Augusto S. Fojas, DDS

NATIONAL ROOT CANAL APPRECIATION DAY!!!

Once upon a time, a tooth infection could cause lasting harm and even death. Now, dentists can take care of such issues with a simple root canal. Thank goodness!

Quick facts
Root canals are one of the most common and misunderstood dental procedures. They help clear teeth of infection and help prevent cavities to protect them. This is all done by a dentist, and dentists don’t get enough days of recognition to celebrate their accomplishments.
National Root Canal Appreciation Day aims to change that fact by teaching people about root canals and to appreciate how dentists help protect teeth for everyone.
History of National Root Canal Appreciation Day
National Root Canal Appreciation Day began under the most unusual of circumstances. The holiday was created in 2005 by dentist Dr. Chris Krammer. Dr. Krammer is not just a dentist – He’s a rock-n-roll dentist.
He gained notoriety through performing his original rap song “Get Out the Brush” at Madison Mallard’s collegiate league ballpark. His performance inspired 5,991 baseball fans to brush their teeth simultaneously.
Since then he had appeared on American Idol and other venues to teach people about the importance of dental care through his music. That record was surpassed by a Colgate-sponsored event at the San Salvador’s Cuscatlán Stadium in El Salvador. National Root Canal Appreciation Day marks the occasion in hopes of giving recognition to dental specialists everywhere.
People can also learn about the importance of root canal care on National Root Canal Appreciation Day. The pulp inside of teeth that contain nerves and tissue can become infected.
Root canals are performed to help clear out this infection and protect the tooth from further damage. Root canals are one of the most used procedures by dentists because of their ability to prevent decay.
Tooth infections can also spread throughout the body, meaning that a Root Canal can actually save your life. National Root Canal Appreciation Day aims to appreciate the work that dentists do for their patients all over the world.
On this day, people take extra precautions to care for their teeth, such as flossing and mouthwash. They also give thanks to their personal dentists by giving gifts and spreading the holiday through social media and school posters.
How to celebrate National Root Canal Appreciation Day
Anyone who loves their dentists and loves taking care of their teeth can celebrate this holiday! But, even if you don’t, you can still thank your dentists for their hard work.
Send them a thank you card with an attached gift. You can learn how root canals are done and use this as an opportunity to take better care of your teeth.
If you find root canals to be an interesting topic, then share this information with your friends. Help support dentists everywhere by making their job easier. By doing the basic hygiene for your teeth, you and your dentist will be grateful for it.

Dr. Fojas says...... Happy Easter to All!!!!

February has been designated “Gum Disease Awareness Month” in a national and global effort to raise public awareness of gum disease. The awareness program was launched in 2012 by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, a non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies.
Our goal is to continually raise awareness of the prevalence of gum disease and consequences of untreated disease, while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

We need your help to raise public awareness of a disease that affects so many Americans and bust myths about the dangers of the disease, its symptoms and treatment options.
ONLINE
1. Join us on social media. An easy way to get involved and support Gum Disease Awareness Month is through its dedicated Facebook and Twitter pages. Join the community to get the latest updates and information on gum disease, share posts, or repost on your social media accounts to help spread the word. The official hashtags for Gum Disease Awareness Month are: and
www.facebook.com/fightgumdisease
http://www.twitter.com/fightgumdisease
2. Link to the official website, www.fightgumdisease.com
a. Download the official Fight Gum Disease ribbon and place on your website. Use the ribbon as a hyperlink to www.fightgumdisease.com
3. Blog about the prevalence, systemic connections or treatment options on your website
4. Post a banner ad about Gum Disease Awareness month on your website.

What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

85% of US adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, making it one of the most common diseases in America – more common than cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease.
Yet, only 60% of those infected know they have gum disease. Worse yet, only 3% of adults with moderate to severe levels of gum disease will accept treatment.

