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Category: Lifestyle

  • Eagle Dental Care Answers: Wisdom Teeth

    Eagle Dental Care Answers: Wisdom Teeth

    Here at Eagle Dental Care, we’ve been kicking around the idea of starting a recurring tidbit on our blog. We’re calling it “Eagle Dental Care Answers”, and it’s a piece where we answer simple questions surrounding the field of dentistry. Sometimes it’ll be humorous, other times it will be informative, but it will always be interesting.

    To kick things off, we’re tackling wisdom teeth. It’s something that comes up in conversation fairly frequently. But, have you ever asked yourself, why are they called wisdom teeth?

    Eagle Dental Care Wisdom Teeth
    What makes those teeth so wise, anyway?

    Well not to worry, we’re here to answer your question. But first, let’s provide a little more depth and context.

    What exactly is a wisdom tooth?

    A wisdom tooth is one of the three molars in each quadrant of the human mouth. Basically, it is the last of the three toward the back of your mouth. People generally get their wisdom teeth sometime in their late teenage years to their early twenties. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, one in each of the four quadrants. However, it’s possible to have none, fewer, or even more, which are referred to as supernumerary teeth. It is common for wisdom teeth to affect other teeth as they come in, which often leads to them being extracted before any problems occur.

    Nice chompers!

    Why are they called wisdom teeth?

    Now that you know what a wisdom tooth is, here is the answer to your burning question:

    Although officially known as third molars, they are commonly called wisdom teeth because they appear so late. Much later than other teeth. They come in at an age where people are presumably “wiser” than they were as a child. The appearance of wisdom teeth has been known to cause dental issues for hundreds of years; it was noted at least as far back as Aristotle:

    “The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years.” -Aristotle, The History of Animals

    And now you know why they are called wisdom teeth. This has been Eagle Dental Care Answers!

  • Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

    Maybe you’ve read an article on the internet? Maybe you’ve talked to a friend who’s had a bad experience? Or perhaps you’re just skeptical by nature. Whatever the reason, the question remains the same: Is teeth whitening safe?

    Woman with bright white smile indicating that teeth whitening is safe.
    Is teeth whitening safe? Yes. Yes it is.

    Here at Eagle Dental Care, we proudly offer KöR Whitening, a system that works by restoring your teeth’s youthful ability to absorb oxygen. But before we dive into the details as to why we like this method, let’s talk about how it works. And let’s answer the question: Is teeth whitening safe?

    How Teeth Whitening Works

    The oxygen from the whitening gel is absorbed into the tooth, dissolving and removing stain molecules. Most patients have no discomfort from whitening and have amazing, long lasting results. We have found KöR Whitening to be the gentlest and best whitening system available. So to first answer your question.

    Q: Is teething whitening safe?

    A: Yes. Yes it is.

    Kor Whitening’s gel is formulated to be highly effective, yet gentle to avoid causing teeth sensitivity. This unique formula is kept at cool temperatures at all times to maintain its precisely calibrated potency.

    The secret to this whitening system is to restore your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. This allows the oxygen from the whitening gel to be absorbed deeply into your tooth allowing it to break up and clear stains and dark spots.

    You will receive a mouth tray designed to fit you, and a plan to apply the gel that will allow for exceptional results. Possibly getting 16 shades whiter!

    For long lasting and exceptional results, teeth whitening requires a thorough cleaning so that the high-potency gels will make unobstructed contact with your enamel. The gels have been specially formulated to remove stains, without causing discomfort or increased sensitivity to your teeth. After decades of clinical treatment, teeth whitening has proven to be a safe and effective way to brighten your smile!

    So, I guess you could say that teeth whitening is safe. Especially when using
    KöR Whitening.

    View how people have whitened their smile, and increased self confidence. Browse before and after photos.

  • Why You Should Avoid Eating Popcorn Frequently

    There are many reasons why one should avoid eating popcorn. It’s commonly thought of as a healthy snack because it’s low in calories and can be easily snacked on without bloating or feeling weighed down. However, popcorn is very hard on your teeth. It creates lactic acid in your mouth. And before you can even pick out the kernels, that acid starts to work on your teeth. If you do snack on popcorn, rinse your mouth frequently with water and have a toothpick on hand to quickly pick out the pieces. Some sugar free gum can also be helpful.

    Eating popcorn can cause lasting damage to your teeth

    While it’s almost impossible to eat popcorn without getting some stuck in your teeth, you can act quickly to help mitigate any damage. With a healthy flossing you should be able to get those thin husks out from between your teeth. The word healthy needs to be emphasized, because unfortunately, if you don’t clean them out it can lead to infection and even an abscess.

    And furthermore, those hard, unpopped kernels are very good at breaking and cracking teeth. Be careful as you devour a big handful, especially if it’s at the bottom of the bag. Cracked teeth usually means you’ll be in need of a crown which equals a hefty bill from the dentist.

    I guess what we’re trying to say is, be careful while eating popcorn and make sure to take the necessary steps to not allow it to damage your teeth.

