So even though at Lilly Family Dentistry, we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this blog entry to gross you out about kissing.  But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on ya!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing.  Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time.  ( well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!)  This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love.  Of course parents kiss their children.  Worshipers often kiss religious artifacts.  Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane.  And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when you get an owie.

But February 14th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason.  While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

-Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another

-Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s processing of emotions, pleasure and pain

-Serotonin, which affects a person’s mood and feelings

-Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body’s fight-or-flight response

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other.  And lets face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth.  So let’s start with the basics:

-Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.

-Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask!  We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.

-Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy.  (okay – we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentines Day!)

-Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.

-If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.

-Drink plenty of water!  This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.

-See your dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect any problems with your oral condition.

At Lilly Family Dentistry, we want you to have a kissable February 14th, and a lifetime of excellent dental health.  If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 712.329.5125.  We are here for you!!

1. Get Rid of That UGLY Thing!

We are talking about your toothbrush, of course!  Most people keep toothbrushes around, um, lets say… WAY TOO LONG.  Not only do they become loaded with bacteria and other junk, the bristles simply wear out and do not do an effective job of cleaning your teeth anymore.  The American Dental Association recommends a new toothbrush at least every three months, and we agree!  If the bristles begin to fray or split before that… GET RID OF IT!!!  And always change your toothbrush if you have been sick, the germs stay in your toothbrush and you can get sick again.

2. There’s Blood Coming Out of My WHAT??

If your eyes or ears were bleeding you would certainly see a doctor immediately.  Well, the same is true with your gums.  Brushing or flossing should not cause your gums to bleed at all.  If your gums do bleed or if you see pink or red when you rinse, your gums are infected.  Don’t put it off – call us right away!

3. Quiet. Quiet! QUIET!!!!!

Many of us suffer with spouses or other bed-mates that snore.  Promise that you just won’t get frustrated and throw another shoe at them.  Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially fatal condition where the brain does not receive enough oxygen at night.  Let us know – we may be able to either fabricate a dental appliance to curtail snoring or make a referral to a specialist who can help.

4.Don’t Stand So Close To Me!

Maybe you have bad breath and are too embarrassed to do anything about it.  Or maybe you find yourself constantly reaching for mints and gum because people seem to be always backing off when you speak.  Don’t be ashamed – we are here to help!  Bad breath frequently has dental causes – many of them are long term conditions that are very dangerous to your health (as well as your friendships).  Please don’t be embarrassed – talk to us!  We are here to help!

5. Get Wet!!!

One of the best things you can do for your mouth and body is to drink more water – and lots of it!  Drinking helps to flush away particles from between your teeth and remove sticky plaque.  Most Americans do not drink nearly enough water and are constantly dehydrated. Plus – this is a great time to get sodas, sports drinks, fancy coffee drinks and all of that other junk out of your life.  Switching to water will help not just your dental health but your overall health as well! (also keep in mind that tap water is a good source of fluoride)

6. Brush Correctly

Most people stick a little toothpaste on a brush and smear it around their teeth, but don’t do an effective job of combating gum disease and tooth decay.  One of the most important things you can do while brushing is to angle the bristles of the brush so that they clean the space where your teeth and gums meet.  Be thorough yet gentle, and take your time.  We will be glad to show you how to brush correctly!  And if your toothbrush has bristles that are split, frayed or deformed, you are probably brushing WAY TOO HARD!!

7. Get Off Your Butt

Tobacco products are the leading cause of oral cancer,  a deadly disease which kills roughly one person every hour.  Smoking can also cause heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses.   Please also be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo. There are so many reasons to quit, make this the year you finally kick this smelly, dirty, disgusting habit.  Your loved ones will thank you for saving your life!

8. What is That Stuff??

It comes in a small plastic box, it’s very thin, and sometimes it’s used to hang pictures.  Yes – it’s called Dental Floss, and we know that chances are you don’t use it on a regular basis.  But flossing is the best way to remove plaque, bacteria and particles from between your teeth as well as cleaning areas of your gums that can’t otherwise be reached.  The fact is, if you aren’t flossing every day, there is gross stuff growing in your mouth.  If you would like some instruction on proper flossing technique (it’s easy once you know how) and some encouragement, just let us know.

