Best Foods for Healthy Teeth

Healthy foods at Ellis Dental

Just as eating whole grains, fresh fruits and crisp vegetables helps keep your body healthy, there are certain foods that aid both in fighting dental plaque and work to keep your teeth and gums in great condition.

• We all know the benefits of calcium but did you realize that calcium also protects the jaw bone and helps fight gum disease? Increase your intake of calcium rich foods like dark leafy greens, sardines, enriched cereals and whole grain breads along with nonfat or low-fat dairy products for the best benefits.
• Go for the crunch.  Apples, celery, watermelon and cucumbers all contain a high water content which helps to counteract the sugars and acidity found in many of our other favorite foods.
• Vitamin D goes hand in hand with calcium in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Salmon and Atlantic mackerel are both excellent sources of vitamin D which is necessary to help your body absorb the calcium you are consuming. Collagen is an essential protein needed for good gum health and a great source of collagen comes from the vitamin C found in strawberries. It only takes a half cup of strawberries to provide more than 70 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement.
• Like strawberries, the vitamin C found in oranges also works to keep your gums healthy but in a different way. Citrus vitamin C strengthens both the blood vessels and connective tissue that in turn holds the teeth in the jaw. It also decreases inflammation which can reduce or even prevent gingivitis. Everything is better in moderation, including citrus.  The acids in citrus fruit can cause erosion of tooth enamel if eaten in daily large amounts, but an orange a day is just fine.

Eat healthy and include the above mentioned foods in your daily diet to help promote good oral health. Then make sure to see Dr. Ellis twice a year for a thorough cleaning and preventive checkup.

Happy Father’s Day!

Almost 4,000 years ago a young lad from Babylon named Elmesu spent many days carving a message of love and devotion to his father. He either really loved his Papa or maybe he was angling for a new chariot…who knows?  Scholars now believe this was the precursor to our modern day Father’s Day tradition which began here in the United States in 1910. Ms. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washington was listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909 when she realized fathers frequently took a back seat to the public love and respect shown to mothers. Ms. Dodd was very close to her father, a Civil War veteran, since her mother died during childbirth when Ms. Dodd was a teenager. Instead of placing the newborn and his other five children with relatives, Ms. Dodd’s father chose to keep all the children at home and raise them himself, something not normally done during that era.

Supported by the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local YMCA, the first Spokane Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. In 1924 President Coolidge recommended Father’s Day become a national holiday though it took until the 1960’s before President Lyndon Johnson once again came through as he did with Mother’s Day and designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Finally in 1972 Father’s Day was signed into law by President Nixon.

Father’s Day has always been very special to the entire staff at Ellis Dental but then when Reid was born it became even more so. And now that Reid will soon be a big brother, Father’s Day is a huge event at the Ellis household. So we’d like to wish all Dads, Granddads and Stepdads a very Happy Father’s Day! May your day be filled with good food, good quality time with your family and no ties!

How to Choose a Mouthwash

You try to do everything you can to keep your teeth and gums healthy but what about using a mouthwash? There are so many choices on the market today it can often be confusing. Basically there are three categories most mouthwash falls under.

Fluoride Mouthwash

Generally if you use fluoridated toothpaste, an additional fluoride mouth rinse isn’t necessary. The exception is when you have dry mouth syndrome due to illness or certain medications, have multiple restorations in your mouth, or have a high risk of decay. Severe dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. A proper balance of salvia is required to wash away the harmful acids that bond with dental plaque, eventually causing cavities and gum disease.

Anti-Gingivitis or Plaque Reducing Mouth Rinses

Many dental experts agree this type of mouth rinse needs to become a part of your daily oral health routine. Both anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis dental rinses work to reduce and kill damaging mouth bacteria even the most thorough brusher can miss. Any brand which carries the American Dental Association seal of approval means the claims made by the manufacturer have been verified by an independent scientific testing facility.

