Category: Blog

Smiling is the universal “feel good” symbol of happiness. Smiles are contagious. The neurons on the brain have a synchronizing effect that keeps you in synch with the person or people you are interacting with. If one of those people smile, you likely will smile and vice versa as well. Smiling is like a medicine, because genuine smiles like those big enough to make you squint your eyes can also help boost your immune system by lowering your body’s overall cortisol levels.

Smiling is our first facial expression. It actually begins while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. Later in life, smiling just adds more meaning to the expressions one has, and the person then understands why they are smiling. This proves that it is a natural human emotion to smile. Forcing yourself to smile when you are sad can actually even elevate your mood. It’s thanks to the endorphins released in the brain faking it till you make it will literally work in this case.

Smiling makes anyone look prettier or more handsome. Studies show that 70% of people prefer someone who is simply smiling by stating their photos looked more attractive than people who were not smiling in the picture.

Smiling can reduce blood pressure. Not only do the endorphins elevate your mood, they will also lower your blood pressure. Smiling is a form of exercise as it takes 26 muscles, which is a large majority of those located in the face to smile.

Employers even tend to promote those employees who smile more often over those who don’t. People who smile often are more likely to be easy going and easy to work with. It also shows you are pleasant, happy, and engaged in the work you are performing.

Scientists have identified 19 different kinds of smiles that range from stating one is overjoyed to another that is simply used when one must be polite. It’s easier to smile than frown as it takes more muscles to frown than smile. We can also detect smile from much further away as humans can detect smiles from 300+ feet away. Some animals can even detect smiles. Smiles can designate a friend from someone who is not so friendly. Smiling is a universal sign of happiness, and it draws more people to you as it means you are a happy person.

So, inclosing keep brushing and flossing daily, and visit your dentist for semiannual checkups. There is nothing better than to simply keep one’s own original teeth, as they provide the best smile around. It attracts more people to you, and shows you are a happy pleasant person to be around.

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call us at 909-465-1016

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

There are many different reasons teeth can fall out, but most cases boil down to a severe case of periodontitis. Losing teeth can be mortifying for one’s looks, but it can also make it difficult to chew and maintain proper nutrition.

There can be several reasons for teeth falling out including the number one cause, and that is not going to the dentist. The best way to keep one’s teeth clean is to go to the dentist on a semi-annual basis. The cleaning the hygienist provides is vital to keeping the teeth from building up plaque and other dangerous buildups. The hygienist can also notify the patient of the beginning of any issues like gingivitis before the condition gets serious. Gingivitis at the basic level can generally be reversed with good cleanings, daily brushing, and a good flossing habit before it progresses to the stage of periodontitis.

Being a male over 35 tends to be another risk factor in losing more teeth. This comes from most males in this age group not either going to the dentist frequently as they should, or not providing proper cleaning, brushing, and flossing habits as they should be. Sometimes, it can come from a poor diet as well. Especially a diet high in foods hard on the teeth that cause the decay and decomposition of the teeth and gums over time.

Moreover, smoking and chewing tobacco can cause tooth decay and rotting. It can also damage gum tissue.

High blood-pressure can also lead to tooth decay and loss according to some studies. However, more studies are needed to prove this for certain. Having diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis seems to be the same way, although more studies are needed to prove this as well. These patients seem more susceptible to infections, including infections of the mouth and gums. Some medications may also have this same effect such as medications for cancer therapy or epilepsy or even steroids.

Preventing gum disease is the last big thing that one can do to help avoid lose teeth and ultimately losing teeth. Gingivitis is one form of gum disease that may be reversible, but letting that turn into periodontitis is another story. Periodontitis effects about 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 in the US. A shockingly high number when really all most people have to do to avoid this condition is to brush and floss daily and visit their dentist semiannually for checkups and regular cleanings. Simply put, taking care of one’s teeth will help their teeth take care of them. Be sure to ensure that you have a healthy smile for life!

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

If you have a pounding headache and a throbbing sensation in your mouth accompanied by soreness and tenderness you have got a very common problem: a toothache. Visit your dentist ASAP, but until you can get there, there happens to be many home remedies you can try to help ease the pain in the meantime.

Saltwater Rinses can work great as an at-home remedy to help ease toothache pains. Simply mix ½ teaspoon of salt with 8 oz. of warm water and swish it around in your mouth. DO NOT SWALLOW IT! Gently floss around the tooth to remove any bits of food applying pressure that may make the pain even worse.

OTC Pain Relievers are a great way to help relieve pain with over-the-counter medicine till you can get to the dentist. If you don’t have any OTC Pain Relievers around try ibuprofen. Choose aspirin for young children. If choosing aspirin be sure to take the aspirin like normal, and swallow the medication. Do not rest the aspirin on the tooth or rest it between the cheek and the tooth as leaving the aspirin on the tooth for too long can cause severe damage to the tooth due to the ingredients in the medication.

Cold Compresses are especially helpful if your face is swollen or puffy. Placing an ice pack on your cheek can help easer pain. If you have severe swelling you may also have a dental abscess inside your mouth. If you see pus or fluid coming out of the abscess you may have an infection in the abscess. This can also infect the gums and other teeth around the abscess as well as the gums there, too.

OTC Anesthetics are also pain-relieving gels or liquids that re applied directly to the tooth and nearby the gum area. Many will contain benzocaine which will help numb the mouth temporarily. These are for short-term use only.

Ice can help numb the area around the tooth area till you can get some dental treatment done to it. Simply tuck ice between the tooth and cheek to let it melt and help numb or dull the pain in the area. Ice is also believing to stop pain signals from going to the brain and helps till you can get to the dentist.

Clove Oil is a 100% natural remedy that is rubbed directly onto the sore area. Suggestions in some studies show that it may be as or more effective than benzocaine.

Oil Pulling is an ancient Hindu practice of swishing sunflower or sesame seed oil in one’s mouth. Sometimes studies have suggested that it helps relieve gingivitis, but it is not determined to treat toothaches yet. More studies need to be done before anything is definitively determined.

Garlic when crushed can release allicin which is an oily liquid and a natural disease fighter. However, some people claim it relieves aches and others say it doesn’t. Chewing a piece of garlic will do your body no harm. Cut it up and place it on the tooth! It’s safe if consumed as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide is a common remedy – in fact there is probably a bottle sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. It may or may not ease the toothache, but it will keep the area clean till you get to the dentist. Mix it with a 50% solution of water. The full-strength version of hydrogen peroxide can harm your teeth.

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Family

“Where Family Comes First”