9. Stop By To Say Hello

Okay – Stop by to do even more than say hello! Keeping up with your regular visits is the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, getting screened for oral cancer, and preventing problems before they get to big (and costly!!)  If your busy lifestyle has caused you to get off schedule, please give us a call right away so that we can get you back on track?

10.  Tell Your Friends!!

At Lilly Family Dentistry, we are fortunate to have a busy practice and enjoy providing our patients with the best quality dental care possible.  But we will always make room for your family, friends, co-workers or anyone else who would like to experience the great things we have to offer.  Even though we are busy we will always make room for more people like you! Please have them give us a call at 712.239.5125.  You’ll be giving them the best gift of all – the gift of health!

Go to facebook.com/siouxcitydental to comment about this comic, or tell us what you think a funny toothbrush idea would be.  Maybe next they will make a robot that you hang on the wall, and all you do is walk up and open your mouth and it does all the brushing for you.  What do you think they used in the stone ages?? Share your funny tooth brush idea with us.

Happy Brushing!!!

For many years now scientists have linked the beneficial positive effects of moderate amounts of red wine consumption with prevention of heart disease and cancer. But now they have also discovered that drinking the fruit of the vine could help with the prevention of gum disease!

The heroes here are compounds called polyphenols (found in grape seeds and red wine) which appear to have very strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, it is theorized that polyphenols may limit the amount of inflammation in the gum tissue, helping to prevent the common disease know as gingivitis.

“Our findings demonstrate that red wine polyphenols have potent antioxidant properties,” concluded the study authors from the Universite Laval in Quebec, Canada, who presented the study at a meeting of the American Association for Dental Research.

80 percent of Americans have some type of gum disease, and it is estimated that 15 percent of Americans between the age of 21 and 50 suffer from an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontis. After age 50, 65 percent of Americans will suffer from this chronic gum disease and the risk is higher in smokers, diabetics and people who take steroids and oral contraceptives.

The author of the study, Dr. Fatiha Chandad, stated that more investigation is needed to determine exactly how effective the beverage will be in fighting gum disease. ” Consumption of any fruits or vegetables rich in polyphenols could have beneficial effects on the maintenance of good oral health,” she adds.

So should you drink up now and not worry about proper brushing, flossing, and visits with your dental hygienist? We sure don’t think so! But it is nice to know this holiday season that red wine enjoyed in moderation could have a positive effect on your dental health.

At Lilly Family Dentistry we take your oral health very seriously and want to make sure that gum disease does not rob you of your teeth as it has done to millions of Americans. We check for this condition every single time we do an examination. If you are due to see us or have any questions about gum disease or any other condition, please give us a call right away at 712-239-5125. We’re here for you!  Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

And remember – along with the possible positive effects of red wine, it can really stain your teeth!!  Brush and floss often and don’t forget your professional cleanings!!

GOOD NEWS! Taking care of our mouths actually improves our smiles!

So, here are some of the ways that taking care of your teeth affects your body.

Good oral health…

- can boost your confidence and self-esteem

• Gum disease and decaying teeth can lead to LOTS of problems—including an unsightly smile and foul breath. This can be so bad that your self-image is affected. If you keep your mouth healthy you’ll be much more inclined to smile!

- has been directly linked to lowering your risk of heart disease

• Gum disease can cause inflammation that can be directly associated with cardiovascular problems.

- can preserve memory

• Believe it or not, in recent studies show that adults with gingivitis actually performed worse on cognitive skills/memory tests than those without gum disease. Those with gingivitis are also more likely to have delayed verbal recall.

- reduces risks of inflammation and infection

• Poor oral health is linked to the development of infection in other parts of the body. Eat a balanced diet, visit Drs. Lilly regularly, and practice good oral hygiene to reduce bacteria and gingivitis.

- helps keep your blood sugar stable

• Those with diabetes are more likely to develop gingivitis, making it more difficult to control sugar blood levels. Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health can help you regain better control of your blood sugar.

