Understanding the anatomy of the tooth and its functions is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing dental issues like cavities and gum disease. By exploring the structure and purpose of the tooth, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable part of our bodies.

Enamel

The hardest substance in the body, on the outside of the tooth. It contains no living cells; tooth enamel cannot repair damage from decay or from wear. Only a dentist can correct these conditions.

Dentin

Softer than enamel, the second layer of the tooth. It contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering (enamel), the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing sensitivity.

Crown

The visible portion of the tooth that protrudes from the gum, covered by enamel.

Root

The part of the tooth that is embedded in the jawbone.

Pulp:

The deepest layer inside the tooth, consisting of nerves and blood vessels. If any bacteria gets past the enamel and dentin, the pulp becomes inflamed in an attempt to protect the tooth. Inflammation can cause pulpitis which can be very painful.

Cementum

Hard connective tissue covering the tooth root, giving attachment to the periodontal ligament.

Periodontal Ligament

Is a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that attach the tooth to the alveolar bone. The PDL inserts into root cementum on one side and onto alveolar bone on the other.

Nerve & Blood Supply

The root contains blood vessels and nerves, which supply blood and feeling to the whole tooth.

To learn more about your tooth anatomy and function, call us at (941) 957-3311

Have you ever felt pain after a bite of cold ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup? If so, you’re not alone. While pain caused by hot or cold temperatures could be a sign of a cavity, it is also common in people who have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity, or “Dentin Hypersensitivity” is pain or discomfort in the teeth or tooth as a response to certain stimuli, such as hot and cold temperatures.

Symptoms of sensitive teeth:

• Hot OR cold foods or beverages
• Cold air
• Sweet foods or beverages
• Acidic foods or beverages
• Alcohol-based mouth rinse
• Dental related issues such as decay (cavities), fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel and exposed tooth roots.

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns (tooth matter above gums) that are visibly seen. Under the gum line, there is a layer called the Cementum that protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel (upper) and cementum (lower) is the tooth dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains dentin tubules. Dentin tubules are located in the dentin of the tooth and allow the tooth to feel sensations. When dentin loses its protective covering, these tubes allow heat and cold or acidic foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth.

Factors that contribute to sensitivity:

• Brushing too hard or using a hard bristle toothbrush can wear down enamel causing dentin to be exposed.
• Gum recession – often happens with gum disease. Recession exposes the dentin.
• Cracked teeth – cracks can become filled with bacteria and cause inflammation in the pulp which could possibly lead to abscess and infection.
• Teeth grinding or clenching.
• Plaque build-up.
• Long term use of mouthwash – some over the counter mouthwash brands contain acids which can worsen tooth sensitivity.
• Acidic foods – can break down tooth enamel.

Sensitivity in teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the tooth sensitivity. Dr. Still will recommend one of the varieties of treatments best suited for the issue.

• Desensitizing toothpaste – contains compounds that help block transmissions of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
• Crown, Onlay/Inlay or Bonding – these options can be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical Gum Graft – If gum tissue has been lost or withdrawn from the root, a gum graft will help to protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root Canal – If the sensitivity is severe enough and cannot be treated by other means, Dr. Still may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Just the phrase “root canal” creates anxiety and stress for some patients. However, there is no need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist prescribes a root canal procedure to treat your damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and most importantly saved this way each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy and functional again.

Inside your tooth, below the top layer called enamel, and the second layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. This particular tissue contains blood vessels and nerves. If a cavity or crack is left untreated, bacteria enters the tooth through the access points and gets into the nerve causing irritation, inflammation and infection. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed and the inside is cleaned and sealed. The function of the nerve is to allow for sensory – to allow the sensation of hot or cold to be felt. The absence of a nerve won’t affect how your tooth works.

Once, the treatment of the root canal is finished, it is incredibly essential that a crown is placed on the tooth shortly after endodontic treatment. Having a crown placed will help the tooth stability and offer strength back to the tooth to protect against further cracks, breaks and decay as long as proper hygiene is accounted for. Having your tooth prepared for a crown is not much different from a regular crown procedure aside from filling the access hole where the endodontist cleaned the canals out. Dr. Still will prepare around the tooth and on top, fill the access hole and prepare the tooth for the new crown. Shortly after, you will return to have your crown permanently cemented and your tooth will be back to working order.

If you feel that your tooth may be compromised by decay or cracks leading to pain and discomfort, give our office, Smile Sarasota a call and make an appointment to have an evaluation.

