Park Pace Dental Centre

February 2012: Tips, eNews & More!

February is Heart Month!

Can taking care of your smile help to protect your heart?
While we know that oral health is related to overall health, a study in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that oral health might be more closely related to the health of your heart than you may think. Links have been found between periodontal disease and Stroke as well as Heart Diseases. Over simplified, the bacteria found in the mouths of patients with Periodontal disease may enter the bloodstream through the inflamed gum tissues. This bacterium then travels though the body, contributing to clot formations, swelling of the arteries and other factors that lead to heart complications.

To protect your smile as well as your heart we encourage you and your loved ones to practice good oral hygiene and maintain scheduled visits to our office to monitor and care for your healthy smile!

Also related to your heart, February hosts Valentine's Day (February 14) and Family Day (February 20), two holidays focused on spending time with loved ones.

Until next month, stay warm and keep smiling,

The team at Park Place Dental

Are You Putting Your Smile Under Pressure?

Watching a thrilling movie or the championship game can be a 'nail biting' experience.The excitement has us sitting at the edge of our seats, our hearts pounding... and some of us even taking the 'nail biting' aspect literally.

How does nail biting affect your teeth?
The primary issue with nail biting is the pressure it puts on your front teeth. These teeth are not built to withstand the same amount of pressure that your molars are. Nail biting can cause the enamel protecting your teeth to fracture as well as wearing down and chipping the edges. Despite being the hardest substance in your body, enamel is by no means invincible.

Chewing your nails creates rough edges which can cut the tissue in your mouth. Complicating this is the presence of bacteria and fungi that are on your fingers and under your nails. When you bite your nails you put yourself at an increased risk of infection, by giving these bacteria a new way to access your mouth and even your bloodstream. Conversely, the mouth has many bacteria that can infect your finger tips.

Click here for a few tips on how to cut nail biting out of your life!

Hot Apple-Cinnamon Pie..."A LA MODE"!

There's nothing like warming up with some Hot Apple Pie!

With the deep freeze outside, choosing the right 'warming foods' during these winter months is key for nourishing you body and soul.

The body naturally craves, starchy, heavy and sweet foods during the winter season. Instead of reaching for processed 'foods' that leave you feeling lethargic, try making your own creations that will satisfy your craving as well as offer nutritional value.

Since apples are widely available during the winter months and there is thing better than a little cinnamon and nutmeg to warm you up, may we suggest a HOT APPLE PIE! To help add some nutrition to the recipe you may notice some ingredients that you may not have in your pantry. All of these ingredients are available in the organic section of larger grocery stores or your local specialty grocer.

Click here for the recipe.