Sep 07

O’Fallon, MO Fall 2010 Activities

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O'Fallon, O'Fallon dentist

interesting leaves
Creative Commons License photo credit: Kel and Val

The cooler weather during this beautiful Labor Day weekend made us all look forward to fall activities and football. Here are a few fun activities occuring in the O’Fallon, Missouri area in September and October.  Please comment if you know of other local activities we should include.

O’Fallon, MO Garage Sale
Saturday, September 11th from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Civic Hall, 305 Civic Park Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Free Admission
Sponsored by O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department
For more information call 636-474-2732.

O’Fallon Family Camping Night
Friday, September 17th 6:00 p.m. to Saturday, September 18th 10 a.m.
Fort Zumwalt Park
Cost is $30/resident family and $35/non-resident family up to families of five. Additional family members cost $5/each.
Great beginning camping experience. You are asked to bring a potluck dish to share and hotdogs will be provided.
For more information, call 636-474-2732.

Memory Walk 2010
September 18, 2010. Registration at 8:00 a.m. Walk begins at 9:00 a.m.
T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O’Fallon, MO
One mile walk to raise awareness and benefit Alzheimer research.
For more information, contact Katie MacLean at 314-801-0419 or katie.maclean@alzstl.org.

St. Charles County Senior Fair
Saturday, October 2nd from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
O’Fallon, MO Municipal Centre at City Hall, 100 Norh Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366
This 2nd annual event includes educational seminars, vaccination opportunities, health and senior service vendors, health screenings and a game show.
Admission and parking are free. If insurance does not cover the vaccines, the cost is $25 for a flu vaccine and $45 for a pneumonia vaccine.
For more information, contact Paula Creech at 636-474-8121 or pcreech@ofallon.mo.us.

Festival and Craft Bazaar
Friday, October 8, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 9, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Civic Park, O’Fallon, MO
Friday night Street Dance begins at 7:00 p.m. The fair will include kids’ activities, live music and booths with crafts, decorations, holiday gifts and home and garden items.
Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 636-379-5614

Haunted Park Hunt
Friday, October 22nd, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Dames Park, O’Fallon, MO
Adult (21+) scavenger hunt with prizes awarded to the top three teams. Remember to bring a flashlight and register by October 16th. Registration at the gate is not allowed. The cost is $15/resident and $20/non-resident.
For more information, call 636-474-2732.

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Aug 30

The Effects of Aging on Teeth and Gums

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sensitive teeth

         As the average lifespan of our nation’s population is increasing, so too is the need for maintaining proper oral health care.  The goal, of course, is to retain our teeth for all of these extended years.  Though aging can have some negative effects on our teeth, I am encouraged to report that many of my elderly clientele are even more diligent and knowledgeable in the area of oral hygiene than some of their younger cohorts.  While dentures are still available, their prevalence in the dental office is significantly reduced from years in the past.

            It is important for the aging population to pay attention to certain scenarios that may present in the oral environment with age.  The saying, “He’s a bit long in the tooth,” originates from the fact that gum recession over time tends to expose more and more of the root surfaces of one’s teeth.  Often associated with this root exposure is increased sensitivity to cold and hot liquids and air brought in through the mouth.  A simple solution to this problem is to have your dentist bond a desensitizing agent to the tooth or to place a filling on the exposed surface.  These treatments are incredibly effective at eliminating tooth sensitivity both painlessly and immediately.  Patients are thus free to enjoy ice cream, coffee and cold beverages that same day.

            Exposed roots are also more predisposed to cavities, or “root caries” as we call them.  This is because the tooth structure below the gum line consists of a softer mineral than the more resistant enamel on the outer portion of a tooth.  Routine cleanings and check-ups, sometimes with even greater regularity than the typical six-month recall, can serve to head off at the pass any cavities that may otherwise run amuck.

            Decreased salivary flow can result with age as well.  Our saliva contains a buffer against the acids that result when foods breakdown in our mouths.  The absence of this saliva leaves our teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.   Certain medications can interfere with normal salivary production as well.   A dentist may elect to counteract this decreased salivary flow with other medications.  The best defense against the harmful effects of low salivary flow is the same as that for most age-related dental challenges: immaculate oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist!

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Aug 19

Is Soda Harmful to Teeth?

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children's dental health

            I am often reminded of a lecture I attended in dental school in which the instructor offered, “If you put a tooth in a glass of soda, the tooth will be gone in three weeks!”  Though I have never attempted this experiment, it sounds like a nice science project for a young child.  The earlier kids learn about the harmful effects of soda, pop, Coke or whatever it is called in your area of the country, the less likely they might be to subject their teeth to overexposure to these beverages.

            Despite the popular thinking that sugar is the enemy in soda, the key ingredient responsible for the majority of tooth destruction is the acid in these drinks.  This fact supports the line of reasoning that diet soft drinks can be just as harmful to the oral environment as sugar-laden beverages.  The introduction of energy drinks to the market and the overwhelming number of teens enjoying them have led to the increased incidence of decay in this demographic. 