Guess who loves eating holiday treats and goodies as much and you do? Friends? Yep. Family? Of course. Kids? Duh! But they aren’t the only ones. The bacteria in your mouth is loving it! Thankfully, you can take a few steps during the holiday meals, get-togethers and parties to maximize the protection and health of your teeth.

• Eat sweets WITH your meal rather than after. The excess saliva will help wash down the sugars so that it doesn’t linger on your teeth.
• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water cleans the mouth and produces saliva that helps deposit essential minerals for tooth enamel. Water helps wash away food particles from the teeth.
• Keep to a clean diet during the holiday season as much as possible, given that you’ll most likely be surrounded by delicious tempting treats. Vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and cucumbers can help clean your teeth and gums by removing food particles that can build up into plaque. Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis scrub your teeth when you eat them. Natural fibers of the fruits combined with your saliva can help wash away food particles and stain-causing bacteria.

Eating sweets during the holidays is almost inevitable. They are everywhere!! And sometimes too good to pass up. Here’s a list of particularly naughty treats to be careful with:

• Candy canes (more like candy crush!)
• Peppermint bark (if your teeth are fragile, dipping small pieces in milk should help soften them up)
• Caramels, taffy and peanut brittle (the sticker the treat, the more damage that can happen)
• Wine (can cause discoloration)
• Popcorn (sneaky kernels will find their way into hard to reach areas of your mouth)

Following these small tips can keep you and your mouth in great shape through the holiday season. A helpful tip to remember is, if it’s good for your body, it’s good for your mouth!

Happy Holidays from your dental team and Smile Sarasota!

Dental emergencies can bring even the most reluctant person to the dentist. Dental emergencies like an injury to the teeth or gums could be potentially serious and should never be ignored. Ignoring dental problems can lead to an increased risk of permanent damage with the possibility of more expensive and extensive treatment later on. There are many types of emergencies ranging from bacterial, fungal and viral infections to a fractured tooth or dental restoration, each emergency requiring an individual response and treatment that is unique to the patient and situation.

Some Common Dental Emergencies:

• Gum Abscesses
• Pulpal Abscesses
• Swelling/Bleeding
• Broken Teeth
• Pain on Biting
• Inflammation
• Trauma to the Tooth from an Accident

What to do in the case of a Dental Emergency:

1. Contact us at Smile Sarasota and make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible. We have same day availability!
2. The tooth or problem will be assed accordingly by the doctor followed by recommended treatment to get you out of pain and put your mind at ease.

There are a lot of myths, misconceptions and wrong ‘facts’ about tooth brushing out there so Smile Sarasota thought we should put the facts out there for you. The purpose of brushing is to remove decay and disease causing bacterial plaque.

• Toothpaste, while helpful in delivering fluoride and other helpful ingredients to your teeth, is not necessary to remove plaque! Really!
• It’s not how “hard” you brush, but how “thoroughly ” you brush. Plaque is a soft sticky film and you should only use a soft toothbrush to avoid damaging teeth and gums. So should you use a hard bristle brush and the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth become? No. This is another common misconception. Teeth are living biological tissue and unlike any soft tissue in the body, teeth cannot re-grow or repair themselves once they wear out. Wear facets near the gum line in turn increase sensitivity. Too many people believe in applying a lot of pressure while brushing and that can damage the tooth surfaces and cause gum recession. There are a number of techniques so talk to Dr. Still or one of our Hygienists about the one that suits your oral health best.
• If you brush only once a day (we recommend at least two times a day) you should brush before bedtime at night. The longest period of the day when you are not feeding the bacteria is while you are sleeping. It’s also the time when the flow of saliva is at it’s lowest – saliva is  anti-bacterial.
• And did you know that brushing does remove plaque from between the teeth?  This is why you MUST floss everyday as well. Brushing does very little to clean the areas where most of the problems occur. Brushing cleans the front, back, and tops of the teeth, but almost completely misses the surfaces in between your teeth (where most problems occur). That’s where dental floss, Soft Picks and proxy brushes come in. A lack of cleaning in between the teeth is what causes most people to end up in trouble with their teeth.
• If you brush and floss every day, you don’t need to come in to see Smile Sarasota for cleanings and checkup. WRONG. It’s good that you brush and floss every day, but unfortunately,  you can still develop decay and gum disease. There are many other health factors that influence oral health and visiting us regularly will ensure early detection of problems and make them easier to manage.
• And guess what else? You actually don’t have to rinse after brushing! It washes away the fluoride from the toothpaste that should stay on your teeth. You only have to spit out the foam from your mouth, not gargle or rinse everything off.

