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NOVEMBER 2023 dentalimplantsnorthdakota.com 701-955-5111
FIND JOY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS How I Reflect on the Riches of Family and Friends
I can’t believe the holiday season is in full swing! It seemed like yesterday it was summer, and then, in a flash, I’m bundled up in layers of clothing, trying to stay warm. One of my favorite things about this time of year is learning more about the traditions people have with their families — and it doesn’t surprise me that many of us have similar rituals! While traditions for Christmas tend to vary, we all do the same things for Thanksgiving. My family and I get together, cook a delicious feast, and then spend the day watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football. But it gets more specific than that — you and your family may also cook the same foods as me! Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and stuffing are the staples for this holiday. “When I think about the things I’m grateful for, nothing materialistic makes my list. I always list my I enjoy Thanksgiving because it’s a casual, low-stress holiday. I don’t have to worry about bringing gifts and cramming them into the car as my family and I try to find room to sit in our vehicle. But if I’m being honest, Christmas is my favorite. I love having a real tree in our living room, and its fresh smell fills our home. family, colleagues, and you. What matters most to me are those in my life and the memories we’ve created. ”
I understand how difficult the holidays can be for some. On top of your daily commitments, you have to think about how you will purchase gifts and make this the best holiday for your children. You may be grasping for straws to make ends meet, and my thoughts go out to those who struggle during the holidays and every month of the year. There’s a quote I saw recently that put many things into perspective for me and serves as a great reminder. It said, “If you have a family that loves you, a few good friends, food on your table, and a roof over your head … you are richer than you think.” We all have our struggles in life, but if you dwell on the negatives, you could miss out on what’s right in front of you — the things and people you do have. This holiday season, I encourage you to thank those who have made you who you are today. Everything else will sort itself out with time. Cherish those you love most while you can. And on that note, thank you for trusting me and the clinic with your oral health needs. It’s been a pleasure working with all of you and learning more about you and your family. I look forward to the future and continuing to assist you with anything you need.
I love watching my children’s faces light up as they see their presents under the tree and hearing their squeals of excitement when they get the gifts they’ve been waiting for. But even though I enjoy giving gifts to those I love, that’s not the true purpose of the holiday season — it’s all about spending time with them. When I think about the things I’m grateful for, nothing materialistic makes my list. I always list my family, colleagues, and you. What matters most to me are those in my life and the memories we’ve created. Although having nice things is great, and I’m grateful for the life I can provide for my family, things don’t mean anything at the end of the day. If my house burned to the ground, I would be upset about the memories and items in my home, but all those items could be replaced. However, my family … nothing can replace their impact on my life.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
-Dr. Christopher Klym
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SAY ‘AH!’ Your tongue plays a vital role in your oral health and overall well-being! However, your tongue is more than just a muscle — it’s a great indicator of your oral health. WHAT DOES THE COLOR TELL YOU? Your tongue’s color will vary depending on your diet, lifestyle, and health. However, these are some colors that can hint at underlying health conditions.
Can Your Tongue Indicate Oral Health Issues?
Red/Purple: While this shade can indicate a bacterial or viral infection, it can also be because of inflammation, trauma to the tongue, or a vitamin deficiency. Blue: Although this can be a sign of medication use, it could also be a sign of poor circulation or a health condition like cyanosis. Black: Usually caused by bacteria and dead cells on your tongue’s surface. This can also occur due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, or radiation therapy. Pink: If your tongue is pink, this is healthy and normal!
Gray/Black coating: This could signify a fungal infection or oral cancer.
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WHAT DOES THE SHAPE AND TEXTURE TELL YOU? • Bumps/Ulcers: This could be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or vitamin deficiency.
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Scalloped edges: A sign of teeth grinding, misaligned bite, or sleep apnea. Thin tongue: Tell-tale indication of a thyroid disorder or malnutrition. White/Red bumps: These bumps can be caused by oral cancer, an allergic reaction, or bacterial infection.
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White: This could signify a fungal infection due to a poor immune system, antibiotic use, or diabetes. Yellow: Indicates dehydration or a medical condition such as liver disease, psoriasis, or jaundice. Orange: Typically, this is a sign of a dry mouth, antibiotic use, or eating foods with high beta-carotene content.
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WHAT DOES THE COATING TELL YOU? • Thick/White coating: Indication of poor oral hygiene. • Yellow coating: A sign of infection or inflammation.
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR TONGUE’S HEALTH?
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You want to ensure you’re brushing twice a day — and don’t forget about your tongue! Place
‘TURKEY TEETH’ HIGHLIGHT THE RISKS OF DENTAL TOURISM
have received crowns instead of the veneers they requested. Why? Numerous dentists don’t have training in cosmetic dentistry techniques and, instead, use what they know. You might ask what the difference it makes — after all, you won’t see your original teeth under the crown caps. But dentists must remove 60%–70% of the original tooth to place a crown. That’s why they’re perfect for damaged teeth, not healthy ones. By receiving a full mouth of crowns or “360-veneers,” people are destroying their underlying smiles forever and risking nerve damage. This scam has primarily impacted British tourists who travel to Turkey, and many have documented their ill-fated journeys on TikTok under the hashtag #TurkeyTeeth. UK dentists report treating patients suffering from pain, infection, and improperly placed tooth caps. A crown only lasts 10–15 years. Since most victims of this scam are young, they will likely need their entire mouths redone multiple times throughout the rest of their lives.