- helps pregnant women carry a baby to term

• Gingivitis becomes a greater risk to women when they are pregnant. Unfortunately, there may be a connection to gum disease and pre-term infants, so be sure to visit Dr. Dentist as part of your prenatal care.

Well, there you have it. Keeping your mouth healthy really can improve your overall health and well-being. Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about the benefits of preventive care.

Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook too! We look forward to connecting with you there!

HERE AT OUR PRACTICE, WE LOVE OCTOBER.

But, did you know that October is also National Dental Hygiene Month? It’s true! This month of sweets and treats is also a season for learning more about, and celebrating, your own oral health!

Here are four useful, easy tips from the American Dental Hygienists Association to help you keep your mouth clean!

1. BRUSH…
for 2 minutes, twice a day. Studies have shown that following this guideline is the most important step we can take to reduce plaque buildup, oral diseases, and other problems including cavities and gingivitis.

2. FLOSS…
daily. Floss is able to reach those places your toothbrush can’t! We know this is the hardest guideline to follow, but we promise it will pay off. Keep some floss in your purse, briefcase, or backpack so you always have it on hand. Your oral health will improve and you won’t be stuck helpless when that stubborn piece of black pepper gets stuck in between your front teeth!

3. RINSE…
with mouthwash. Brushing and flossing loosen up and remove bacteria from your mouth, but mouthwash kills that leftover bacteria that your toothbrush might not have caught. Fight gum disease!

4. CHEW…
some sugar-free gum after eating. It’s clinically proven to stimulate saliva and improve oral health!

So, have fun at those Halloween parties and enjoy (a little bit of) your trick-or-treat candy—but don’t forget about your dental hygiene!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about the best way to keep your teeth healthy and strong!

Happy October!

HERE AT LILLY FAMILY DENTISTRY, OUR TEAM TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN

One of the neat things about today’s technologies—especially in the case of using an intra-oral camera—is that YOU can be involved in the process of diagnosing the health of your teeth.

Our intra-oral camera is an amazing handheld device that combines an extremely bright light source with a tiny, high definition video camera. Most intra-oral cameras look a lot like a writing pen, and when moved around inside your mouth, they give our team the ability to see enlarged, detailed images of the surfaces of your teeth, the condition of your gums, and other valuable information about the tissues inside your mouth.

Drs. Kevin and Jane Lilly or a team member will use this tiny device to capture close-up pictures of your teeth that we often display on a monitor. Intra-oral cameras don’t cause any type of pain, discomfort, or ill side effects. They help us see tarnished or corroded fillings, decay, bleeding gums, plaque, or hairline fractures in your teeth, in real time, as you sit comfortably in our dental chair!

If you’re interested in seeing the images, an intra-oral camera allows you to see what Drs. Lilly and our team see. It’s not only quite fascinating for many of our patients, but it also helps you better understand the recommendations we make. You’ve heard the old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Recently, an intra-oral camera was used on an episode of The Doctors:

Here at Lilly Family Dentistry, we place great importance on each long-standing relationship we have with you, our valued patients. Thank you for the trust you place in us. If you have any questions about intra-oral cameras—or any other matter related to your oral health—please don’t hesitate to ask.

No matter where you are, you can also check out more about our practice by visiting and LIKING our Facebook page:

DO YOU HAVE A TOOTH THAT HURTS WHEN YOU CHEW OR WHEN YOU EAT SOMETHING TOO HOT OR TOO COLD?

Toothaches are often caused by dental cavities, a cracked tooth, an exposed root, or even gum disease. However, issues with the jaw-joint can also cause toothaches. Through a simple x-ray procedure, Drs. Kevin and Jane Lilly can help determine the cause so that the issue can be treated.

As temporary relief for a toothache before you are able to visit our office, rinse your tooth with warm water and make sure that nothing is lodged between teeth. Apply an ice pack and/or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling.

Don’t let a toothache bother you any longer—come see us! You have the decision-making power to take control of your lifelong oral health each day.