Breath Freshening or Whitening Mouth Rinses

We all want sweet smelling breath and movie star white teeth along with good oral health. Just don’t assume these cosmetic mouthwashes will aid in killing the bacteria which contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. Many do kill bacteria but only for a short period of time; definitely not long enough to provide any lasting health benefits. Here at Ellis Dental, we carry Smart Mouth - Advanced Clinical Formula. Using Smart Mouth rinse twice daily will eliminate any bad breath you may have. We stock the 30oz bottles that aren't available in stores and offer them at a discounted price. For more information on Smart Mouth, visit their webiste: www.smartmouth.com

Bottom line; add a fluoride mouth rinse to your daily oral health routine if you don’t use fluoride toothpaste. Rinse daily with an anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis mouthwash and then if you want clean breath and white teeth perhaps use that type of mouthwash in the morning and a plaque fighting mouthwash in the evening.

Searching for a caring dentist in the Crestwood area? Please contact Ellis Dental today to schedule an appointment.

Remembering the True Meaning of Memorial Day

For many people Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and after this past winter, it can’t get here soon enough!  Memorial Day weekend gives us a wonderful opportunity to go the lake with family and friends, enjoy a relaxing evening barbequing at one of our great St. Louis parks or heading out for an afternoon of golf, tennis or to take advantage of all those great holiday sales. But how many of us really take the time to commemorate the true meaning of the day? Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day since the tradition began by decorating soldier’s gravesites. First officially recognized on May 30, 1868 to honor deceased Civil War soldiers, after the end of the First World War in 1919, Decoration Day was then expanded to include all military personnel who had died while serving our nation.

After World War II Decoration Day became better known as Memorial Day and then in 1967, President Lyndon Johnson officially changed the name. In the past Memorial Day had always been celebrated on May 30th until 1971 when Congress declared it a national holiday under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This act allowed four holidays to be moved from their traditional dates to a Monday in order to create three day weekends.

Now cities across America observe Memorial Day with parades honoring all branches of the military including our own parade right here in St. Louis sponsored by V.F.W Post #3055.

Ellis Dental would like to take this opportunity to thank all our military personnel and their families for their selfless service in defending our great nation. We will be closed out of respect on Monday, May 26th; resuming regular business hours on Tuesday.

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Know the Facts about Fluoride

Most people aren’t aware that their tooth enamel is constantly changing. On a daily basis important minerals that make up a tooth’s enamel layer are lost through demineralization. Mouth bacteria interacts with certain proteins and sugars causing acid to form and erode the enamel. Then at the same time other minerals such as calcium, phosphate and fluoride are being deposited back on the tooth surface through what we eat and drink. Obviously when there is more demineralization than remineralization, the tooth enamel becomes weak and cavities and tooth decay can occur.  Past studies have determined that while fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization, it can also remineralize some of the damaged areas. Sufficient amounts of fluoride are critical for children beginning at the age of six months. This is when both primary and permanent teeth are developing and fluoride is absorbed into the tooth hidden under the gum. Then after the tooth erupts fluoride acts as a barrier against damaging acids. However, care must be taken against high concentrations of fluoride as this can cause negative effects on tooth enamel. Your dentist can easily gauge the correct amount of fluoride depending on your child’s age and weight.

Adults can also benefit from additional fluoride especially if dry mouth is a concern. Often certain medications, diseases or side effects from medical treatments can cause a lack of saliva allowing harmful bacteria to form. Also, if you suffer from gingivitis where more of the tooth is exposed or have crowns, bridges or braces, sufficient fluoride is important. Adding a fluoride rinse to your daily brushing even when using fluoride toothpaste is one of the easiest ways to make sure your teeth are protected.

As always, we here at Ellis Dental welcome your questions and concerns. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like more information on fluoride and your dental health.

Are Those Amalgam Fillings Reason for Concern?

Every few years concerns over toxicity levels in the human body due to amalgam fillings once again become a hot topic. While most people believe dental amalgam is all silver, it is in fact a mixture of several different metals including silver, tin, copper and occasionally zinc or palladium.  Mercury, the component causing all the fuss, is added as a binding agent due to its pliability. It mixes well with the accompanying alloys, hardens quickly and is extremely durable. In fact, dental amalgam fillings have been used quite successfully in dental practices around the world for over 150 years. In the mid 1920’s a German chemist determined the binding agent in amalgam fillings was in fact releasing mercury vapor into the surrounding oral tissues. After years of extensive research Dr. Karl Frykholm of Sweden concluded that once an amalgam filling was covered in human salvia, it in essence sealed the tooth and mercury was no longer released. Throughout all these studies, the American Dental Association which was formed in 1859 approved and supported using amalgam fillings as an acceptable practice.