This is a great topic to discuss with our Smile Sarasota Hygienists so feel free to ask as many questions as you like. They will know and be glad to help you as well as give you samples of the products we recommend and go over how to use these tools.

Sources and Credits: WebMD, Practo.com, Quora.com

Mature Woman Covering Her Ears With Headphone While Man Snoring In Bed

Many of our patients at our Smile Sarasota dental practice mention to Dr. Still that they may have a snoring problem and ask if he can help. Do you snore? If so, you’re in good company. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population snores at some point. To get relief, many patients talk to their primary care physician. But did you know that you can also talk to Dr. Still? You may not know that your dentist is often the earliest professionals to diagnose sleep disorders.

Snoring occurs when there is an obstruction in your airway during sleep. The American Dental Association explains that this obstruction can be caused by the tongue or soft tissues in the mouth. When tissues in the top of the airway hit each other, the vibration that results creates a loud noise. The loud noise may occur with short pauses in between. This could be an indicator of sleep apnea. When a patient has obstructive sleep apnea, breathing actually stops for brief moments, and this process can result in damaging effects on the body, such as atherosclerosis and other serious cardiovascular problems. Sleep apnea and the tendency to snore at night can also be the cause of daytime sleepiness and daily fatigue. We will discuss this in a future Smile Sarasota Blog.

So how can Dr. Still help me? If you or your partner notices an on-going problem at night, tell Dr. Still. There are several tests that he can arrange to diagnose the issue. One of these tests is called a “sleep study”. He will refer to to a sleep specialist and during the evaluation, your sleeping patterns will be analyzed and your vital signs are monitored over the course of a night.

But there are other remedies Dr. Still may suggest first. The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging recommend these strategies to reduce snoring at night:

• Lose weight. Too much weight can cause changes to the structures around your airway.
• Consume little or no alcohol at night. Alcohol can change the quality of your sleep.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of sedatives. Talk to your doctor about alternatives.
• Don’t sleep on your back. Try side sleeping with a supportive pillow.

With the support of Dr. Still at Smile Sarasota, you should be able to get to the root of your snoring issue and sleep more soundly at night. Even if a dental issue isn’t the cause of snoring, snoring can result in dry mouth. As snore sufferers are trying to breathe, the mouth is also struggling to produce enough saliva. Dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay, mouth sores, bad breath, and gum disease. Contact Smile Sarasota if you are concerned about snoring – we can help!

Sources and Credits: Colgate.com, The National Sleep Foundation, The American Dental Association, WebMD, The National Institutes of Health, The National Institute on Aging

It’s no secret that dental care can be expensive and this results in many patients avoiding dental visits altogether. There is, however, a trend where individuals choose to leave their home country to travel abroad to have work done on their teeth for a cheaper cost. Certainly, no country has a monopoly on good medical care however, it’s important to realize that there are pros and cons to this kind of traveling. So what are the concerns?

