desired.

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/dark-chocolate-mousse-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

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Want the luck of the Irish this week? Find out

3/11/2015

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Being as I'm not Irish I still observe the fun festivities, one way to have the luck of the Irish is to eat like them :) I've used this recipe every year and it never fails, hope you enjoy :) 
http://www.marthastewart.com/891899/slow-cooker-corned-beef-and-cabbage

Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Prep Time15 minutes
     
  • Total Time5 1/4 hours
  •  
  • Serves6

INGREDIENTS
    • 2 celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces
    • 3 carrots, cut into 3-inch pieces
    • 1 small yellow onion, cut into 1-inch wedges (root end left intact)
    • 1/2 pound small potatoes, halved if large
    • 6 sprigs thyme
    • 1 corned beef brisket (about 3 pounds), plus pickling spice packet or 1 tablespoon pickling spice
    • 1/2 head Savoy cabbage, cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges
    • Grainy mustard, for serving


DIRECTIONS
  1. In a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker, place celery, carrots, onion, potatoes, and thyme. Place corned beef, fat side up, on top of vegetables and sprinkle with pickling spice; add enough water to almost cover meat (4 to 6 cups). Cover and cook on high until corned beef is tender, 4 1/4 hours (or 8 1/2 hours on low). Arrange cabbage over corned beef, cover, and continue cooking until cabbage is tender, 45 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours on low). Thinly slice corned beef against the grain and serve with vegetables, cooking liquid, and grainy mustard.

© 2015 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. All rights reserved.


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Can your mouth tell you more about yourself?

3/4/2015

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Healthy LifestyleAdult health











Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Get the facts about how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.By Mayo Clinic Staff
Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

In addition, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.

Studies also suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease — might play a role in some diseases. In addition, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.

Your oral health might affect, be affected by, or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

  • Endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium). Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.
  • Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
  • Pregnancy and birth. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.
  • HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
  • Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — might be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
  • Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 might be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
  • Other conditions. Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth — and eating disorders.
Because of these potential links, be sure to tell your dentist if you're taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you've had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Floss daily.
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups.
Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.

References
  1. Brushing your teeth. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth.aspx. Accessed March 4, 2013.
  2. Diabetes. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes.aspx. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  3. Dry mouth. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-mouth.aspx. Accessed March 6, 2013.
  4. Krall KE. Bone health and oral health. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007;138:616.
  5. American Dental Association. Healthy mouth, healthy body. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2006;137:563.
  6. Michalowicz BS, et al. Treatment of periodontal disease and the risk of preterm birth. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355:1885.
  7. Loesche W. Dental caries and periodontitis: Contrasting two infections that have medical implications. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2007;21:471.
  8. Oral health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/LHI/oralHealth.aspx?tab=overview. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  9. Casamassimo PS. Oral and systemic health. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  10. Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: Does the evidence support an independent association? A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125:2520.
  11. Gatz M, et al. Potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia in identical twins. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2006;2:110.
  12. What is endocarditis? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/endo/endo_all.html. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  13. Eating disorders. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/eating-disorders.aspx. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  14. Sjogren's syndrome: Questions and answers about Sjogren's syndrome. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sjogrens_Syndrome/default.asp#drymouth. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  15. Medications and oral health. American Dental Association. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/medications-and-oral-health.aspx. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  16. Oral health-total health: Know the connection. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7228_Oral_Health_Total.pdf. Accessed Feb. 22, 2013.
  17. Coogan MM, et al. Oral lesions in infection with human immunodeficiency virus. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2005;83:700.

Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475


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You know you're a patient of Dr. Wall's when....

3/2/2015

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7 Ways you know you're a patient at Dr. Wall's

1. You Know when you're a patient of Dr. Wall's when......

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You know how the maintenance of this (car)
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is related to the maintenance of (your oral health)
2. When Green and Blue start becoming your favorite colors
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Look Familiar? Ha Ha
3. When your Hygienist gets excited about floss and waterpiks
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It's my secret love!
4. When the last thing you have to worry about is your teeth, because we do it for you!
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5. When you are given the Newest, Latest, Greatest, technology that is offered
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Clear Braces
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Low radiation xrays and panos
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Custom models of your teeth for diagnoses
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Intraoral camera for diagnoses
6. When you're not afraid to SMILE because you love your teeth!
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Unlike sharks, you only have one set of teeth make them beautiful like you
7. Instead of dreading your next dental appointment, you forward to it!
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Because at Wall Family dentistry we are all family
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Dont know if you have Bad breath?

2/26/2015

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Could You Have Bad Breath and Not Know It?
By Wyatt Myers | Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH
The only thing worse than having bad breath is not knowing you have it.
Nobody wants to think that he or she has bad breath, medically known as halitosis. But according to Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, an associate professor at the NYU School of Dentistry, more than half of us suffer from it.
 
“Most people do have bad breath and just do not know it,” he says.Walking around with bad breath is obviously something that most people would prefer to avoid. But before you can cure bad breath, you need to be able to tell if you have it.

Know the Signs of Bad Breath
Actually, Dr. Levine and other dental experts believe there is quite a lot that can be done about bad breath, and most of the tips to halt halitosis are quite simple. It all starts with looking out for the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of bad breath:
You sleep with your mouth open. According to Levine, sleeping with your mouth open is a surefire way to dry out your mouth. And a dry mouth will cause halitosis. Often, people who sleep with their mouth open are having trouble breathing through their nose, so addressing any allergy or nasal issues before bed might be a good place to start. You also might find working with a sleep specialist helpful.
You smoke or chew tobacco. Both of these bad habits also are guaranteed to give you bad breath. “They decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth,” says Levine. “Saliva contains oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh.” Here, the answer is obvious: Quit!
You have a white-coated tongue. This is a predictable sign of bad breath. “That white coating is comprised of sulfur compounds that have risen to the tongue’s surface and cause bad breath,” explains Levine.
You have gastric reflux. The churning acid produced by gastric reflux is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to bad breath. “Unfortunately, gastric reflux results in bad breath in a way that’s hard to solve,” Levine says. “Ask your doctor about prescribing a medication to get this condition under control.”
You eat suspect foods. “In the end it’s true: You breathe what you eat,” says Levine. “High-protein foods, coffee, onions and garlic, sugar, acidic foods and drinks, and dairy products all result in worse breath because they create an environment for the bad bacteria to grow. It needs to be balanced with fruits, veggies, and alkalinizing good foods.”
You take certain prescription or OTC medications. A number of medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which in turn can lead to bad breath. In these situations, you can ask your doctor if any alternatives exist to your current medications, prescription or over-the-counter, that might help with the problem.
How to Tell If You Have Bad Breath
Now that you know the signs, there’s a simple trick to test your breath for yourself. “Take a minute and try this easy Bad Breath Self Awareness Test," suggests Levine. "Wipe the surface of your mouth with a piece of cotton gauze and smell that. If you notice a yellowish stain on the cotton, that’s a likely sign that you have an elevated sulfide production level. Now, lick the back of your hand. Let it dry for about 10 seconds, then smell. If you notice an odor, you have a breath disorder because the sulfur salts from your tongue have been transferred to your hand.”

Another approach is to get an unbiased opinion. “Ask someone you trust who will give you an honest answer,” says Dan Marut, DMD, a dentist based in Ashland, Ore., who's the president and founder of Quality Dental Plan. “You can always ask a dental professional as well. Many times people are embarrassed to ask, and others are afraid to tell them. Your mouth is a very personal space — talking about it is not always easy.”

http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/could-you-have-bad-breath-and-not-know-it.aspx

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