  • Eagle, Idaho Is Our Home

    We love Eagle. We love working here and we love living here. There are countless things that we could go on and on about as to why we love Eagle, Idaho. But first, here are some facts about our wonderful community:

    • -Eagle enjoys very mild weather. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Eagle, Idaho is considered a warm-summer Mediterranean climate.
    • -Some of the more notable people that hail from Eagle, Idaho include academy award-winning actor George Kennedy, and former NFL players Jerry Kramer, Jeb Putzier, & Derek Schouman.
    • -The elevation of Eagle is just over 2,500 ft. Making it fairly low for a mountain state like Idaho.
    • -The population of Eagle, Idaho is nearly 30,000 and rapidly growing as the greater Boise area is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
    The view from beautiful Mores Mountain just NW of Eagle, Idaho

    We could continue to bend your ear with fun facts and interesting tidbits as to why we love our hometown of Eagle, Idaho so much. However, we think it would be best if you came and checked it out for yourself.

    Sure, we’re probably a little biased, but it’s hard not to be. While we believe that we offer the premier dental services in the area, we equally believe that Eagle is home to the most premier people around. Here in Eagle, we take care of each other. We look out for one another. And perhaps most important, we take pride in our community. Folks here are always striving to make it a better place to live, even though it’s already fantastic.

    If you just moved here or if you’re just looking for a new dentist, we’d like to throw our hat in the ring. We’re invested in this community and our roots are deep. Learn more about Dr. Chris Thomason or take a quick tour of our office to see if we might be a good fit for you and your family.

  • Journey to the Great Backyard

    Summer is drawing to a close, but there’s still time to make some great memories. Camping trips are a summer staple. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive hours into the mountains to find the perfect campsite. Your backyard is right there waiting for you! Here are a few tips to help your family say farewell to summer with a perfect backyard camping trip.

    Pack For an Authentic Experience

    Your back door is literally a few yards away, which can be great in the event of an emergency. But if the kids are running in and out of the house all night long, they might end up deciding they’d rather be inside playing video games after only an hour. Be sure to pack everything you would need if you were really going into the woods for the night so no one is tempted to go back inside. This means tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, pajamas, books, binoculars, a compass, water bottles, and a cooler of food with snacks and dinner. Treat this like a “real” camping experience right from the beginning!

    Figure Out the Campfire

    Don’t have an in-ground fire pit? No worries! You can still enjoy hot dogs and s’mores with a charcoal grill or a store-bought fire pit. If you have enough room in your backyard, you could even try building a bonfire. Just make sure to check your city ordinances and get any necessary permits first. You can find advice for building the perfect campfire at REI.com/ learn/expert-advice/campfire-basics.html.

    Remember: It’s Okay to Call It a Night

    For kids, the most exciting part of camping in the backyard is getting to sleep in a tent — that is, until they actually have to sleep. After stargazing, some kids will want to stay up all night whispering and giggling in the tent, and that’s great! But other kids might decide they’d rather sleep inside, and that’s okay too. Your camping trip isn’t a failure because everyone spent the night in their own beds. It’s not about where everyone sleeps; it’s about how much fun your family had together before bedtime.

    The best part of backyard camping? It doesn’t take a lot of planning. Just grab your gear and your family and hike out into the great backyard.

  • Learning that Doesn’t Feel Like School

    Every summer, parents across the country have to deal with the same delicate problem. They want to make sure their kids continue to learn without feeling like they’re being assigned tasks. After all, summer homework is every child’s worst nightmare. Luckily, you don’t have to rely on math problems and book reports to keep your child’s development from taking a two-month vacation. Here are a few mentally stimulating activities that are as educational as they are fun.

    For Little Ones: Homemade Bubbles

    Bubbles fascinate young children, so why not spend a day making your own solution and experimenting by blowing different types of bubbles? The formula is simple: 1 part dish soap (Dawn or Joy work best) to 10 parts water. Optionally, you can also include 1/4 part glycerin. The process of making the solution will teach ratios, and finding creative ways to blow bubbles fosters problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

    For Teenagers: Family Dinner Party

    Cooking teaches so many important skills: math, science, nutrition, concentration, cultural understanding, following directions, creativity, time management, and more. Even better, it doesn’t feel like learning; it feels like fun. Encourage your older children to take the reins for preparing regular meals throughout the summer. You can pick guiding themes, like “a trip to Mexico” or “pasta party,” but let them choose the recipes and prep the meals on their own.

    For the Entire Family: An Educational Field Trip

    Field trips always inspire excitement in students, and you’ll find the same goes for your family members. You can tailor your destination to the interests of your kids for maximum engagement. If you have a family of art lovers, head to a museum for some inspiration and discussion. Kids who prefer the outdoors will enjoy a nature walk or hike. You can bring along a field guide to identify flora and fauna. These trips may not pack the thrill of a water park, but they’re fun in an entirely different way.