Years of research by some of the leading experts in the field of toxicity have yet to reach a general consensus on how much mercury is actually released; though most conclude mercury amounts discharged are very low. In fact, the majority of studies have determined that most people, including those with or without amalgam fillings, are exposed to much higher levels of mercury through both the environment and foods consumed. Bottom line: after extensive research there is no clear conclusive proof that amalgam fillings are harmful.

That said, over time dental amalgam does expand and contract and tiny gaps can occur causing new decay or possibility even microscopic fractures in the tooth or teeth. During your semi-annual visit we here at Ellis Dental always check to make sure your existing fillings are intact. If we notice something out of place or if you are experiencing any discomfort we will recommend replacing the existing filling with a tooth colored resin or possibly even a crown depending on the amount of trauma to the tooth. After extensive research, Dr. Ellis has determined this new composite filling material is comparable to dental amalgam while providing a more natural appearance.

Tired of having an unattractive mouth full of silver? All those amalgam fillings can easily be replaced for cosmetic purposes as well. Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with Dr. Ellis during your next appointment.

Happy Mother’s Day!

One of the things we here at Ellis Dental pride ourselves on is how we’re all family. Our team members give 110 percent due to their commitment to both Ellis Dental and their patients. Because of all their hard work and caring, it’s nice to occasionally feature one of our staff in our blog so you can get to know them better. Since Mother’s Day has always been a huge family tradition to our dental assistant, Mary Ladd, we thought we would let her describe how her Mother gets to spend this very special day. Then, as a tasty added bonus, we’ve also included one of her favorite recipes which is always served at this huge family get-together.

Mother’s Day always reminds me that being a Mother is one of the greatest and most rewarding jobs a woman can do. Unless you’re fortunate enough to work at Ellis Dental; then it’s a tie!

I am very fortunate to be able to still enjoy this special day with my Mom and my sons. It is a day that your children remind you of what makes you the Great Mom that you are.

My family has always celebrated Mother’s Day at one of the many nearby St. Louis County Parks. My Aunt Joan always reserves one of the pavilions and our entire extended family gets together to celebrate. It is a day to honor all the Moms in our family and to catch up with cousins and the rest of our relatives. We have been blessed with good weather the last few years. Sometimes it gets a little chilly, but no matter the weather, the pavilion is always full.

TRADITIONALLY my Mom spends the day sitting in her lounge chair getting catered to. There is always a washer game going, kids and dogs running around and lots of reminiscing and old stories being told. Some of these stories are sweet, many are funny and then some are embarrassing and are accompanied with lots of good natured ribbing.

As time quickly goes by, I will always treasure and hold dear the picture in my heart of my Mom sitting in her chair surrounded by her family on this special day.

Italian Slaw

1 large head of cabbage 1 large onion 7/8 cup and 2 tbsp sugar ¾ cup vegetable oil 1 tsp salt 1 tsp dry mustard 1tsp celery seed 1 cup white vinegar

Shred cabbage and slice onion into thin slices. Layer cabbage and onion in a bowl. Sprinkle with 7/8 cup of sugar. Set this aside and mix all together all the remaining ingredients. Bring this mixture to a boil and then remove from heat and pour over the cabbage. DO NOT MIX. Let sit for at least 2 hours or overnight. Then mix before serving.

Keep refrigerated and slaw will last for up to 2 weeks.

Missouri Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic

Missouri Mission of Mercy with Ellis Dental 

The third annual Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) free dental clinic will be held on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd at the St. Louis University Chaifetz Arena. Open to underserved children and adults, Mission of Mercy events have been offering free dental care throughout the nation since 2000 with more than 135,000 patients seen and over $75 million in dental services provided. Here in Missouri, two previous clinics have assisted over 3,600 patients and donated more than $2 million in free dental care. This year MOMOM is estimating over 2,000 people will be assisted during the two day event, with all services being provided through local volunteers including hygienists, lab technicians, nurses, dentists, physicians, administrative assistants and other non medical personnel overseeing things like parking and security. In fact, our own Dr. Ellis will be volunteering on Friday, May 2nd. With such a large portion of our local population underserved when it comes to dental care, it truly takes a village to ensure their needs are met.

