Understanding Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity if a very common problem for many adults. We found this helpful video that discusses what actually is going on when you experience pain or discomfort due to tooth sensitivity.

If you have additional questions about tooth sensitivity, ask Dr. Thaddeus Vincent or Dr. R. Capers Lee during your next visit or give our office a call.

Omega-3 May Combat Mouth Bacteria, Boost Oral Health

Our team read an article about the dental health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin. A study from the University of Kentucky reveals that all types of food-borne omega-3 fats (like tuna, walnuts and spinach) cut the numbers of oral disease bacteria by half or more.

The study found that "the dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin have been found to have strong anti-bacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens and "may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation." Drs. Ebersole and Huang said that they planned to conduct further studies needed to prove that omega-3s acids work in people’s mouths. While this is encouraging news, Drs. Vincent and Lee want to remind you that self–examination is another simple way of looking after yourself. If you are unsure about self-examining your mouth, please give us a call.

Pool Safety TIPS

Summer is here, and with summer comes lots of swimming! The Dental Team of Sumter found some helpful pool safety tips that we’d like to share with you, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Pediatricians.

* Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.

* Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

* Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

* Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.

* Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

* Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

Have more questions about your children and their safety this summer? Give us a call!

Understanding Gum Disease [Video]

Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? The Dental Team of Sumter found a video found which explains the three stages of gum disease, what to watch for and some simple preventive techniques. Check it out, you'll find it below.

If you have any more questions about gum disease or how to maintain good oral health, please feel free to give our office a call.

What are your 4th of July plans?

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Drs. Thaddeus Vincent, R. Capers Lee and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, the Dental Team of Sumter hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.