Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Pita Tree Appetizers
The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth.
Get the recipe >>
Grinch Poppers
Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana.
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Black Olive Penguins
These penguins will waddle their way into your heart - especially because they’re filled with cream cheese, which has calcium.
Get the recipe >>
Cheesy Reindeer
Rich in calcium, cheese is always a MouthHealthy favorite. To get perfectly round eyes and noses, the author of this recipe used a juice box-sized straw to cut round pieces of black olive and a larger straw for the red pepper nose.
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Egg Snowmen
These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush.
Get the recipe >>
Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees
You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!)
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Problems Chewing
Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist.
Problems Swallowing
Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem.
If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:
- alcoholic beverages
- extremely hot foods and beverages
- caffeine
- spicy foods
- popcorn
Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:
- Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth.
- Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices.
- Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
- Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF FALLING ASLEEP ON THE JOB?
If you’re seeing a doctor for sleep apnea because you snore, fall asleep throughout the day, or have irregular breathing while you sleep, you may already be utilizing a CPAP device. By wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, this machine keeps a continual flow of air streaming into your lungs while you sleep. Although it helps control the problems associated with sleep apnea, it is bulky and exasperating to wear. As a result, many patients have stopped using it.
If you have become disenchanted with your CPAP, we have a non-bulky alternative that is simple to place and remove, packs easily for travel, cleans readily, and has a success rate in over 90% of the patients who use it. It looks like an orthodontic retainer, a small, acrylic device that slips over your upper and lower teeth. It works by readjusting your jaw and tongue to permit air to move into and out of your lungs. If you have set your CPAP machine aside, let us enlighten you to the ways this new device could help.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
ORAL CANCER – MINIMIZE YOUR RISK
For the last 40 years, the mortality rate for oral cancer has remained at one American death per hour. This is upsetting, because with early detection there is a 90% cure rate for oral cancer. That’s why we complete a visual examination at every six-month checkup and cleaning. If Dr. Hicks or our hygienist sees anything that signifies a need for concern, they’ll refer you to an oral surgeon. Don’t become a preventable statistic! Get screened for oral cancer.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
COSMETIC IMAGING
With cosmetic imaging, we can display your improved smile in advance of any treatment. Digital images of your teeth and gums can show replacements of missing teeth, the effects of whitening, or the outcome of straightening prior to work. Imagine how exhilarating it will be to see your impending smile even before you begin the steps to reach your treatment goals.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health.
ISOLITE™ – AN ADVANCE IN PATIENT COMFORT
Isolite is a remarkable spotlight that illuminates the inside of your mouth combined with an impressive suction device that keeps your teeth and gums dry. With enhanced lighting and a drier work area comes improved accuracy and potentially faster treatment. The use of the Isolite tool diminishes mouth strain. In addition, the suction restricts saliva build-up and the swallowing of debris, so you’ll no longer be subjected to a “drowning” or “gagging” sensation. You will love this revolution in dental comfort!
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
STATE-OF-THE-ART STERILIZATION
We refuse to take chances with your health, which is why we take extra precautions to keep our instruments sterile. In addition to scrubbing and sterilizing all implements after every use, single-use tools are employed wherever possible. Our autoclave, which is the special unit we use for sterilization, is consistently monitored by an independent lab to uphold the highest level of safety and cleanliness.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
ARE YOU DIABETIC OR PRE-DIABETIC?
Did you know there is a connection between your dental health and your capacity to effectively control your blood sugar levels? Unfortunately, not all dentists are equally equipped to aid diabetics with their dental well-being. Untreated gum disease increases diabetic issues, and diabetes increases the problems associated with gum disease. It’s a vicious cycle. You’ll be pleased to know that we have received exceptional training on dental care for diabetics. Call us today for a complimentary consultation regarding dentistry for diabetics. No one here will ever censure you for having avoided dental care. You can be confident we will provide compassionate and entirely non-judgmental care. We can help.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
DEFEAT GUM DISEASE PAINLESSLY
If you’re going to cure your gum disease, you’re going to require a powerful weapon. At Hicks Family Dentistry, we offer our patients a powerhouse antibiotic called ARESTIN™. Compounded in a powder form, made up of tiny microspheres, this antibiotic is applied at the point of infection. Time-released, it works continually to kill the bacteria. Not only does it do the job, it is completely painless.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
STARTING EARLY FOR THE BEST RESULTS
Addressing teeth and jaw issues early in life produces the greatest benefits for your child for the least amount of money. Early treatment by a skilled dentist like Dr. Hicks can save thousands of dollars verses seeing a specialist later, and it can avert unnecessary extractions of permanent teeth in their teen years. We can address early crowding of front teeth, crossbites in the back teeth, and a mismatch of upper and lower jaws. This process usually take less than 6 to 18 months and happens before they get to their teenage development years.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
VIBRATION CLEANS TEETH FAST!
