"Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!" Featured in World Wide Rave

I had wanted to talk about the connection betweeen oral health and sexual health -- something no one was talking about -- for a long time, but didn't know how to address the topic.

It wasn't until I stumbled upon David Meerman Scott and his ideas about viral e-books that I knew an e-book format would be the perfect vehicle for my idea.

And while I thought it was a good idea, when I published my e-book, "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!" in March 2008, I was a little nervous about what people's reactions would be. My fears were for naught.

Since publishing it, I've had countless colleagues call to tell me what a great book it is.

I've had a couple of colleges call to ask if they could hand it out to freshman at orientation.

A number of bloggers, including Cory Silverberg at About.com:Sexuality, Paul Levy in his popular "Running a Hospital" blog, and the team from Reva Health on their Consumer Health Blog, have written about it.

Over 5,000 people have downloaded it.

The reporters at Forbes.com featured it in an article about innovative marketing techniques.

And, it's appearing in a book, World Wide Rave, by David Meerman Scott. The book is due out early March 2009.

I am absolutely thrilled -- to say the least!

Social media is the new way of communicating with your customers. For years I relied on traditional (read: expensive) marketing, none of which worked.

This blog, my Website, YouTube videos, and the e-books have done more to build my practice than the expensive yellow pages advertising I purchased month after month ever did.

Be sure to pre-order David's book on Amazon today -- and take a look at his World Wide Rave blog for additional info about him and the book.

Congress Introduces Bill to Include Dentists in Emergency Response

The American Dental Association issued a press release Thursday, Feb. 5 that commends, "Reps. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) for introducing the 'Dental Emergency Responder Act' (H.R. 903), a bill that would bolster America's capacity to respond to natural disasters or terrorist attacks by taking advantage of the extensive education, training and professionalism of the nation's dentists."

According to the release, the bill will not require additional federal spending. The thinking behind it is that because dentists receive a "sound general medical background . . . their knowledge and experience can make them valuable assets in the community response to man-made and natural disasters."

As a dentist, I'm very glad that this piece of legislation has been introduced to Congress. It makes complete sense, as dentists are very well educated and can help during emergencies.

Why Do Consumers Consider Dentists as "Satan" or Worse?

I've been using social media tools, such as Twitter, more, and am surprised at the number of "Tweets" from people who post that they are visiting the dentist.

Few people write that they enjoy visiting the dentist. Quite a number of people write that visiting the dentist is like being in hell and their dentist is Satan (or worse).

I know many people have fear and anxiety when visiting the dentist. Sharp pointy needles and tools look scary and can cause pain. People have had bad experiences with inept dentists -- I see these patients all the time and get angry that they received such poor dental care.

This fear and anxiety is one reason why I educate my patients about procedures before we begin. I also provide a soothing environment where they can relax, and I offer various sedation techniques -- ranging from topical gels to Valium -- in order to ease people's anxiety.

I've also learned how to do "little" things that help ease pain. For example, when giving multiple injections into a patient's mouth, I will use a needle for a maximum of three injections and then use a new one. Why? Dull needles can cause more pain. (I also buy high-quality needles.)

I've learned where to give injections in the areas of the gum that are less sensitive, and if a needle hits the jaw bone, I throw it away immediately. This is because hitting the bone can create a "burr" on the needle -- again, causing more pain.

But more important, like many modern dentists today, I continually take classes in order to learn how to best use advanced technologies and techniques. My mission is to give patients the ultimate in dental care, preserve teeth wherever possible, and give back to patients the ability to eat, smile, kiss, and laugh with freedom.

I'm passionate about educating my patients about the benefits for taking care of their oral health. For example, one patient came in recently and while checking her mouth I said, "Wow, your teeth and gums look beautiful. What have you been doing?" and she replied, "I followed your advice and started brushing and flossing every day."

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can go far in helping you to have a pleasant -- and stress-free -- visit. You'll have less plaque (and less scraping), your gums won't bleed, and you'll spend less time in the chair.

But more imporant, you'll leave the dentist's office feeling happy about your visit and your dentist -- someone who is your partner in maintaining good oral health, not Satan.

You can learn more about dental health by downloading my e-book, "Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth."

You can also email me your dental health questions -- send your questions to helainesmithdmd@aol.com.

Technology HUGE at Yankee Dental Conference

As a consumer, you don't see how technology has advanced dentistry -- especially since dentists phase technology (which is pricey) into the dental office over time. Some of the advances you may have witnessed with your own dentist include:

** Moving from film and lightbox x-rays to digital images that dentists can now view on a computer screen.

** Eliminating paper-based records in favor of using software that houses our patients' records (plus the digial imaging files associated with the patient).

** Making crowns chair-side using a CERAC machine versus sending goopy impressions to a lab and then waiting two weeks for the crown to come back.

But one thing you haven't seen is how dentistry has truly moved into the 21st-century due to technology -- and no where was this more evident than at this year's Yankee Dental conference.

