The Smile Shapers, Allen J. Levesque DDS

Dr. Allen J. Levesque and The Smile Shapers team want to remember and thank our veterans for their ultimate sacrifices and services they have given us for our Freedom in this great USA country!!! May you all have a safe and happy Memorial Day!!

May God bless America!!

Signs Of Increased Heart Disease Risk May Include Poor Oral Health. CNN (3/29) hosts an article from The Conversation that includes poor oral health among several signs a person may have an increased risk of heart disease. The article notes research suggests periodontitis and tooth loss are associated with heart disease, and says other signs may include creased earlobes; fatty bumps, known as xanthomas; clubbed fingernails; halo around the iris; and blue lips. Separ...ately, a cardiologist discussed the association between oral health and heart disease with WDAM-TV Hattiesburg, MS (3/28, Leggett-Brown), suggesting people consider poor oral health as a risk factor, like the other known risk factors. He encouraged people to visit their dentist for good dental health. Dental professionals can find information on Oral-Systemic Health on an ADA Science Institute-developed Oral Health Topics page. Dentists can refer patients to MouthHealthy.org, ADA’s consumer website, for information on heart disease and oral health. See more

Nearly One-Third Of Millennials Brush Teeth Only Once A Day, Survey Finds. Fox News (2/23, Dadourian) reported that 30 percent of millennials brush their teeth only once a day, according to research commissioned by an oral care startup. The survey of 2,000 Americans also found the average person had gone more than two days at a time without brushing their teeth at least once a day. In addition, the New York Post (2/23, Paul) reported that the survey found 62 percent... of Americans fear dental visits, with millennials more likely to be afraid of dental visits than any other age group. According to the survey, the top reasons Americans avoid the dentist are fear of painful treatment (74 percent), fear of pain after treatment (47 percent) and noise of the dental drill (34 percent). MouthHealthy.org provides information on caring for oral health by life stages, and it also provides information on dental anxiety. In addition, JADA For the Patient includes the article, Coping skills for facing dental fears. Articles on dental anxiety are also available through JADA+ Clinical Scans. See more

Smoking Marijuana Oral Effects: Marijuana use can lead to several oral problems. Of most concern to dental providers are the development of xerostomia and an often dramatic increased rate of caries. Additionally, irritation, edema and erythema of the oral tissues have been seen. A limited number of studies have linked a correlation between marijuana use and the risk of periodontal disease. As far as a link to the development of oral cancer, the high intraoral temperature from marijuana smoking can cause changes in oral tissues and cellular disruption. Although these changes likely could lead to oral cancer, the link has not been established.:

Brushing Teeth, Flossing Among Easy Daily Habits To Improve Life. Business Insider (6/24, Gillett) included brushing teeth and flossing in a list of 18 quick and easy daily habits that readers recommend to become a healthier, happier, or more productive person. The article stated that not caring for oral health could increase a person’s risk of developing other health issues. The ADA recommends people brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth once a day. The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org and MouthHealthy.org provide additional information on brushing teeth for dental professionals and patients. The Oral Health Topics on ADA.org and MouthHealthy.org also provide additional information on interdental cleaners, including floss, for dental professionals and patients.

Oral Cancer Screening and Prevention: When heading out for a day in the sun, most people pack sunscreen. But did you know that every day your lips are exposed to the cumulative effect of skin-damaging cancer-causing UV rays? Whether out playing tennis, golfing, bike riding, jogging, or out for a walk, using a lip balm with a minimum 15 SPF will reduce your risk of oral cancer. If you have any concerns about a mouth or lip sore that doesn't go away after ten days, definitely give us a call so we can give you a complete oral cancer screening. 805-658-1588; www.thesmileshapers.com

15% savings for Porcelain Veneers Aug.-Sept 2013