Feel free to learn more about our practice on our website or our Facebook Page. We look forward to connecting with you there!

YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: brush your teeth daily, floss regularly, and have your regular checkups with Drs. Kevin and Jane Lilly twice a year.

Here are some tips to help you avoid those dental habits that can damage your teeth:

1. Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping

After slurping down that ice cold and refreshing beverage, try not to crunch the leftover ice between your teeth. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can cause your teeth to fracture. Be careful when eating popcorn too!

Sipping sugary soda is also bad for your teeth. The constant exposure to the acids and sugar can lead to tooth decay.

Solution: Switch to crushed ice & drink your soda through a straw!!

2. Using Your Teeth As “Tools”

Some people rely on their teeth for odd jobs like opening a tightly screwed bottle of nail polish, tearing open a bag of chips, straightening a bent fork, or ripping a price tag off a new article of clothing. These actions are actually quite hard on your teeth and can even cause a weakened tooth to fracture or chip.

Solution: Keep some simple tools like scissors and pliers handy and leave the dirty work to them!

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth wears them down and weakens them.

Solution: During the day, be more aware of what you’re doing with your teeth when you feel stressed or anxious. Notice if your jaw muscles are often sore. For those of you who grind at night, ask Drs. Kevin or Jane Lilly about custom mouth guards.

4. Using A Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

It may be surprising, but a firm toothbrush is actually worse for your teeth than a soft-bristled one. A brush with bristles that are too firm can wear down tooth enamel more quickly and may irritate your gums and make your teeth sensitive.

Solution: Stick with soft-bristles and ask one of our team members about the best type of toothbrush for your particular mouth.

5. Not Brushing Or Flossing Properly

Though you may brush and floss everyday, if you aren’t doing it correctly it could cause harm as well as good.

Solution: Make sure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes TWICE a day. Be gentle. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and consider purchasing an electric one. Ask one of our team members the most effective way to floss. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.

If any of these bad habits apply to you, overcome them and develop a healthier oral routine! We promise you’ll see results and have more reasons to smile!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook!!

ARE YOU NEWLY GRADUATED, stuck in a mid-life crisis, starting a new career, or re-entering the dating scene?

Here at Lilly Family Dentistry we know that flashing a smile is one of the best ways to turn someone else’s day around…But guess what—smiling not only brightens other people’s days, it also benefits the smiler!

Here are some reasons we should smile!

1. It Makes You More Attractive: It is no secret that we are drawn to people who smile. There’s something remarkably irresistible about someone who isn’t afraid to flash those pearly whites.
2. It’s Contagious: A simple smile has the ability to brighten a whole room and draw people to you. The world would be a happier place if everyone kept smiling!
3. It Can Change Your Mood: Even when you feel down, smiling can trick your body into changing your mood! Try it the next time you’re not having the best day.
4. It Boosts Your Immune System: When you smile, your immune function improves due to increased relaxation.
5. It Relieves Stress: We all know what it’s like to look stressed and overwhelmed…but did you know that putting on a smile makes you look happier AND actually takes away some of that stress!?
6. It Lowers Blood Pressure: The physical act of smiling causes a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Test it out at home if you don’t believe us!
7. It’s A Natural Drug: Studies have shown that smiling actually releases endorphins, serotonin, and natural pain killers.
8. It Makes You Look Younger: The muscles your body uses to smile actually lift the face, making you appear younger and healthier!
9. Smiling Makes You More Successful: Smiling in a job interview is much more likely to land you the job! People who smile appear more confident and approachable—and they end up being the ones that get promoted!
10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive: Try this—put on a smile, and then think about something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard to feel quite as down when you’ve got a grin on your face, huh? When we smile our body sends us a message saying “Life is Good!” Worry, stress, and depression problems can be greatly helped through smiling.

So, the long and short of it is: SMILE! Don’t let insecurities about your teeth hold you back any longer! If you are uneasy about smiling, talk to Drs. Kevin and Jane Lilly about the many options available at Lilly Family Dentistry. We can have you proud and confident about your smile in no time!

Contact our practice today. Your unforgettable smile awaits you.