Top Dental Tips For the Holiday Season

Top Dental Tips For the Holiday Season

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Maintain your regular cleaning routine

Despite office parties, big family gatherings, and late nights, it’s essential to maintain a regular oral maintenance routine. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. If you’re going out of town, pack all your essentials, including any specialized dental supplies you might need. 

Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth approximately 30 minutes after eating (not sooner, as this could damage your teeth). If you’re at an event, and can’t brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with still water and chew some sugar-free gum. 

Consider the sugar content.

Sugar rules the holiday season. Eggnog (particularly store-bought!), sweet baked goods, and cookies are easy high-sugar examples. The list is endless when we move on to the puddings, fudge, and hot cocoa. Even food we don’t consider sweet can be loaded with added sugars, such as in the glaze on cooked ham, cranberry sauce, and dressings. So, the recommendation is to do everything in moderation.  

Sweet drinks such as soda and lemonade significantly increase sugar intake, but some alcohol, such as ciders and cocktails, can also quickly push up that sugar counter. If you do want alcoholic or sugary drinks, make sure to also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of still water.

If, in addition to the festive fun, you also want food that is good for your teeth, consider adding these ingredients to your menu

Treat your teeth well.

Everyone can get a bit silly over the festive season, but don’t take it out on your teeth. Be careful of doing anything that might crack or damage them, such as opening beer bottles, cracking nuts, or playing contact sports without a mouth guard. Plus, don’t forget crunchy or sticky food; candy canes, rocky road, or caramel, for example, can all be nightmares for your dental well-being.

And if your tooth does get knocked out, or if it falls out? The recommendation is to pick it up (don’t touch the root), wash it gently if dirty, and place it back in the socket if possible. Make sure to gently hold it in place, keep it moist, and see a dentist within half an hour of the injury. This leads us to our final point:

Be prepared if something happens.

Many dental practices will be closed over the holiday season, so be prepared if you need medical attention. If your dentist is unavailable until the new year, ask him for a dental referral or emergency dental practice, just in case. 

Do You Have Your 2023 Appointment Lined Up?

Make sure you’re at the front of the line for the 2023 dental check-ups. Contact us to schedule an appointment for the new year.

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Celiac Disease and Your Oral Health

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Over 2 million Americans have Celiac Disease. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans could have the disease without being aware of it. Celiac Disease doesn’t just affect your digestive tract; it can cause health problems everywhere, from your heart to your mouth.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by a reaction to gluten, a protein found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person living with Celiac Disease ingests gluten, it causes a painful immune response in the small intestine. This response damages the villi (small finger-like projections on the lining of the small intestine), designed to absorb nutrients. Over time, the lack of nutrient absorption causes damage to the intestine and leads to serious health complications. 

If left untreated, possible health complications include (but are not limited to):

  • Early onset osteoporosis
  • Anemia
  • Heart disease
  • Pancreatic insufficiency
  • Malnutrition

According to research, the disease tends to be prevalent in Caucasian people and those whose ancestors came from Europe. Patients with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other autoimmune diseases are also more at risk.

Celiac Disease is genetic (it tends to run in families) and can present at any age, so if you display symptoms, it is vital to seek medical advice.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Celiac Disease vary significantly amongst patients. Common symptoms can include: 

  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Gas
  • Repeated stomach pain or bloating
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Missed menstrual cycles
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain

Children who have Celiac Disease tend to present symptoms more centered around the digestive process.

How Does Celiac Disease Affect My Teeth?

Celiac Disease can affect your oral health from a young age. Children aged seven years and younger may develop enamel defects as their teeth and enamel are still developing. Celiac disease can also cause a delay in the development of the teeth and mouth. The frequent development of canker sores is a common indication of Celiac Disease in adults and children. Patients can suffer from Dry mouth syndrome, which can result in tooth decay and atrophic glossitis, a condition noted for a smooth, shiny, red tongue. 

If left untreated, Celiac Disease can also lead to the development of pharyngeal, mouth, and esophageal cancers.

How can this be fixed?

Celiac Disease does not have a cure, but lifestyle changes allow most people to live symptom-free. Adopting a gluten-free diet is the only way to treat the disease, and it must be followed rigorously.

Where else is gluten found?

Patients adopting a gluten-free diet must know that gluten is found in many different foods, including soy sauce, salad dressings, condiments, french fries, grain-based alcohol, bouillon or soup mixes, imitation meat, and seafood. Additionally, gluten is also in certain medications. Because of the extensive list of non-gluten-free foods, your medical practitioner will likely advise you to consult a celiac disease specialist for assistance with a dietary plan. 

A thorough oral examination allows dentists to diagnose Celiac Disease and refer you to a physician. If you think that you or your child has  Celiac Disease, then make an appointment to come and see us at Cakmes Dental Studio in Knoxville, TN.

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Food That Helps Your Teeth While You Eat

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You know that what you eat has an impact on your oral health. For example, sugary food and drinks create acid, which mixes with bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and diminished enamel. There are also foods that help clean your teeth as you eat them. Read on to see what they are! 