To improve our patient’s comfort, we use a Piezo Scaler™, which implements high-frequency vibrations to efficiently strip deposits from your teeth. With this device, there is minimal to no pain involved with the elimination of plaque and tartar deep below your gum line in the pockets where gum disease likes to take root. Faster than conventional scaling instruments, this tool will leave your teeth feeling cleaner than ever before.
You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please note: This content is
for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified
health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage
of gum disease, an infection of the
tissues around your teeth caused by plaque. If you have gingivitis, your gums
may become red, swollen and bleed easily. You may also
experience bad breath. Because gum disease
is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
You are more likely to develop gum disease if you skip brushing and flossing, use tobacco, have crooked teeth
that are hard to keep clean, are pregnant, have diabetes or take certain
medications. When in its early stages, the disease is still reversible and your
gums can be returned to good health with a professional cleaning from your
dentist, along with daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S. adults suffer from it. The disease can be reversed in early stages, but damage may be permanent the longer it goes untreated. Although you may not be aware of the gum disease in your mouth, abscesses can develop which usually painful. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose permanent teeth and a change in bite. Your teeth may appear to become longer as gums and bone recede. There are many treatments available, including deep cleanings known as scaling and root planing. Talk to your dentist to find out whatís best for you.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection that looks like white film in your mouth. Youíre more likely to get thrush if you have an illness that affects your immune system. This includes people with HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as people using steroids to manage their asthma. People with untreated or uncontrolled diabetes are also susceptible because sugar in saliva encourages yeast to grow. Thrush is also common in people who wear dentures. If you have symptoms, see your dentist. After a scraping to confirm you have thrush, your dentist can prescribe medicine to clear it up.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT LOSING A TOOTH?
Dr. Hicks advocates for dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Because regardless of how you lose a tooth – gum disease, decay, accident, or other trauma – without a replacement you may rapidly experience a host of other health issues. Losing even one tooth can trigger your other teeth to change position and eventually alter the way you process nutrients from your food. You may suffer weight gain (or loss), a shriveled facial appearance, or even an unwanted change in your speech patterns.
Implants work efficiently to replace one tooth or many. They’re made to blend with your remaining teeth, looking so natural that at first glance even a dentist may not notice the placement. An implant’s permanence means no embarrassing slippage, upping your confidence level every time you smile. Ask us today about replacing your missing teeth.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
SAVING HOPELESS TEETH
Missing teeth pose a roadblock to dental health. A root canal can prevent the necessity of an extraction, saving teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected. A root canal is a method of rehabilitating a tooth by excavating the pulp chamber and refilling it with special filling material. Dr. Hicks is well trained in advanced root canal therapy. He uses cutting-edge anesthetics and technology, making a root canal a manageable form of treatment.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
PREVENTING CHILD TOOTH DECAY – THE EASY WAY!
Trying to brush back teeth is a challenge even when we’re adults. Grooves can be deep and difficult for bristles to reach. This is particularly true for kids whose dexterity isn’t yet completely developed. This allows bacteria and acids to remain and trigger plaque formation, which will lead to decay. And once a tooth has decay, it is impaired permanently and will require a filling or a crown.
The use of dental sealants helps offset a child’s inability to brush correctly, shielding their teeth from damage. The procedure is harmless, painless, and takes just a few minutes to complete. After the tooth (or teeth) is cleansed and sterilized, a light coat of a white or clear, plastic sealant is painted on the tooth. Then a curing light is focused on the sealant to bond it into place. This requires no shots, drills, or the elimination of any tooth structure. Employing dental sealants is one of the best pre-emptive actions for both children and adolescents to preserve their natural teeth!
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
THREE-DIMENSIONAL DENTISTRY!
We are excited to be one of the first practices in our area to utilize 3-D cone beam CT digital imaging technology. This advancement allows Dr. Hicks to see his patients’ anatomy in 3-D, instead of flat, two-dimensional images. Three-dimensional X-ray images are more precise than conventional film X-rays. They require less time to produce an image and subject a patient to far less radiation exposure. Using ultra cone beam images when diagnosing patients represents a tremendous advantage for evaluating treatment options, particularly important for implant placement and oral surgeries.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
