Tooth Talk

10 Interesting Benefits of Smiling

ronsmithdds — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:25:25 +0000

Studies show that:

Weight lifters can lift more weight when they smile
Smiling is considered more attractive than makeup
People who smile usually live longer
Smiling releases chemicals that relieve pain
Smiling lowers blood pressure
Those who smiled in their high school year book are more successful
Smiling can shorten the amount of time you are upset about something
People are more lenient and forgiving of someone who smiles
Smiling reduces stress and releases “happy” chemicals
Forcing yourself to smile when you feel down will improve your mood

We can turn the smile you want to hide into one you are excited to share. Call (865) 922-1613 Knoxville, TN

Hands Only CPR – Get the App

ronsmithdds — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:40:54 +0000

February is Heart Health month, which is a great time to refresh our knowledge of the most current American Heart Association CPR guidelines:

It is recommended that CPR be performed to the beat of Saturday Night Fever. We found it much faster than we remembered when we played it. Our solution – download it onto your phone or get one of the many CPR apps available for Androids or I Phones that include a beat.

It just may help you save a life.

The Hidden Risks of Postponing Dental Care

ronsmithdds — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:36:34 +0000

Hospital emergency rooms around the country are reporting higher numbers of patients coming in with dental emergencies. Most of these adults and children have postponed dental care to save money. They now have very large emergency room bills.

There are hidden costs to avoiding the dentist. The need for a simple filling can turn into expensive treatment that costs thousands of dollars. Teeth can be lost resulting in difficulty in chewing and digesting food. Missing front teeth can impact a person’s social life and job prospects. Losing one tooth often leads to the loss of others.

Periodontal disease contributes to the development and worsening of life threatening conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And, when there is infection involved, people can even die from an untreated tooth problem.

Ok. You get it.

We understand that spending money for dental care when nothing hurts and money is tight can sometimes seem counter-productive. But, you will save in the long run.

Stay up to date with your yearly dental exams and more frequent visits to the hygienist. If you have a tooth problem and money is a challenge, talk to your dentist. They will understand, appreciate your honesty, and let you know your options.

If you have been avoiding seeing the dentist we would love to help you. Our office is a no judgment zone and we offer sedation dentistry for those who are nervous about dental treatment.

(865) 922-1613 Knoxville, TN

Risk Factors for Cancers of the Throat and Mouth

ronsmithdds — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:05:54 +0000

Smoking
HPV virus
Chewing tobacco
Heavy alcohol use
Chronic irritations from rough teeth, dentures, etc.
Medications that weaken the immune system
Poor oral hygiene – lack of dental care

Oral cancer is deadly. The treatment is surgical removal of the affected area (sometimes disfiguring or life changing) and possibly radiation.

Your dentist is the first line of defense in preventing this terrible disease or catching it early. Seeing your dentist for yearly oral cancer exams could save your life. (865) 922-1613

Top 10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

ronsmithdds — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:18:12 +0000

Get more sleep
Move your body
Practice portion control
Floss your teeth
Reduce your sodium intake
Set aside the sugar
Increase your fruits and veggies
Learn stress reduction techniques
Stay connected with others
Stop smoking

And, don’t forget to smile!

Knoxville Family & Sedation Dentistry (865) 922-1613

We Share Everything

ronsmithdds — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:27:57 +0000

I was standing in line at McDonald’s and noticed a cute elderly couple. When I sat down with my meal I saw that they had only purchased one meal for the two of them. The husband carefully cut the hamburger and counted the fries, placing half of each in front of his wife. They took turns sipping from their drink.

I walked over to their table and offered to buy them another meal so they didn’t have to share. The man thanked me, but said they were used to sharing everything. He seemed happy eating his half of the meal, but I noticed his wife had not touched her food. When I asked if she was going to eat she replied, “Not yet. It’s his turn with the teeth.”

Periodontal Gum Disease Can Lead to Major Diseases

ronsmithdds — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:25:03 +0000

Many of us have periodontal gum disease and don’t even know it. Not everyone has symptoms like bleeding gums, tooth loss, or bad breath. Dentists have always treated gum disease to protect your teeth and oral health, but now we know that it is even more serious.

Periodontal disease is one of the primary sources of chronic inflammation in our bodies. And, this inflammation contributes to the onset or worsening of diseases like:

Allergies, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Cancer, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive disorders, Fibromyalgia, Heart disease, Heart valve problems, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Pancreatitis, Parkinson’s, Psoriasis, Stroke, and more….

It just got serious. Real serious.

The best way you can prevent or control gum disease is by seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly.

It’s not just about your teeth anymore. It’s about your life.

If you are due or overdue to see the dentist and in the Knoxville area, we would love to hear from you. (865) 922-1613

All of Your Dentistry Can Be Completed in as Little as One Appointment

ronsmithdds — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:14:24 +0000

One of the little known benefits of oral sedation dentistry is that it allows us to accomplish a lot of dental treatment in just one visit. Although, designed for patients who are afraid of the dentist, many people choose sedation dentistry for other reasons. They know it is completely safe and as simple as taking a pill.

Patients who fly in to see us appreciate getting things accomplished quickly so they can return home. Oral sedation dentistry helps make that happen. Other patients want to avoid having a lot of appointments that might affect their job. For those with a lot of dental needs that may feel overwhelming, it helps to know that their dental treatment can be completed in just a few hours while they are completely relaxed. And, some people just like how easy it is.

What about you? Would you appreciate having your dental care completed in as little as one appointment?

Ron Smith DDS and his team have the training and skills to make it happen. All you need to do is call: (865) 922-1613

What Causes Dry Mouth Syndrome?

ronsmithdds — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:26:07 +0000

Snoring or mouth breathing
Smoking
Chemotherapy
Medications – including prescription and over the counter drugs for depression, anxiety, antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure, diarrhea, muscle relaxers, urinary tract issues, and Parkinson’s
Medical conditions – diabetes, sinus problems, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, and depression
Aging – simply due to the potential for more prescriptions and medical conditions

7 Surprising Consequences of Tooth Loss

ronsmithdds — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:37:02 +0000

Looking old or gaunt when your cheeks lose the support of the teeth behind them
Stress and damage to your remaining teeth as they work more or are hit harder
Losing more teeth when they move out of position or into the empty space
A sore jaw or TMJ joint problems
Loss of confidence or social anxiety
Difficulty in chewing and digesting, which can negatively affect your health
Periodontal gum disease which contributes to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease

Saving your teeth can not only improve the quality of your life, but help you live longer by preventing serious health problems. If you are concerned about keeping your teeth, we can help. We also offer anxiety free oral sedation dentistry to make it easier for you. Call: (865) 922-1613 Knoxville