  • The Importance of Early Detection

    April was Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which got me thinking about how important oral cancer screenings are as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. We perform screenings during every cleaning and exam. It’s particularly important because many oral cancers don’t have dramatic symptoms in their early stages. Early detection also significantly increases the survival rate of oral cancer patients.

    While everyone should be screened for oral cancer at least once per year, there are certain groups that are at an elevated risk for developing the disease. The biggest risk factors are smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco. Excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and human papillomavirus (HPV) also increase a patient’s likelihood of developing oral cancer. It’s more common in males than females, and a higher incidence rate occurs in those above age 50.

    An expert may be required for a diagnosis, but you can do a basic screening at home. To start, examine the sides and underside of your tongue for any patches or discoloration. From there, move to your lips and the inside of your cheeks, feeling for any bumps and looking for any red or white patches. Do the same for the floor of your mouth and your soft palate. It’s also worth checking for swollen lymph nodes, but remember that those can signify any number of problems, not just oral cancer.

    The presence of symptoms is not a surefire sign of oral cancer. Our mouths are complicated, and it’s important to make sure that you verify any cause for concern with a professional. At Eagle Dental Care, we are happy to offer oral cancer screenings in between regularly scheduled visits. If you feel you could benefit from a screening, give us a call today.

  • Hand-Washing vs. Dishwasher

    We’ve all walked into our kitchens, looked at the dishes stacked high in the sink, and asked, “Is it better to throw those in the dishwasher or wash them by hand?” The dishwasher would certainly save you some time, but many people believe that washing dishes by hand uses less water and electricity. In reality, however, washing your dishes by hand is one of the worst things you can do for both the planet and your wallet.

    Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand. A study conducted in Europe found that individuals who wash dishes by hand tend to use 27 gallons of water to clean just 12 place settings. Meanwhile, modern dishwashers only use 6 gallons of water, and Energy Star appliances use as little as 4 gallons during their wash cycle. The Environmental Protection Agency determined that using a dishwasher instead of washing by hand can save 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs a year.

    It’s not just about water! Unless you have incredibly thick dishwashing gloves, you can’t properly clean your dishes by hand. Dishwashers heat water to around 145 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your dishes are disinfected. Even if the water from your sink could get that hot, you wouldn’t want to stick your hand in it.

    Which brings us to the science experiment that is your kitchen sponge. Dr. Philip Tierno, a clinical professor in the microbiology and pathology departments at NYU Langone, determined that your kitchen sponge is the single dirtiest item in your house. Soap and water aren’t enough to sanitize your sponge, which is left damp next to your sink after each use. Have you ever noticed that stagnant sponge smell? That’s bacteria growing. And when you wash your dishes by hand, you rub that bacteria all over your plates and silverware. Yum.

    If you have just a single plate or cup, you obviously don’t want to run them through the dishwasher alone; that would be incredibly wasteful. But the drawbacks of washing by hand are too great to ignore. The best option is to wait until your dishwasher is full, then start up the washing cycle. All your dishes will be clean and disinfected, and you’ll use less water in the process.

  • Family Time in the Great Outdoors

    Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever.

    Camping

    Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love.

    Hiking

    A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came.

    Fishing

    Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river.

    While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.

  • Your Dinner Table Might Be the Key to a Happier Family

    The family dinner is a staple of years gone by. These days, the only time you see a family sit together and break bread seems to be at Thanksgiving. This is a shame, because regular family dinners are incredibly important! It’s a time to bond with your loved ones that can have a positive impact on your kids’ lives. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that kids who regularly partake in family meals are less likely to experience depression or engage in drug use. Furthermore, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University determined that kids who eat family meals five to seven times a week bring home better report cards.

    Even when schedules are busy, you can make family dinners fit into your agenda with these tips.

    Be Flexible About Mealtimes

    Dinner doesn’t have to be at 6 p.m. on the dot. If Kamala has a karate tournament in the evening or Peter needs to stay late at school for art club, why not break out the healthy snacks and make dinner happen a little later or earlier? Plus, the meal you share as a family doesn’t have to be at dinnertime. If there’s time in the mornings, sit down for breakfast. If you have the opportunity on weekends or during a school break, grab lunch together.

    Call All Hands On Deck

    Mom or Dad shouldn’t be expected to cook by themselves for every meal. This is family time, after all, so call in the kids! Make sure their tasks are age-appropriate — leave sautéing vegetables to the high schooler and let your first-grader set out the cups instead. This is the perfect opportunity to teach kids valuable kitchen skills and to take some of the burden off your plate. Plus, if your kids are picky eaters, inviting them to be part of the cooking process can make them more inclined to try the finished product.

    Don’t Stress Yourself Out

    It’s okay if you’re too busy on a Monday to cook dinner. There’s always Tuesday. Or you can take a trip to your favorite family restaurant. Family meals should be fun, and that can’t happen if you’re stressed. Don’t feel pressured to make each meal perfect or to prepare a three-course dinner every night. Chicken and rice can get the job done as long as you’re all sitting around the table as a family.

    No matter how hectic your schedule may be, making family meals a priority is always worth the investment. Who’s in the mood for meatloaf?