MOMOM clinics are able to continue their good works through a strong network of volunteers like Dr. Ellis, along with generous financial support from many local and national sponsors including the Missouri Dental Association (MDA.) In fact, for many years now the MDA has been advocating for increased dental care funding and preventative public education programs for those lacking the financial means to obtain dental care. The large number of patients being assisted at these types of charitable events showcases the clear gap between those residents with and without good dental health care.

For more information on how you can donate to such a worthy cause or to see if volunteers are still needed, please visit MOMOM online.  Then for all your dental needs, please call Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334.

What is TMD?

Commonly, though incorrectly, referred to as TMJ, temporomandibular disorder or TMD, is a medical problem surrounding the jaw, jaw joint and connecting muscles. TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull temporal bone; or in other words, the joint which allows your jaw to open and close.  Medical researchers don’t know exactly all the causes of TMD but have determined the symptoms begin with both the jaw muscles and the joint itself. Other possible causes are:

• Whiplash or a heavy blow to the head.
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the joint itself.
• If the soft tissue between the joint ball and socket becomes dislocated, pain can occur and jaw motion limited.
• Stress can often cause a person to clench their teeth or tighten those sensitive facial and jaw muscles.
• Grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep.

TMD is generally seen in more women than men with the onset beginning as early as the late teens. Pain can be swift and severe or a dull ache that last for years. Additional symptoms include:

• Inability to open the mouth very wide.
• Facial and jaw pain which can radiate down the neck to the shoulders. Or pain in and around the ear especially when chewing or speaking.
• Jaws that get locked or stuck.
• Facial swelling and/or a tired feeling in the face.
• Noises such as clicking or popping when moving the mouth or chewing.
• Difficulty chewing or feeling as though the upper and lower teeth are no longer aligned.

Proper diagnosis by your dentist is the first step in determining a treatment plan for TMD. Dr. Ellis has extensive hands-on training with the Dawson Academy  to be able to deliver custom treatment to patients to treat their TMD.  If you or any of your family members are experiencing some or all of the above listed symptoms, please contact Ellis Dental today to schedule an appointment.

Leave the Ears on the Easter Bunny

I’m sure as a child as soon as you got your Easter basket on Sunday morning the first thing you did was unwrap that big chocolate bunny and munch on both his ears. But now for Mr. Bunny’s health and the dental health of your children, consider some of these alternatives to those sugary Easter sweets.

• Include a bag of bunnies. Annie’s cheddar bunnies are certainly keeping with the Easter bunny theme without all the added sugar and artificial ingredients.
• If it just wouldn’t be Easter or if you’re afraid your child might feel deprived then practice portion control. Get a couple of those plastic eggs and add a handful of pastel M&M’s or some organic jelly beans for a sweet treat.
• Depending on the sex and age of your child include some EOS lip balms. The containers even look like an egg and come in great springtime flavors like Summer Fruit and Honeysuckle Honeydew.
• If allergies aren’t a problem add nuts, granola and trail mix to the basket. There are lots of healthy offerings on the market or make your recipe and call it Bunny Trail Mix.
• Go for the real deal. There is still nothing better than spending time together as a family dying Easter eggs. Have colored pencils, glitter and stickers on hand to personalize each egg.
• Bunnies love carrots so add a couple small packs of baby carrots and a container or two of hummus or low-fat dressing for dipping.
• After church and Easter dinner when the adults are relaxing, give the kids some fun brain teaser puzzles, crosswords or word search books. Many available this time of year have seasonal themes.

We here at Ellis Dental would like to wish you a Happy Easter!

Natural Remedies for Bad Breath

Mouthwashes, breath sprays and strips often are just a temporary fix when halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, becomes a problem. The majority of these products are chemical based and using them may not be an option if you’re trying to reduce your exposure to artificial substances.  Here is a list of natural remedies all using common products found on your grocer’s shelves which can help alleviate and combat bad breath.

• Inflammation and bacteria are leading causes of bad breath and it just makes sense that controlling the source works to control the problem. The healthy omega-3s found in fish oil have been proven to reduce both. So pop a daily fish oil supplement or head to the seafood counter on your next trip to the market.
• If you already chew gum to reduce halitosis consider switching to an all natural cinnamon gum. Cinnamon contains the essential oil cinnamic aldehyde and research has determined this oil can reduce saliva bacteria by up to 50 percent which in turn reduces the amount of noticeable odor.
• Eat a piece of celery or munch on an apple or a carrot. All these foods are full of fiber which produce the necessary saliva needed to wash away odor causing plaque.
• Tea has such great healing properties and black tea, which is full of polyphenols can help keep your breath minty fresh. Polyphenols are strong antioxidants that keep plaque from clinging to teeth and also can impede bacterial growth in the mouth.

