Digital X-rays

You’ve been asking and soon we will be delivering! Within the next month or two, we will be switching our radiographs to digital! We are very excited to integrate this technology into the practice! There are some benefits to digital x-rays that you may not be aware of such as:

• Reduced exposure to radiation; by as much as 80%
• Less waiting time!
• Increased ease of explaining treatment needs to the patient!
• The ability to zoom and edit images for even better diagnosing!
• Better for the environment…no harsh chemicals!

B-Complex Vitamins are Essential to Oral Health

One of the vitamins that are essential for oral health is vitamin B, or more specifically, the B-complex vitamins. The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin.

Aside from helping to maintain oral comfort and health, the B-complex vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides energy for the body), the breakdown of fats and proteins (which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system), muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract, as well as maintaining the skin, hair, eyes and liver.

A deficiency of any of the B-complex vitamins -- except pantothenic acid and biotin -- can cause a wide variety of oral problems. These problems include irritation and painful cracking of the lips, as well as inflammation of the tongue, and irritation inside the cheeks and other areas of the mouth.

As we age, we can also become susceptible to B12 deficiency due to an increasingly difficult time metabolizing the vitamin. Consequently, many doctors recommend that people over 60 have their vitamin B12 levels checked to see if a B12 shot is needed.

The B-complex vitamins are found in many foods, including whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, peas, soybeans, sweet corn, brown rice, berries, yeast, the germ and husks of grains, nuts, cheese and other food sources.

Please make sure your call our office to schedule a visit to ensure good oral health care throughout your pregnancy. Prevention of problems is easier and less expensive than crisis care after you are is serious trouble.