• Dentist credentials and experience
  There is the worry that dentists abroad don’t have the same level of experience and training as they do in the United States, causing a higher risk of complications. People who seek cheap dental care in some foreign countries are falling victims to unsafe dental practices and under-qualified practitioners. In order to practice dentistry in the United States, a dentist has to have at least eight years of college and pass many rigorous tests to be licensed as well as continuing education thereafter. While the training and experience of the dentist is paramount, so is the environment in which he or she practices.
• Sterilization
  One big concern is that patients travelling abroad for dental treatment will not be met with the same infection control, patient care and health and safety guidelines found here, where strategies are in place to protect the patient in the event of complications. For example, in many second and third world countries, root canal files are simply autoclaved and reused. Yet, even after being autoclaved, these used files can still contain infectious microorganisms and should be discarded. Dental instruments in the US are disposed or sterilized after use. Injection needles are never reused and surgery instruments are cleaned with heat-sterilization. In the United States, it is a requirement for dental practices to maintain a strict evident-based infection control to prevent the spread of infection and diseases. At Smile Sarasota, our autoclaves are tested and regulated and a strict record is kept. Overseas, these rules are often more relaxed, and sometimes a high standard of infection control is not practical because of the cost needed to maintain such standard, making it enviable for business due to the low standard of living. A foreign country may not have the same dental regulations as dentists do in the U.S. The Organization for the Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) says that “Countries differ in their standards for infection control and safety. The use of fresh gloves, sterile instruments and safe water is not standard practice in all countries.” Some areas of the world do not have clean drinking water readily accessible. That alone is scary, not to mention that fact that dentists and staff may not wear face masks and gloves, wash their hands or clean the work surfaces!
• Quality of margins
  “I had a friend who had work done in Mexico and it looked really good! Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it IS good! There is the potentially serious problem if the veneer or crown is not fitted properly it may look good but could trap plaque and cause gum inflammation. And if the tooth is not drilled correctly there is a real risk of damaging the nerve. And often, the treatments recommended abroad are not appropriate, for example if the patient has a gum problem. Dr. Still would not advise veneers or crowns until that was treated. Otherwise the patient would end up with more problems and could even lose all their teeth. So some of the work might look good in the short term, patients were likely to have trouble in the future. It can be six months, 12 months after the treatment has been done, long after the patient has left the facilities and then things flare up.
• Materials used
  In many countries, there are no governing bodies such as the American Dental Association to maintain the high quality of dental care provided by the practitioners. In order to provide cheap dentistry, many overseas dentists use low quality material to make their business viable. Good quality dental products are often not cheap; sometimes the cost of a single component can be more than the average monthly wage in those countries. Many of these materials have not undergone rigorous testing and research, and do not have proper long-term studies in their safety and effectiveness. Also, remember many dental treatments are hand-made and/or involve laboratory items that are hand-made too, whose materials and specifications have to meet very strict rules and regulations. At least if you buy cheap jewelry and it turns out to contain base metals instead like Nickel, Iron or Beryllium etc, you can easily remove it and throw it away if it irritates your skin or you get allergic to it, but when it is glued into your mouth, you will be exposed to its effects for years and it’s NOT so easily removed, is it? In some countries abroad they often use “cheaper” laboratory work which isn’t always subject to the US’s strict controls and high health standards. Some foreign-sourced crowns even contain not just cheap substitutes for gold and other precious metals, but even waste products or lead! So you before succumbing to foreign dentistry, ask yourself these questions: What kind of gold alloy is going to be used in that crown about to be cemented in your mouth? Will it cause metal poisoning down the road? Is it high in nickel content? Is it a high noble, noble, or base metal? Please be assured that ALL of Dr. Still’s laboratory work at Smile Sarasota, is made in the US under the strictest health guidelines and follow Dr. Still’s very demanding standards for quality, content and aesthetics
• Lost in Translation
  Another challenge for the ‘dental tourist’ is difficulty in communication. Language barriers can make it harder to know exactly what to expect during and after a procedure, or whether any questions you ask are understood. This can lead to misunderstandings about treatment, or problems with your care. It may be difficult for foreign health care providers to access and comprehend a patient’s complete medical history; likewise, complete documentation of the treatment provided abroad is often lacking — which can create problems when you get back home. Patient confidentiality and privacy may also be compromised and this issue is handled differently from country to country.

So…don’t prioritize money over health! Traveling abroad to get cheaper treatment could mean that you’re prioritizing your budget over your health, and this could result in spending even more money repairing damage from treatment that has gone wrong. However, having a dentist like Dr. Still who has your interest in heart, who cares enough to make a difference in the longevity of his work, and having such a dentist to guide you in achieving your goal of a lifelong optimal health, is what good dentistry is all about.

Sources and Credits: askthedentist.com, who.int.com, wikpedia.org, deardoctor.com, OSAP.org

Smile Sarasota is all about keeping your teeth and mouth healthy…as well as the rest of your body. It’s all connected unless you have been beheaded! Maintaining good oral health is crucial, because the health of your mouth has a strong connection with the health of your entire body. While harmless bacteria naturally forms in your from daily actions like eating, this bacteria needs to be managed with a proper oral hygiene routine.  Without daily brushing and flossing, these bacteria can grow and become harmful, potentially causing tooth decay or gum disease.

Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

• Endocarditis – For those with a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, maintaining good oral health can help prevent the development of harmful bacteria that escape into your bloodstream and cause an infection somewhere else in your body, including the lining of your heart.
• Cardiovascular disease – Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease and can involve severe, chronic inflammation.  While stemming from oral health, periodontitis has shown links to increases in the risk of heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
• Pregnancy and birth – Suffering from gum disease while pregnant could possibly affect the health of the baby, since the harmful bacteria in your mouth could spread through the body.  Some cases of premature birth and low birth weight have been linked to bacteria related to gum disease.
• Diabetes – Those with diabetes need to take special care when it comes to their oral health.  Diabetes reduces your body’s resistance to infection, meaning that oral infections will be more common if consistent oral hygiene efforts.
• HIV/AIDS. Those who have HIV/AIDS commonly experience oral problems such as painful mucosal legions.
• Osteoporosis – Those with osteoporosis are at an increased risk of experiencing periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Still to see determine what the best course of action would be for you to maintain good oral health.
• Alzheimer’s disease – Good oral health has been connected to improved memory function, but the opposite is also true. Oral disease can actually be a contributing factor to early on setting Alzheimer’s.
• Other conditions – Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren’s syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.