What other natural remedies have you discovered to control your halitosis? We here at Ellis Dental would love to hear about your solutions so we can pass them along to our patients. Please leave your tips in the comments section below.

Photo: Credit

Zirconia Crowns for the Best Smile Around

Patient Crown

Over the years crowns have been constructed from many different materials, some good and some not so good. Porcelain crowns look fantastic but if they chip or crack, they are very difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Ceramic crowns work well for people with metal allergies while metal crowns are definitely the most durable but aren’t aesthetically pleasing. The newest material choice for crowns these days is Zirconia. Crowns and bridges constructed from this material are extremely strong and can withstand the daily wear and tear we put our teeth through. From the biting motion of the front teeth to the biting/grinding of the back teeth, Zirconia crowns can handle it all.

The top priority when considering a crown is obviously your overall dental health. Generally crowns are recommended when dental restoration is required. For example, if a tooth is cracked or broken or if there is more filling that enamel in a tooth, then a crown is usually suggested.

Next the aesthetics of a crown needs to be taken into consideration. Zirconia looks so close to real tooth enamel in color it’s often difficult to tell the difference. It can be shaded to matching the surrounding teeth and a Zirconia crown also has the ability to reflect light the same as a natural tooth. This is important if the crown is on one of your front teeth.

Other positives of Zirconia crowns are they are corrosion free and there is no sensitivity to heat or cold typically felt with crowns made from other materials due to a lack of electrical conductivity. Plus the unattractive black often seen at the gum line when porcelain or metal is used doesn’t occur.

Please call Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334 for more information on Zirconia crowns

What an Honor!

Each year during April St. Louis Magazine showcases the best dentists in and around St. Louis. And we here at Ellis Dental are proud to announce that Dr. Ellis has been selected as one of the Top Dentists in St. Louis for 2014. St. Louis Magazine uses a very specific format for determining their list based on findings compiled by topDentists, a nationwide website dedicated to identifying the best dentists and dental specialists across the United States. In business since 2007, topDentists have created stringent guidelines used to rate each dentist and since all participants can only be included through peer nomination, being selected is quite an impressive honor.

But it’s more than just be voted in by your peers. After a dentist has been nominated their credentials are checked through their state’s dental board to ensure they are practicing under an active license, are in good standing with the board and that no disciplinary action has been taken against them.

Perhaps you’re wondering why in such a competitive field, a dentist would want to tout the accomplishments of an associate. Often other dentists have reached the point in their practice where they aren’t accepting new patients, are nearing retirement age or have a patient who needs specialized care. Wouldn’t you want to be referred to a dentist who has gone through such a strict vetting process in order to be named one of the area’s top dentists?

It is a very humbling and gratifying honor to be chosen as one of the best by your peers. And Dr. Ellis feels very blessed to have been selected. Interested in being treated by one of the top dentists in St. Louis? Please contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Get the Smile You’ve Always Deserved with Invisalign

You do all the right things when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Bi-annual dental visits, daily brushing and flossing and periodic whitening are all part of your dental regimen. But you still aren’t comfortable when you smile due to crooked or misaligned teeth. And if you’re over a certain age, more than likely a full set of metal braces isn’t the best way to accessorize that professional business attire. Invisalign comfortably straightens your teeth without interfering with your daily activities. So discreet; they are virtually invisible! Designed to be worn almost 24 hours a day, Invisalign can easily be removed for cleaning or special occasions. And speaking of cleaning-it’s so simple with the Invisalign system. Unique cleaning crystals gently soak off stains and plaque, while at the same time keeping them odor and germ free. Then while the aligners are removed, brush and floss as normal.

Ellis Dental is a certified Invisalign provider and we have a long list of happy and satisfied adult and teen clients who have greatly benefited from this alignment system. The entire process is designed so fewer dental visits are required and another great benefit is the absence of gum, mouth and tooth pain. There are no sharp metal wires to cause mouth sores and all foods can be enjoyed since you simply remove the aligners when things like corn on the cob, nuts, apples and crusty breads are being served.