 

Apples. 

Apples are incredibly fibrous, acting as a toothbrush as they clean plaque and food particles off of your teeth. The fiber is found in the skin of the apples, so make sure you leave it on! In addition, the acid in apples works to kill bacteria that cause bad breath, so next time you want to chew on a piece of gum, opt for an apple instead! 

 

Carrots. 

Carrots, like apples, are fibrous and clean your teeth as you eat them. Since carrots are hard and take little work to chew, they also stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps wash out bacteria in your mouth, creating a healthier and cleaner environment. In addition, carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A. One serving provides almost 200% of your daily value, which means that a serving of carrots daily can aid in your vision, growth, immunity, gum, and enamel health! 

 

Spinach and Kale. 

Leafy greens, particularly spinach and kale, and low in calories and high in fiber. As with apples and carrots, the high fiber content helps clean your teeth as you eat, but these leafy greens are also chock-full of vitamins that can help your entire body. For example, kale has more vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium than spinach, but spinach has more iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and folate. Calcium strengthens teeth and enamel, while vitamin A supports gum and enamel health. 

These fruits and vegetables can be found at any grocery store, or farmer’s market year-round and are full of so many nutrients that it would be a shame to pass them up! Try to incorporate these into your daily meals, and you should notice improvements in your health and teeth. If you have any questions about this or any other suggestions we make, give us a call. At Cakmes Dental Studio, we love teaching our patients tricks of the trade to keep a healthy mouth. Fortunately, eating fruits and veggies like these is almost too easy!

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Our Steps for Patient Safety Upon Our April 30th Reopen

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As our patients know, our office closed its doors in mid-March with the exception of emergency dental procedures. We did this in order to keep patients and staff safe amid concerns surrounding the Coronavirus. We are thankful to all of our patients for bearing with us as we navigate these unprecedented times that our communities are facing. We will be reopening on Thursday, April 30th, and we will also be open on Friday, May 1st.

Throughout our temporary closure, our team has closely followed updates from the American Dental Association, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as government officials, to create a plan to uphold our commitment to patient safety upon our April 30th reopening. We have spent time planning strategies to keep staff and patients safe during visits. We’ve detailed some of the steps you can expect in your visit to our dental studio.

The day before your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a text message survey to help our staff determine your risk of exposure prior to your appointment. Once you arrive for your appointment, we ask that you remain in your vehicle and call our office to let our staff know that you have arrived. We will give you instructions once you call. We ask that you only enter the office when a staff member has directed you to do so. We also ask that you do not bring anyone into the office unless you have mobility issues or the patient is a minor. 

Upon entering the office, you will have a forehead temperature scan and then be taken directly to a treatment suite. We have implemented a pre-procedural rinse for every patient in order to bring down bacteria levels. We will have hand sanitizer available as soon as you enter the office, and we ask that all patients use this. Our treatment rooms have always been cleaned between patients, but that effort is even more emphasized now. Our team is working diligently to keep patient touchpoints sanitized. 

All appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients and we will not be utilizing the waiting room at this time. We will no longer offer magazines, newspapers, or self-serve coffee to limit any possibility of contamination on high touchpoint objects and areas. 

Our office now has medical grade purifiers placed throughout and a dry shield vacuum system to help control airborne viruses, bacteria, germs, and dust. Our staff will continue to wear level 3 masks as well as face shields. We ask that all patients please bring a face mask or facial covering (scarf, bandana, etc.) with them to the studio.

We have always made patient safety our top priority when providing high-quality dental care that our patients expect. We have adapted our operations to keep patients and staff safe. We appreciate our patients for working with us through this unchartered territory. Please contact our office if you have questions or would like to book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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Cakmes Dental Studio’s COVID-19 Patient Safety Plan

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At Cakmes Dental Studio, we have always taken patient safety very seriously. The health and well-being of both patients and staff is our highest priority at all times, especially now during the outbreak of COVID-19. Our team will always monitor and follow recommendations of the CDC and the American Dental Association in regards to the Coronavirus. 

In response to the spread of the Coronavirus, the ADA has recommended that dentists nationwide postpone any and all elective procedures from March 18th until at least April 6th. During this time, we will make every effort to treat our existing patients only on an emergency basis. 

We will keep you updated with any changes that are made in regard to the Coronavirus and how it is affecting our hours. The temporary closing of our office, except for emergency situations, is done with every intention of keeping our patients and staff healthy.

Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitation Efforts 

Our standard cleaning and infection control routines have always been thorough. Before closing our doors for a few weeks, we implemented more rigorous cleaning procedures based on recommendations from the CDC and ADA to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Our staff cleaned all frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and surface areas, using a disinfectant that is recommended and approved by CDC guidelines. 

Further, we removed newspapers, magazines, and our coffee setup from patient areas in order to remove as many touchpoints as possible. When we re-open our doors in a few weeks, we will determine if it is in our patients’ and staff’s best health to continue on this way for an additional few weeks.