How much is a perfect smile worth? While it’s a subjective question,
the cost should never be your oral health. But many unsuspecting patients have paid that price when engaging in dental tourism. Countless people who traveled for inexpensive veneers have instead walked away with crowns that destroyed their original teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic intervention to improve the shape, color, and alignment of teeth. Dentists create them uniquely for each patient, and they sit over the front of the person’s original teeth. They’re an excellent option for a non-invasive cosmetic improvement to a structurally sound but aesthetically imperfect smile. By contrast, crowns wrap around each tooth individually. Dentists primarily use them to restore significantly damaged or decayed teeth. Many tourists receiving international treatment
Although this scam is particularly rampant in Turkey, patients have also found American dentists who perform the same unscrupulous procedure. While most U.S. dental professionals are reputable, knowledge is your friend. Remember that crowns are only necessary for damaged teeth; ask plenty of questions and read online reviews before undergoing a procedure. Trust your instincts and get a second opinion if something seems wrong!
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On top of Thanksgiving happening this month, another holiday also needs to be mentioned: National Diabetes Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37 million Americans have diabetes. Today, we wanted to share information on how this condition affects oral health. First and foremost, those diagnosed with diabetes tend to have irregular glucose levels, meaning they have a higher risk of developing tooth problems and gum disease. If you or someone you know received a diabetes diagnosis, it’s imperative that you visit us at least every six months. We want to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape, especially when prone to oral health issues. IT’S NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH! How Blood Sugar Affects Your Teeth and Gums
toothpaste on your brush, and start lightly brushing at the back of your mouth in a downward motion. This will help remove odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. You could also try a tongue scraper to remove mucus and other residue. Please don’t self-diagnose health conditions just by looking at this list! Instead, book a visit with us, and we can examine your oral health to determine if immediate action is required. We will help you find a solution that works best for you.
Now, what oral health issues could you experience and be at a higher risk for than someone without diabetes?
GUM DISEASE Often called periodontal disease, it’s caused by an infection that can destroy bones supporting and surrounding your teeth. Without these bones, it can be extremely difficult to chew comfortably. Gum disease is more common (and severe) to those with diabetes because an excessive amount of glucose in your saliva can lead to bacteria and plaque build- up. If plaque is left on your teeth, it can harden and irritate your gums and teeth to the point where they become red and swollen. TOOTH DECAY Increased bacteria and plaque build-up in your mouth can lead to tooth decay and cavities. To help prevent this, brushing twice a day and flossing at night can help remove any bacteria lingering in your mouth. Be sure to brush gently since brushing aggressively can cause gum loss. FUNGAL INFECTIONS Higher amounts of glucose in saliva can cause lower resistance to infection. Additionally, dry mouth (a potential sign of diabetes) can promote the growth of fungi in your oral health. It’s important to note that people with diabetes are at a higher risk for infections and dental implant failure. However, even with these stipulations, you can still install dental implants — as long as you monitor and control your glucose levels.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! Do you want more information about Bismarck Advanced Dental & Implants? Scan this QR code right now to go to our website! You can learn about our services, view the Smile Gallery, read testimonials, and much more. So, give this a scan and discover how we can help your smile have a brighter and cleaner future.
If you or someone you know is currently dealing with diabetes, please send them our way! We would love to help and provide tips that can help keep your smile bright and fresh!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Don’t Focus on Materialistic Items This Holiday Season page 1 What Color Is Your Tongue? page 2 Avoid This ‘Turkey Teeth’ Smile Scam page 2 Can People With Diabetes Receive Dental Implants? page 3 Explore the Instinctual Call of Crisp Autumn Leaf Piles page 4
THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY DOGS AND HUMANS CAN’T RESIST LEAF PILES
INSTINCT TO DIG Digging is a dog’s favorite pastime that dates back to their wolf ancestors. Just as natural as sniffing and barking, digging is an ingrained behavior for dogs, and they want to follow their instincts the moment they see a leaf pile. Whether they’re digging in to rest in the cool leaves or demolishing the pile entirely, your dog is just doing what dogs have always done. IRRESISTIBLE SEASONAL SCENTS Our sense of smell doesn’t even come close to dogs’ incredible scent skills. While we have 5 million scent receptors, dogs have anywhere between 125–300 million! This means they can smell countless other scents we can’t, and autumn may bring some exciting aromas your dog hasn’t experienced in a while. The result? They’ll dive right into a leaf pile and get sniffing! MARKING TERRITORY Another scent factor could be your dog wanting to claim a particular leaf pile. We already know dogs use their scents to mark territory, and rolling in a beloved pile of leaves is a way to infuse their scent. After diving head first into some leaves, they leave their scent behind so other animals can smell them and know that the leaf pile has already been claimed!
Whether it’s your boisterous toddler or rowdy pup, a perfect pile of autumn leaves might be too good to resist! You probably remember the days when you also jumped into a crunchy orange leaf pile without a second thought. But why do humans and dogs love jumping into huge piles of leaves? The main (and most obvious answer) is because it’s fun! For kids, dogs, and even some adults, jumping and rolling around in the fall leaves is a satisfying form of play that releases energy. While this may be the simple reason for humans, there are a few more reasons your canine companion can’t resist a tower of leaves.
Whatever the case, jumping into a pile of leaves is completely normal — and fun! — for both humans and dogs.
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