Interested in learning more about how you can easily create a smile you’re proud of? Call us today at 314.965.1334 and schedule your complementary Invisalign consultation. Have a health savings account through your company? This is a great way to help pay for your beautiful new smile!

A Bright White Smile Always Makes a Good First Impression

These days so many of the most popular things we eat and drink, like coffee, wine, all types of berries and those so good and rich spaghetti sauces can leave your teeth stained. Then if you still smoke, over time your teeth will end dull and yellowed due to the nicotine. And while we definitely don’t condone smoking, we here at Ellis Dental enjoy our coffee and blueberries just as much as you do! That’s why we are proud to offer in office whitening in less than 30 minutes. Using the newest technology on the market, ezlase by Biolase, our patients are getting a much brighter and whiter smile without the lingering sensitivity usually experienced with other whitening systems. And the overall procedure is so easy. A whitening base gel and activator are mixed together and then brushed on the patient’s teeth. Using the specialized ezlase hand piece, the laser treats each quadrant of teeth for approximately 30 seconds. After all teeth have been treated, any remain residue is removed, the process is repeated and that’s it. Sparkling white teeth, in many cases nine shades whiter than at the beginning, in less than 30 minutes.

Or if you are a do-it-yourselfer, Ellis Dental also offers Venus Smile products for a beautiful white smile which can be done in the privacy of your own home, on your own schedule. A Venus Smile kit is very affordable, easy to use and gives a wonderful whitening experience.

And because we here at Ellis Dental are givers, now through the end of April we are offering our annual whitening promotion. Just be one of our present clients, refer a new patient to our practice and receive a complementary professional Venus Smile whitening kit. Please call us today at 314.965.1334 for more information or to schedule your ezlase appointment.

Happy National Dentist Day!

The days of people being afraid to go to the dentist are slowing fading thanks to new strides in dental technology. Plus with most dental insurance plans including two annual checkups and cleanings, preventative maintenance is resulting in many problems being discovered before requiring costly and painful treatment. Having a beautiful healthy white smile makes you both look and feel better and gives you such a boost of self confidence. As we here at Ellis Dental get ready to celebrate, we’d like to leave you with some great tips to help us honor National Dentist Day by keeping your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful.

• While the time for New Year’s resolutions is past, take a minute and commit on National Dentist Day to take better care of your teeth. Nothing will make your dentist happier than by being proactive when it comes to practicing good daily oral hygiene.
• If you haven’t been to the dentist in the past year, pick up that phone right now and make an appointment for a cleaning and checkup. Bi-annual dental appointments are crucial for long-term positive dental health.
• How long has it been since you’ve replaced your toothbrush or toothbrush head if you have an electric or battery powered unit? The experts at the American Dental Association have determined that your toothbrush needs to be replaced three or four times a year.
• Make sure you show off those pearly whites by smiling on a regular basis. You have beautiful teeth; why not let the world see them?
• And finally we’d love to hear from you! Have some special tips or tricks to keep your oral health in tip top shape? We want to know about them!

Ellis Dental is your hometown full service dental practice. Please call us today at 314.965.1334 to schedule an appointment.

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Helping Crestwood/Sunset Hills Be Great!

Ellis Dental believes strongly in staying connected to our community and one way we achieve this is by being an active member of the Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce. As a Chamber member since 2009, Ellis Dental has been, and is currently, a major sponsor of numerous Chamber events. We support and participate in, on a regular basis, many of the Chamber’s weekly and monthly networking coffees, lunches and after hours get-togethers for both chamber members and surrounding community businesses and individuals.

And this year Ellis Dental is proud to announce that we were nominated for the 2014 Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber Business of the Year. All businesses are selected by their Chamber peers and as this was our first time ever being nominated, just being selected was a great honor.

This past Saturday evening The Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet and Gala Auction was held at Orlando’s Event and Conference Center. This wasn’t our year to be chosen as the 2014 Business of the Year but we would like to send our sincerest congratulations to Simmons First National Bank, who was selected as the winner.

The Annual Awards Banquet and Gala Auction is one of the Chamber’s most important events of the year and once again, Ellis Dental was a proud sponsor of the evening’s festivities. In addition to recognizing local businesses and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to both the Chamber and our community, this is the annual fundraising event for the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund. Local high school seniors are awarded scholarships to attend a college of their choosing and through 2013, more than $17,000 has been donated to deserving students.