Be sure to tell Dr. Still if you’re taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you’ve had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition. We will ask you to fill out a Health History Update form yearly so we can be certain we are up-to-date on any health issue that may affect your dental care.

Common Dental Problems:

• Tooth Decay – Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life. When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.
• Sensitive Teeth- Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
• Gum Disease- Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
• Canker Sores- Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.
• Orthodontic Problems – A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusion.

If you have any concerns whatsoever about the health of your mouth or your healty, don’t hesitate to call Smile Sarasota – Dr. Still is happy to answer your questions!

Here is a great video that underscores the ‘Mouth-Body Connection’:

Sources and Credits: American Academy of Periodontology, Henry Schein, American Heart Association

“Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst” Huh?? Try: ACHOO! Cold and flu season will come and go and hopefully you got a flu shot. But sneezing is here to stay. We all do it, though some of us are more disruptively loud than others. It’s a reflex we simply can’t control. But other than the most obvious causes — fresh ground pepper, anyone? — how much do we really know about what our sneezes mean? Here are a few fun facts you probably didn’t know about sneezing.

• Your sneezes travel up to 100 miles per hour. At least, according to some. The brave “MythBusters” guys actually timed theirs, clocking those sneezes between 30 and 35 miles per hour.
• Their germ-ridden spray can land pretty far away. Some guess you’ll spread in a five-foot radius, others have wagered mucus lands as far as 30 feet away. At that rate, there’s practically no escaping those germs!
• We sneeze to give our noses a reboot. In 2012, researchers figured out why, precisely, we sneeze, and what’s supposed to happen when we do. ScienceDaily reported: Much like a temperamental computer, our noses require a “reboot” when overwhelmed, and this biological reboot is triggered by the pressure force of a sneeze. When a sneeze works properly, it resets the environment within nasal passages so “bad” particles breathed in through the nose can be trapped. The sneeze is accomplished by biochemical signals that regulate the beating of cilia (microscopic hairs) on the cells that line our nasal cavities.
• Sunlight causes many people to sneeze. Feather, pepper, colds, flus and pesky allergies aren’t the only reasons we let a sneeze rip. Theories abound to other causes, but one in particular has been scientifically studied: bright light. About one in four people sneeze in sunlight, a reaction called a photic sneeze reflex, LiveScience reported. Scientists don’t entirely understand why this happens, but expect that the message the brain receives to shrink the pupils in the presence of bright light may cross paths with the message the brain receives to sneeze.
• It’s quite normal to sneeze in twos or threes. Those “bad” particles trapped in the nasal passages and expelled by sneezes aren’t exactly sprinting to the exit. It often takes more than one attempt to kick those irritants out, which can lead to multiple sneezes in a row, Everyday Health reported.
• Your eyes close involuntarily. Despite the panic it instills if you happen to be driving when you feel a sneeze coming on, there’s not much you can do to keep your peepers open.Part of the message the brain receives in the lead-up to a sneeze is to close those eyes. It’s an involuntary reflex similar to the way your knee reacts when your doctor taps on it with that teeny-tiny hammer, NBC News reported. A sneeze can’t, however, pop your eye out, like some tall tales would have you believe.
• Despite the persistent urban legend, your heart does not skip a beat when you sneeze. What may happen, according to the New York Times, is that the heart rate naturally slows — just a tad. This is due to both the deep breath most people take before sneezing and the stimulation of the vagus nerve that occurs during a sneeze. Most people don’t even notice any change, and “the effect is minimal,” the Times reported.
• A sneeze is better out than in. First, an important distinction: There’s the type of stifling that occurs when you feel like you might need to sneeze, and then there’s the type of stifling where the sneeze is already halfway out of your face. In the latter case, stop trying to stuff that sneeze back in. While rare, it can lead to injuries, including broken blood vessels in the eyes, weakened blood vessels in the brain, ruptured ear drums or problems with the diaphragm.

Here in our Smile Sarasota dental office, we have escaped the flu​ thanks to our flu shots, but we have had patient cancellations due to illness. When you are not feeling well, we totally understand that you may want to cancel your dental appointment. But…if you are beyond the first few days of feeling puny and are up to it, we are glad to see you. Our team members are protected by all the barriers we wear – mask, gloves and disposable jackets, not to mention washing our hands constantly!