            Adults would be wise to follow the same advice and limit the intake of these beverages.  Diligent oral hygiene practice and rinsing with water after drinking soda or energy drinks can help to reduce potential damage to tooth structure.  As always, be sure to maintain regular dental check-ups for diagnosis and cleaning.  These things all assist in the relegation of the dental drill to the mouths of other people, a principle desired by the overwhelming majority of my patient population!

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Aug 12

Don’t Hate the Dentist

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            This is no longer the Dark Ages of Dentistry.  Gentle dentistry can now be performed through advances in technology and dental delivery techniques.  While most people are somewhat nervous when receiving dental treatment, there is much less to be worried about now than there was in the past.  A dentist can make patients comfortable during anesthetic injections by wiggling the cheek, pulling the tissue over the needle rather than actually putting the needle into the tissue and very slowly delivering the anesthetic.  Most often, my patients comment that they did not even feel the needle or any of the injection.

            Virtual reality glasses allow patients to watch movies during treatment, taking their mind and ears off the procedure being performed.  Headphones playing music are a great option as well.  For those who remain fearful, nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” can be delivered.  Oral sedation medications allow the patient to maintain an airway and not go to sleep altogether, but to be very relaxed during treatment, almost forgetting the anything happened.  If that is not enough, sleep dentistry can be performed by practitioners with advanced licenses.

            Not only does the injection not need to be painful anymore, the anesthetic agents used are now much more profound.  I routinely administer less than half the dose that was once required to achieve numbness.  These anesthetics also provide an even deeper level of numbness and are considerably faster-acting.  So now that the shots do not hurt and you cannot feel the drill, what are you waiting for?  Go to the dentist!

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Jul 26

Summer Dental Appointments for Children

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Most schools in the O’Fallon area begin classes in three or four weeks.  Our office still has a few appointment times available to accomodate your children before school begins.  Call 636-561-5445 today to schedule your child’s appointment.

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Jun 24

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

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tooth colored fillings

                People often ask me, “How long will these fillings last, Doc?”  While there is no right answer to this question, there are a number of factors that influence a filling’s longevity.  The most important predictor of the lifespan of a filling is the degree of tooth structure missing that is being replaced.  The larger the filling, the greater the likelihood that a crown will be necessary at some point in the future.  In fact, dental health professionals often refer to large fillings as “baby crowns.”  Though patients often hope any dental problem can be solved with a filling, it frequently makes more sense to simply crown the tooth requiring a large filling in the first place.

                The particular material used to fill the tooth plays a role in the equation as well.  Though dental amalgam, or silver fillings, has been used for over 200 years and is still backed by the American Dental Association, I have not placed an amalgam filling in over a decade.  This material is currently banned in many European countries and the packaging in which it comes outlines various health risks that may be associated with the mercury it contains.  My concern about dental amalgam is more related to the cracks that it tends to place in teeth.  When mercury expands and contracts with thermal changes, similar to what happens with a thermometer, craze lines and cracks can develop in teeth.  The larger the filling and the more stress a patient puts on the teeth, the higher incidence of cracked tooth syndrome we see.  This syndrome necessitates a crown and at times root canal therapy, and is characterized by biting pain and cold sensitivity.

                Another factor contributing to a filling’s longevity is the dentist’s ability to meticulously apply the attention to detail necessary when placing the fillings.  Varying materials demand different protocol which must be followed precisely in order to extend the lifespan of a filling. The tooth-colored materials are particularly technique sensitive.

                An obvious contributor to early breakdown of any dental restoration is poor oral hygiene and heavy forces placed on these restorations, mainly in the form of clenching or grinding.  Though the majority of adults grind their teeth at night, most people are completely unaware of it.  It is very obvious to a dentist when a patient grinds, however.  A night guard made at the dentist can be a highly effective, inexpensive and conservative solution to this problem.  Ask the dentist if a night guard is right for you and help extend the life of your dental work.

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Jun 14

Ways to Save Money in St. Louis

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We have found several good websites for saving money on items in the St. Louis, Missouri area.  Some of these websites even have deals that can be used in other cities.  Enjoy the savings!

Groupon.com

Provides a deal of the day that will be emailed to you.  You can sign up to receive deals in the St. Louis area or other major cities.  One deal of the day and one side deal will be delivered to your inbox in the same email each day.  The deals are usually good for 33% to 66% savings at restaurants and entertainment venues in the area.  You can receive Groupon Bucks for referring others as well.

GatewayCitySavers.com

This website compiles coupons and deals from St. Louis merchants with a blog highlighting new deals.  Grocery store and restaurant coupons are available for printing.

STLMommy.com  

Great website for the hard-core couponer or those just looking for a few good deals.  STLMommy compiles coupon and store discounts for places like Target, CVS, Walgreens and Schnucks.  Her blog contains information on  printable coupons and discount specials at local vendors.  There is also a link to similar websites in other major cities.

FamilyAttractionsCard.com

You can pick up a St. Louis Family Attractions Card at the customer service desk of most Schnucks, Dierbergs and Shop N Saves in St. Louis.  The card is also available in some St. Louis libraries.  Click on the “Coupon” link on the website and you can download the Family Attractions Card instead.  The card contains coupons for Grant’s Farm, St. Louis Science Center, The Magic House, Gateway Arch, Bounce U, Fitz’s and other St. Louis restaurants and attractions.