As always, we here at Ellis Dental want to be your community dentist. Please feel free to use our convenient online scheduling tool or call us at 314.965.1334.

Playing it Safe During Youth Sports

As your children begin to play organized sports, tooth damage becomes a real concern.   In one of our earlier posts we touched briefly on what to do in case of a dental emergency. Today we are going to discuss how to prevent some of these emergencies from occurring while your child is on the team. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that in any given year, over three million teeth will be knocked out during youth sporting events. And most parents, while perhaps not aware of this staggering number, has had either one of their children or one of their children’s friends lose a tooth or teeth due to a sporting accident. But even with this being such a common occurrence, almost 75 percent of all parents and coaches do not require mouth guards to be worn. Surveys conducted by the NYSSF have determined that on average tooth damage occurs sixty times more often in unprotected players.

Mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and often when purchased in bulk for a team, the cost is even less. A proper fitting mouth guard doesn’t impede speaking, breathing or swallowing and since mouth guards hold the teeth in the place, they also provide stability to the jaw. For children who wear braces, special guards can be customized by the child’s dentist or orthodontist.

Contact sports including hockey, soccer, football, baseball and karate and then solitary activities such as skateboarding, all should be enjoyed with a mouth guard in place. In most of these sports other protective gear such as knee pads and helmets are required so why not make sure your child’s teeth are adequately protected as well?

Have additional questions about protecting your child’s teeth? Please contact Ellis Dental today for more information.

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The History of the Tooth Fairy

As adults we probably don’t give a great deal of thought to our children’s baby (or primary) teeth except to make sure we have a couple dollars on hand when it’s time to exchange cash for teeth. But in the past this wasn’t always the case. In earlier times, baby tooth disposal was a very serious matter. Many cultures believed that the tooth had to be burned or crushed to keep witches or demons from stealing it and subsequently possessing the child. As these superstitions began to subside, new more positive ones began to take their place.

Primary teeth began to be planted in family gardens believing this would help the adult teeth “grow.” While Viking warriors thought by wearing a necklace of baby teeth, they would have good luck during battle. We can only hope they allowed the children to lose their teeth naturally; though some think the Vikings began the custom of paying children for their teeth.

The tradition of exchanging money for a tooth began in Europe with many variations depending on the region. In some areas, payment was given only after the sixth tooth was lost; while in others, coins were given and the tooth allowed to remain behind.

In the United States, the modern day Tooth Fairy didn’t become commonplace until the 1950’s. Mass commercialization and the fact that the Tooth Fairy has no religious affiliation played a large part in the increasing popularity.

Inflation has raised the going rate from a nickel or dime back in the 1950’s to the national average of $2.42 per tooth, with many parents now leaving a note from the Tooth Fairy telling the child how important good dental care is.

Ellis Dental is here for all your child’s dental needs. Please contact us today for more information.

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Five Ways to Protect Your Child’s Teeth

Preventive dental care for your child is vitality important and neglecting their oral hygiene can have long-term damaging effects.

1. Even before that first tooth erupts it’s important to clean your child’s gums on a daily basis by using a soft cloth or a piece of gauze dipped in warm water and gently rubbing.
2. Start brushing as soon as one tooth appears and begin to floss when your child has two teeth that touch each other. Brushing should be done twice a day but if that isn’t possible make sure your child always brushes before going to bed.
3. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle and once off the bottle, limit how frequently they use a sippy cup. Anything other than water can cause bacteria to grow which in turn causes the acid that creates tooth decay. Plus the constant pressure of a nipple or hard plastic spout can affect the “bite” or shape of the mouth.
4. Introducing your child at a very early age to good nutrition will help with good dental health. Limit juice to mealtime or as a special treat and don’t just assume because a snack is suppose to be “healthy” that it isn’t damaging to your child’s teeth. Things like granola bars and dried fruit are sticky and can leave residue on the teeth.
5. Pay attention to the medications your child is prescribed. Many have a sweet sugary base that lingers on teeth after the medication is taken. Make sure to have your child rinse their mouth or brush their teeth after dosing.

For more helpful tips on how to care for your child’s teeth or to schedule their first dental appointment, please contact Ellis Dental today.