Patient Appointments and Rescheduling

During this time, we will only treatment emergency situations. We please ask that any patients call our office to reschedule appointments if they are non-emergent.

Our office is working diligently to protect your health, the health of all of our patients, and the health of our staff. We understand this is an unprecedented event for many of us, and our office is closely following recommendations from the CDC. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Please visit the CDC website for more information about COVID-19 and more ways to protect your health and the health of your community.

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Gum Disease and Diabetes

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Preventing Periodontal Disease with Diabetes

Keeping a healthy smile is important for everyone, but preventing periodontal disease can prove to be more difficult for those with diabetes. With 100 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes, the connection between periodontal disease and diabetes shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Studies show that people with poor blood sugar control develop periodontal disease more frequently and more severely than people who have healthy levels of blood sugar control.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissue that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease is caused by allowing the sticky film of bacteria called plaque, to build up and harden on teeth. This disease can lead to sore, inflamed and bleeding gums, as well as tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.

The good news is, having diabetes does not necessarily mean you will suffer from periodontal disease. In fact, people with diabetes who continually keep stable blood sugar levels have the same amount of periodontal disease as non-diabetic patients.

There are several factors that lead to periodontal disease and ways that you can prevent it.

BLOOD VESSEL CHANGES

Thickening of blood vessels, a symptom of diabetes, leads to increased gum disease. Blood vessels deliver oxygen and nourishment to the mouth as well as take away bacteria and harmful waste. Thickening of the vessels slows this process down and allows for plaque to build up quicker.

GLUCOSE

Having high levels of glucose, or sugar present in the mouth promotes the growth of harmful bacteria. Too much glucose will also lead to bad blood sugar levels.

SMOKING

Smoking increases risks of heart disease, cancer, and gum disease. Smokers are five times more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers and smokers with diabetes over the age of 45 are 20 times more likely to have gum disease than those without risk factors.

Preventing periodontal disease doesn’t have to be difficult. There are several ways to prevent plaque buildup but if you live with diabetes, getting blood sugar levels under control is the first step.

You can also make sure to keep your biannual dental appointment to monitor plaque build up and have any excess plaque removed. Brush at least twice a day and floss once. Lower sugar consumption and eat fibrous produce to prevent periodontal disease and improve oral hygiene.

Things like a healthy diet, exercise, and talking to your doctor can help keep diabetes under control. Even without diabetes, you should still make oral hygiene a priority. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to brush up on the best practices for oral hygiene.

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Patient Appreciation Spa Day Giveaway

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The end of summer is near… kids are going back to school, summer vacations have been had, and it looks like it’s back to reality for all of us!

Do you have the end of summer blues? Well, to show appreciation for our patients, we’re giving away two amazing spa packages from Belleza Salon and Spa in Knoxville! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get some much-needed pampering in before the holiday season starts.

Spad day end of summer giveaway text.

Two Grand Prizes will be awarded. Each winner may choose between one of two spa packages…

  • One (1) Stress Recovery Spa Package from Belleza ($180 retail value) – Classic Facial with facial massage, Paraffin Hand Treatment, Full Body Aromatherapy Massage, Steam or Sauna. (2.5 hours)
  • or… One (1) Executive Escape Spa Package from Belleza ($180 retail value) – Swedish Upper Body Massage, Salt Scrub Glow, Haircut, Hand Shake Manicure, Best Foot Forward Pedicure, Steam, served with a light lunch. (3.5 hours)

Download Giveaway Rules Here.


How to Enter

EXISTING PATIENTS

On Facebook:

  1.  Visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/cakmesdentalstudio
  2. Like our page
  3. Like and Share any Giveaway-related post from our Facebook page

On Instagram:

  1. Follow us @cakmesdentalstudio
  2. Like and repost any Giveaway-related post from our account

On Twitter:

  1. Follow us at @CakmesDental
  2. Like and retweet any Giveaway-related post from our account

New Patients Can Participate Too!

NEW PATIENTS

Schedule an appointment and be seen anytime between now and September 21, 2018. Request an appointment online, or call the office at (865) 584-6163.

Limit one entry per person. No purchase required. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. by Friday, September 21, 2018.

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Meet Our New Dental Hygienists

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Have you met our hygienists, Laura and Rachel? Hear them share a little bit about their background, patient care philosophy, and why they love working at Cakmes Dental Studio!

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Don Dunlap Discusses His Experience at Cakmes Dental Studio

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Don Dunlap, a patient at Cakmes Dental Studio, discusses his experience with Dr. Cakmes and staff.

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UT Student Shares Her Experience at Cakmes Dental Studio

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Leslie Williams, a student at UT and patient of Cakmes Dental Studio, discusses her experience with Dr. Cakmes and our staff.

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We'd love to hear from you

Contact us by filling out the form below.
  • (865) 584-6163
  • (865) 588-8202
  • 6230 Highland Place Way
    Suite 201
    Knoxville, TN 37919

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