GINGIVITIS
Gum disease begins when plaque, a sticky deposit on the teeth where bacteria multiply, builds up on the teeth. Calcium from saliva hardens the plaque into a barnacle-like material — this calcified plaque is called tartar or calculus. Certain types of germs that live in this plaque and calculus damage gum tissue. Your body tries to fight this infection with an inflammatory attack, sending white blood cells to the area to destroy the bacteria. The inflammation then causes the tissue to bleed easily when you brush or floss.
PERIODONTITIS
If untreated, gingivitis will then progress to periodontitis. With periodontitis, calculus deposits expand on the surface of your teeth, edging down below your gum line. This condition causes your gums to separate slightly from the teeth, supporting bone and ligament, forming periodontal pockets. The infection and the pockets may continue to deepen, eating away at the jawbone until your teeth become loose and fall out.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE

• Painful chewing
• Sensitive teeth or gums
• Red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily
• Gap between teeth and gums
• Bad breath and halitosis
• Pus discharge from the gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Or no symptoms at all…
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
The number one cause of gum disease is poor dental hygiene. Neglecting to brush and floss every day can allow plaque to build up and start the inflammation of the gingiva, or the gum around the base of your teeth.
ORAL CONDITION
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Sugar and Acid: Eating sugars and other foods that increase the acidity in the mouth increase bacterial counts.
• Tooth Abnormalities: Teeth with cracks and crevices can trap food and encourage plaque and bacteria growth.
• Poor Dental Work: Poorly contoured fillings or crowns provide traps for debris and plaque increasing your risk.
• Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth that have broken through the gum, as well as those that are impacted (buried) can be a major breeding ground for the bacteria. Gum disease can be present without any signs or symptoms.
• Teeth Grinding: Grinding teeth or having a bite that isn’t aligned can cause irritation and invisible swelling of the tiny ligaments around the teeth, also leading to dental infections.
AGE
• Children: Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily.
• Adolescents: During puberty, an increased level of hormones cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause increased gum sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque.
• Adults: 3.6% of adults between the ages of 18 - 34 have gum disease. As people age, the risk for gum disease increases. In a study of people over 70 years old, 86% had at least moderate periodontitis and over a quarter of them had lost their teeth.

FEMALE HORMONES
• Puberty & Menstruation: An increased level of s*x hormones causes higher blood circulation to the gums, increasing the gum's sensitivity, susceptibility to irritation, and the growth of bacteria just beneath the gums. These same hormones can cause menstruation gingivitis – red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, and sores on the inside of the cheek – which typically occurs right before a woman's period and clears up once it has started.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can exacerbate existing gingivitis, which typically worsens around the second month and reaches a peak in the eighth month.
• Menopause: Estrogen deficiency after menopause reduces bone mineral density, which can lead to bone loss. Bone loss is associated both with gum disease and osteoporosis. During menopause, some women may also develop a rare condition called menopausal gingivostomatitis, in which the gums are dry, shiny, and bleed easily. Women may also experience abnormal tastes and sensations (such as salty, spicy, acidic, burning) in the mouth.

OTHER FACTORS
• Family History: Gum disease often occurs in members of the same family.
• Genetics: Up to 30% of Americans are genetically susceptible to gum disease.
• Closeness: Gum disease can be contagious. They infect others through saliva which can be passed through kissing, toothbrushes, eating utensils, straws or anything that touches saliva.
• Household Income: Gum disease appears in greater numbers among the poor. In particular, gum disease affects poor children and elderly people as well as racial minorities. Those with fewer financial resources for dental visits show the greatest amounts of oral bacteria.
• Medication: Certain medications or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can have a side effect of gum disease.
• Other Diseases: Studies have shown systemic diseases have been linked to gum disease, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Also, diseases which decrease your immunity, like HIV/AIDS, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, have also been known to increase your risk of gum disease.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are the most common chronic disease of childhood, yet cavities are preventable. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t. Learn how you can protect your child’s teeth from cavities with these resources. Please read the attached article and contact us for a dental appointment for your children! We see all children beginning at age 3!
614-882-0275

Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections, and can lead to problems eating, speaking, and learning. More than 1 in 5
children aged 2 to 5 years has at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Children from low-income families are more than twice
as likely to have untreated cavities, compared with children from higher-income households. However, cavities are
preventable. You can protect and maintain your child’s teeth by following these wise simple steps below:

P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom
Protect tiny teeth by caring for your mouth when you’re pregnant. Your child’s future oral health starts with you.
Ensure to wipe your baby’s gums after each meal.

Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle.
Remember to brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. For children younger than 2 years, consult with
your dentist or doctor about when to start using fluoride toothpaste.
Limit drinks and food with added sugars for children. Encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables and have fewer
fruit drinks, cookies, and candies. This gives your child the best possible start to good oral health.
Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or after their first tooth appears. Their tiny teeth matter!
Root of It All: Are You Watching What Your Child Eats and Drinks?
Your child’s diet is very important for developing and maintaining strong and healthy teeth. It is helpful to include good
sources of calcium (yogurt, broccoli, and milk) to your child’s diet to help build strong teeth. Teaching your child about healthy
eating habits is one of the best practices for a lifetime of good health. Here are some helpful tips:
Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks rather than candies and cookies.
Brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
Serve water at mealtime rather than juice or soda.
Did You Know That Community Water Fluoridation Saves Money and Teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in water. Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of
fluoride found in water to achieve the best prevention of tooth decay.
Bacteria in the mouth produce acid when a person eats sugary foods. This acid eats away minerals from the tooth’s
surface, making the tooth weaker and increasing the chance of developing cavities.
Drinking tap water with fluoride rebuilds the surface of the tooth. By keeping the tooth strong and solid, fluoride protects
teeth from decay.
Community water fluoridation has been shown to save money, both for families and the health care system.
Check if your water has fluoride by visiting My Water’s Fluoride.
School Dental Sealant Programs: A Hidden Gem
Dental sealants are a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent most cavities children get in the permanent back teeth where 9
in 10 cavities occur. Children aged 6 to 11 years without sealants have almost 3 times more first-molar cavities than children
with sealants.
Sealant programs are an effective way to deliver this highly effective preventive intervention to millions of
children.
As a parent, ask your child’s dentist to apply sealants when appropriate. If your child’s school has a sealant program, sign your
child up to participate. If they don’t, ask your child’s school to start one.

Again, contact us to schedule today, 614-882-0275

Fun Fact Friday!

Tooth enamel is the hardest substances in the human body, even stronger than bone!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know sports are a leading cause of dental injures in children!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know tooth enamel does not grow back!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know only 7% of Americans say they are happy with their teeth!

We can help with this! We offer Sure Smile Aligners, which will help straighten your teeth. And we also have Opalescence Go trays to help whiten your teeth!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know the average person brushes their teeth 44-70 seconds a day while the recommended time is 2-4 minutes!

Clocked-In

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know 3/4 adults experience dental anxiety or fear!

Fun Fact Friday!

Children begin to develop teeth in the womb-just 6 weeks after conception.

Happy Friday!

Last Friday, we had a team building day! Dr. Fojas and Mrs. Fojas created a scavenger hunt for all the staff to compete in!

All the staff members split into groups of two and were given a list created by Dr. Fojas. They had to go all over the place and snap pictures of these tasks.

Here are some of the pictures from it!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know mosquitoes have 47 teeth!

Huge Happy Birthday to Miss Chellsea!
Thank you for all that you do for us here at the office. We appreciate it so much! Enjoy your special day!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that cavities in teeth have been filled since the earliest of times with a variety of different materials, including gum, stone chips, and even turpentine resin!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know people prefer blue toothbrushes rather than red ones. What color is your tooth brush?

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that tooth decay is the second most common disease, second only to the common cold!

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that the first toothbrush with bristles was made in China in 1498. Bristles were from hogs, horses, and badgers!

Are you a 'RUFF' patient?
Take a look at this sweet pup who came in for their owners visit!

Please give us a call even if you have a 'RUFF' time coming to the dentist and we'd be happy to help!

Good Morning! Starting Today, June 30th we will be closed in observance of Independence Day! We will open back up on Thursday, July 6th!

Please if you need anything leave us a voice mail or send us a text at 614-882-0275 and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Meet Our Team!
Next up is Levi!
Levi just joined our Front Desk Team! He enjoys going to the gym and playing video games. His favorite dessert is the classic chocolate chip cookie. He has one furry friend, his cat Lucy. Currently on his vacation bucket list is Switzerland, Japan, England, California, and New York City!
Give our office a call at 614-882-0275 and you can talk with Levi!

Happy Monday!

Fun Fact Friday!
Did you know roughly 25% of American adults have no teeth?

Happy Dental Hygiene Tip Thursday!
Brushing your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth. Your tongue contains countless bacteria that won’t be wiped out by just brushing your teeth!