MerchantCircle.com

MerchantCircle contains coupons for local businesses, including businesses in the O’Fallon, MO area.  Currently, there are coupons for extermination, draperies and jewelry, as well as several other services in O’Fallon.  You can search MerchantCircle for coupons and discounts in your area.

Redbox.com

Redbox is nationwide, but we have just recently discovered the movie rental savings it provides.  New release movies can be rented for $1/night.  Redbox kiosks are creeping up everywhere making it convenient to rent and return movies.  Redbox often sends codes for free rentals as well.  There are Redboxes conveniently located in O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, Lake St. Louis, St. Charles and St. Peters.

Please post a comment if you know of other good websites for saving money in St. Louis.  Enjoy the savings!

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May 24

Summer Events in O’Fallon, MO

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O'Fallon

O’Fallon Farmers and Artists Market - Every Saturday through October 16th from  7:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.  Wednesdays from June 16 – September 13 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Located at Rascals Stadium, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon, MO.

O’Fallon Jammin – Concert series every Tuesday night from June 1 – August 24th.  Free concerts from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at O’Fallon’s Civic Park Bandstand. 

Live Well Expo – Free event with health screenings, nutritional information, a kids’ zone and healthy lifestyle vendors.  Saturday, June 5th from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Renaud Spirit Center in O’Fallon.

 Movie in the Park – Free event on June 24th from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. at Renaud Spirit Center in O’Fallon.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 636-474-2732 for more information.

 O’Fallon Heritage and Freedom Fest – Free 4th of July celebration at Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 TR Hughes Blvd, O’Fallon, MO.  Festivities begin with a family night on Friday, July 2nd from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Events and entertainment continue on Saturday, July 3rd and Sunday, July 4th.  Parking and admission are free. 

Alligator’s Creek Triathlon - August 15th at Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center, 305 Civic Park Drive in O’Fallon, MO.  Triathlon consists of 300 yard swim, 18 mile bike and 5K run.

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May 03

If You Invest in Teeth Whitening, Don’t Do This!

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teeth whitening

Time has revealed professional teeth whitening to be a safe, conservative and effective way to improve smiles.  A dental health professional has access to the most successful treatment options when it comes to bleaching one’s teeth.  Additionally, dentists have the knowledge and training to provide the most up-to-date information on which products and procedures are helpful or potentially harmful.  Dentists can advise patients on which teeth may not be treated effectively by whitening, including areas of decay and existing tooth-colored restorations.  Adequate instruction from the health care provider arms the patient with the facts which lead to the greatest results. 

During the bleaching process patients should abstain from activities that inhibit maximum teeth whitening from taking place.   While the opening of the dental tubules created by the whitening agent allows stain to be pulled from the teeth, it also permits stain to infiltrate the teeth.  Therefore, the less exposure a patient has to these staining elements during the bleaching process, the whiter the teeth may become.  Specifically, in the hours following exposure to the bleaching agent, patients should avoid food and drinks with heavily staining capabilities.  Included in this category are blueberries, tea, coffee and red wine.   Smoking during this process will naturally limit the effectiveness of the teeth whitening product as well.  Also, it is advisable to avoid alcohol based mouth rinses while whitening your teeth because they can cause the whitening agent to be less effective.

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Apr 27

Avoiding Expensive Dental Work by Laser Detection of Decay

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With the increased prevalence of fluoridated water has come the propensity of teeth to mask or seal over decay.  Traditional methods of cavity detection, including dental x-rays and probing with a metal explorer, can miss the presence of decay, especially that which occurs in the grooves of the biting surface of molar teeth.  The surface of the tooth being probed with an explorer (the metal pick used to detect cavities) may appear to be healthy tooth structure, while the underlying tooth is actually being consumed by soft decay.  

Recent technology has led to the creation of a laser cavity detection tool which is FDA approved for dental offices in the United States.  The DIAGNOdent laser cavity indicator provides a handheld wand which the dentist can use in a manner similar to the traditional explorer instrument.  Instead of “picking” into the tooth, the wand is waved over the tooth and an audible tone is emitted when decay is detected.  The tone increases in intensity in tandem with the depth of the cavity.  A digital numeric reading is also displayed, consistent with the degree of the decay.  Laser cavity detection through the use of a DIAGNOdent laser allows penetration through the superficial layer of the tooth and thus captures the true health of the tooth structure below. 

 The DIAGNOdent laser cavity detector allows us to identify small areas of decay so that problems can be resolved before the decay spreads.  This allows for more conservative and less expensive treatment. This invention enables dentists to treat cavities in their early stages, before a root canal or tooth extraction becomes necessary.   

Dr. Logan & Associates use DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection when performing exams.  This is included in the regular cost of the exam and does not cost the patient extra.  Laser cavity detection is quick, pain-free and safe.

Click on the link to see a news story demonstrating the use and benefits of laser cavity detection.

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