#1 Our jaws are smaller than our ancestors and wisdom teeth don’t often help with chewing or other functions.
#2 Third molars often come in at odd angles, even sideways, and can cause your other teeth to shift and overlap.
#3 Poor alignment can potentially damage neighboring teeth by trapping food and plaque.
#4 The MOST IMPORTANT REASON to remove wisom teeth: the risk of infection. Many times these teeth only erupt halfway and then bacteria work their way under the gums causing swelling and pain and this infection can travel to your heart making it quite Dangerous!
#5 Let’s face it. Most people don’t floss…especially their wisdom teeth.These teeth are more prone to decay and gum disease as a result.
#6 Wisdom teeth may be worry free in your younger years, but as you age you may develop cysts around them and then this becomes a major surgery in your 60′s or older.
#7 If your radiographs (x-rays) show that you will probably have problems with your wisdom teeth, it is better to have them removed sooner than later. You heal better and faster at a younger age and many times the teeth don’t have fully formed roots making them a lot easier to remove!
If losing your wisdom teeth worries you, just remember what another wise man said, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
We are very fortunate to be surrounded by some wonderful Oral Surgeon’s. Call our office if you need a referral!

Stem cells are the body’s master cells that produce other cells and tissue. In 2003, stem cells were discovered in the pulp of deciduous teeth! You can have your child’s stem cells harvested from their lost baby teeth and stored indefinitely. To learn more contact BioEden at www.whysavebabyteeth.com

According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 27% of all US deaths are a result of heart disease. Saving yourself from a heart attack could be as simple as good oral hygiene! Researchers have found that people with severe chronic gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.
In 1998, two doctors at the University of Minnesota were the first to prove that bacteria from the mouth can induce clotting, which is the pivotal event in most heart attacks and strokes. The human mouth teems with good and bad bacteria, but when the bad ones outnumber the good they cause gum disease and bleeding, allowing the infection into the blood stream.
However, according to research at the University of Connecticut, improving oral health can benefit blood vessels within 6 months! Moral of the story: See you dentist regularly, brush AND floss!!!

60% of medications cause xerostomia or dry mouth. If you suffer from this you should also avoid caffiene, alcohol, advil and mouth rinses that contain alcohol like listerine. Sip water frequently and use SUGAR FREE breath mints or gum to stimulate salivary flow. If you want to know if any medications you are on cause xerostomia, give me the name of the medication and I will let you know!

When your baby is teething she/he will exhibit some or all of the following signs about 4 days before the tooth breaks through the gums: irritability, biting and gnawing, gum swelling, rash on the chin, ear rubbing, drooling, decreased appetite and disrupted sleep. What to do to help the poor thing?? Massage your baby’s gum with your finger, use chilled (not frozen!) teething rings and pacifiers, and let them chew on a cold wet rag. If your baby is old enough, let them have a sugar free popsicle! If teething pain persists you can give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but check with your pediatrician for the correct dosage. Products containing Benzocaine should NOT be used on children less than 2 years of age. If you think there may be something more serious going on, be sure and take your baby to see a Pedodontist!

Did you know that daily flossing can add 3 years to your life?”

Go to www.realage.com and take the quiz to determine your “Real Age”!

Dr. Greg Martin Thanking YOU!