Sources:  Huffington Post, Myth Busters, Science Daily, Live Science, NBC News

Smile Sarasota takes dentistry very seriously. But believe it or not, teeth can be fun! Here are some wild and crazy dental facts that will make you smile and improve your health as well.

• Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
• The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough spit to fill 2 swimming pools!
• People who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, fillings and tooth loss than others. Put down the pop and sports drinks and pick up some nice fresh water instead.
• In 1994, a prison inmate in West Virginia braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped. We suggest that you stay out of prison and just use floss to floss!
• You should replace your toothbrush at least every three months, and always after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infections. Notorious bacteria can implant themselves on the toothbrush bristles leading to re-infection.
• Everyone has their own unique tooth print – just like fingerprints. Dental records are used for forensic identification.
• According to a recent survey done by Time Magazine, 59% of Americans would rather have a dental appointment than be sitting next to someone talking on a cell phone. Maybe some of us should take a hint!
• Over three out of four people in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over age 35. The good news is, in most cases gum disease can be prevented or controlled! Do you have your next appointment with our hygienists scheduled?
• The average woman smiles 62 times a day, while the average man – only 8. Come on guys, pick up the pace!

At Smile Sarasota, the office of Dr. Adam Still, we are here for you, and want to help you achieve the best smile and the best dental health possible. If you have any questions about your dental health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today at 941-957-3311.

5 Reasons to have a Really Good Belly Laugh!

1. Laughter boosts your immune system. According to studies, laughter helps to boost your immune system and may even increase the number of cancer-killing cells in your body. Doing something that feels good and is good for you? I’m in!

2. Laughter release endorphins. Speaking of feeling good – when you laugh, you trigger a release of endorphins {those yummy feel-good chemicals}. These chemicals triggered by the brain, are the reason you feel so happy when you laugh – isn’t that the BEST feeling! The more you laugh, the better you’ll feel, so do it as often as you can!

3. Laughter connects us with others. Think about how you feel when you’re laughing with someone. You feel connected, right? Even if you don’t know the person well, you feel bonded with him or her. – Forming connections has a positive impact on our lives — and laughter is a great way to connect.

4. Laughter protects your heart. Apparently laughing has some healthy heart benefits. Laughing can lead to improved blood flow and cut down on high blood pressure. Heart troubles are unfortunately pretty common — which is why we should all start laughing more often to ward them off. Fact: One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry, claimed it took ten minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter. I’m sure it’s more fun too.

5. Laughter keeps us present. When you’re laughing, you’re focused on whatever is funny in that moment. You’re not worried about the past or the future. You’re in the now. Though you might not realize it, laughter really is one of the best ways to stay present.

These are just a few of the benefits of having a good laugh. Ultimately laughter offers us a break from the hard parts of life – a chance to escape, but for a few moments. No matter how badly you feel, how broken your heart is, how tough things seem, laughter has the ability to pick you up and bring you a respite from unhappiness – and it’s free. It really is the best medicine. So…show those pearly whites and laugh it up!

One of the first thing people notice about you – one of the first things on which they base their lasting first impression, is your smile… your teeth. It has been speculated that your smile has more impact on the success of your personal and business relationships than any other part of your appearance … ANY other part of your appearance. That speculation was confirmed by a number of surveys. In one survey in which people were asked what it is they remember most about new people they meet, over 85% said they remember people with beautiful smiles. Over one-third said they were not likely to kiss someone, or set up a blind date for a friend, with a person who had bad looking teeth.

This means the more attractive your smile, the more likely it is that you’ll be noticed, sought out, liked, and remembered. It means that the more beautiful your smile, the more likely it is your spouse or significant other will be attracted to you. It also means the more compelling your smile, the more likely it is that you’ll get noticed and remembered on the job … potentially leading to more promotions. It means the more attractive your smile, the more confident you are likely to be and the better your self-image will be… which translates into a better life.

First and foremost, Dr. Still is a general dentist, taking great care of all those things that keep your smile healthy, But more and more, our Smile Sarasota patients are asking Dr. Still for a ‘cosmetic smile makeover’ and getting amazing results. Take a look at our Before and After Gallery and then give us a call for a consultation!

“Whatever the struggle, continue the climb. It may be only one step to the summit.” Diane Westlake

Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets.

This cute English Bulldog in the video below believes in the struggle!

Continue the Climb!