Thursday, May 8, 2014

HEYO I'M BACK. Check out this hilarious and true picture about flossing your teeth!


If you have bleeding gums whenever you brush or floss, it's time to visit the dentist! Flossing reduces the bacteria that causes gum disease (and you can have either gingivitis or periodontitis which is determined by evaluation of your gums). If you need a South Austin dentist, please give Circle C Dental a call at 512-301-2483 or visit our website at www.circlecdental.com

BTW, here is a video of our awesome hygienist Heather discussing how to floss!


BTW, check out our google+ page: https://plus.google.com/+CircleCDentalAustin

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Have you caught the summer bug?

Yes indeed, there seems to be a summer cold going around Austin.  Hopefully, you've avoided the bug, but if not here's a friendly tip for how to keep the germs at bay once you're feeling better.  If you're like me, you probably make sure to wipe down the doorknobs and surfaces in your home and put out fresh towels after being sick, but one thing that sometimes gets overlooked is switching out your toothbrush.  Though you should replace your toothbrush at least every three months, it is especially important after you have an episode of flu, cold or other viral infection.  If you've got an electric toothbrush, just change out the head!

Wishing everyone a healthy start to the summer!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

Right now in the United States, a person dies every hour from oral cancer.  That is someone's mother or son, husband or friend for every 60 minutes of every day... of every week... of every month, every year, and the numbers are growing. In over 40 years, the survival rate has not improved. 

This month, we take the time to help raise awareness of this devastating illness.

Most Americans have not been taught where to look, how to look, or what to look for when it comes to oral cancer. Two-thirds of of all oral cancers are not caught until the late stages, greatly decreasing the diagnosed individual's chance of survival.  This is why at Circle C Dental, we do regular oral cancer checks for our patients' health.  In its early stages, oral cancer may appear as a white or red patch of tissue in the mouth, or a small ulcer which looks like a common canker sore.  It is important to have have any sore or discolored area of your mouth, which does not heal within 14 days, looked at by a professional.  If you notice something out of the ordinary, let us know!  If after an examination the area is determined to be suspicious, the only way to know for sure if it is something dangerous, is to do a biopsy of the area. This is not painful, is inexpensive, and takes little time. It is important to have a firm diagnosis as early as possible. The sooner the cancer is caught, the greater the chance of survival. 

To lower your risk of oral cancer, avoid tobacco products and heavy alcohol consumption.  People who both smoke and drink, have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others. 

For an inspirational account, check out this story on one of America's most well-renowned chefs: Grant Achatz.  He was diagnosed with late-stage cancer of the tongue, survived it, and is still kicking culinary butt at his Chicago restaurant, Alinea.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Mmmmm bacon!


A little post-April 1st fun:

Check out Scope's newest mouthwash flavor!


I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that the new flavor addition was a prank. The delicious taste of bacon plus the lingering minty freshness I want from a mouthwash?  Together?  In one product?!  And no bacon grease to clean-up afterward.  Yes please.  :)

Now if they'd just come out with chocolate-mint toothpaste...

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Are we actually wiser without our wisdom teeth?

New research suggests that missing 3rd molars may have given some of our ancestors an evolutionary advantage.  Check out the article here!

Even if natural selection is not the first thing on your mind, today there are good reasons for getting your wisdom teeth out.  Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tooth crowding and pain.  Erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to reach when brushing and harbor nasty periodontal bacteria.  The recommended age for removing wisdom teeth is high school to the early college years, but it can be done at any time.  For your convenience, Circle C Dental is happy to work with Dr. David Burden to offer wisdom teeth extraction services right here in our office.  With IV sedation available, you can have a comfortable (and forgettable) experience.