As I stood on the exhibit floor, I was awed by the sheer number of companies presenting imaging software and hardware -- digital impressions, CAD/CAM systems and CBCT units dominated the exhibition floor. Every where you looked technology was on display. (To see a good example, view this Sirona GALILEOS video -- GALILEOS is Sirona's new 3D imaging machine.)

All of this technology has revolutionized dentisty -- and has raised the standard of care. Using CBCT scans, for example, a dentist or periodontist can see a patient's facial structure and precisely locate the jaw bone, nasal passageways and airways, and most important, facial nerves. We can see how the jaw opens and shuts and how the jaw fits in relation to cranium and facial structure.


(image (c) Sirona)

Dentists no longer have to "guess" where to place an implant or whether a patient is a viable candidate for the procedure. A simple scan can tell the dentist instantly what is feasible -- and new treatment plans being taught at advanced dental training facilities mean patients can walk away with not just a beautiful smile, but a smile that's been designed precisely for him or her using the latest techniques.

While at Yankee I gave my first course, "Full-Arch, All-Porcelain Rehabilitation." (This was a course other dentists could take and then receive continuing education credits. I'm very happy to report that both morning and afternoon sessons were sold out -- and on a Saturday, too!)

While talking about my work as a dentist over the years I realized that dentists and their patients are on the cusp of truly extraordinary times.

Health technology will allow dentists and doctors to finally integrate patient health information into one place. At a point in the future, patients will come to me and I'll know instantly which medications they take, if they have sinus troubles or migranes and the treatment they've had, any injuries or surgeries to the head or jaw, and any diseases.

Having this information literally on my computer screen chairside means that I'll be able to give patients an unprecidented level of care.

Modern dentistry and the technology that supports it mean that dentists can no longer view themselves as "tooth plumbers." Instead, we are truly "mouth physicians."

As I stood in the Yankee Dental exhibit hall surrounded by this new technology, I realized how just how exciting it all is. As a modern dentist myself, I embrace this new technology -- and am glad I'm able to provide my patients with the utmost in care.

New Research from Japan: Coffee Might Protect Against Oral Cancers

According to an AOL Health News article, a study conducted in Japan indicates that coffee may help lower the risk of developing cancer in the mouth and throat.

According the study, "among more than 38,000 study participants aged 40 to 64 years with no prior history of cancer, 157 cases of cancer of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus occurred during 13 years of follow up."

The article notes that "compared with people who did not drink coffee, those who drank one or more cups per day had half the risk of developing these cancers."

The Japanese researchers were quite surprised by the results. While their study indicates that fewer high-risk participants (those who smoked and drank alcohol) developed cancers, the researchers pointed out that not smoking and drinking is the best way to lower your risk -- but if you do continue these behaviors, drinking coffee may help.

Ensure Your Cosmetic Dentist Has Advanced, Live Person Training

A Bridgeport, CT woman was awarded $198,000 because a cosmetic dentist promised her a "celebrity" smile but what she got instead was "horse teeth."

I won't comment on whether or not the dentist in question was competent.

What really matters is that as a consumer, you must ensure your dentist (and any medical professional) is licensed and has undergone rigorous live-person training in all procedures.

Any dentist can say he or she specializes in veneers, but what does this mean?

Does the dentist have live-patient training in advanced procedures from institutions such as the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies or the Rosenthal Institute?

Has he or she been trained to fully evaluate the patient, including the patient's facial structure and teeth shape?

Does he or she perform procedures with exacting detail? Sure, any dentist can perform a simple veneer procedure, but is the dentist measuring gums and teeth down to the exact millimeter?

Does he or she work with a trained ceramist in order to ensure natural looking teeth color? (And, when dentists are pressed to make their production number, do they even find it worthwhile to take this extra time?)

As a consumer, you must, must, must research your dental professional and his/her training and experience BEFORE you lay thousands of dollars on the table.

It's very easy to believe in dentists' radio and TV ads . . . but the results -- a poorly designed smile that looks unnatural and lasts only a few years -- speak for themselves.

New E-Book: Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth

If I were to ask you how to keep your body healthy, you would most likely answer "diet and exercise," "live a healthy lifestyle," or "don't smoke."

Yet, if I told you that your number one tool for preventing disease is right in your bathroom, you might start laughing.

It's true -- your toothbrush, that light-weight, colorful piece of plastic, is your secret weapon in prolonging your life and keeping your body healthy.

It's only been recently that researchers have discovered that gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), can lead to all sorts of complications, including miscarriages and low-birth weight babies, pneumonia in the elderly, diabetes, and even heart disease.

It stands to reason that our oral health affects our physical health: our mouths are full of bacteria -- bacteria that don't stay put in our months!

In Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth!, you'll learn how periodontal disease affects your whole body health and how you can ensure your mouth -- and by extension, your body -- is happy and healthy for years to come.

This is a free e-book -- absolutely no registration required. Simply click the link to download your copy, forward to friends, or post on your blog.

I'm very passionate about educating my patients and the public about oral health and am very happy to provide information about periodontal disease in an easy-to-read, fun e-book that explains the disease, why everyone needs to be aware of it, and how to prevent it (hint: go brush your teeth!).

I welcome your feedback!