I Love Listerine

I already liked Listerine, a lot.  But now I love Listerine.

As one who has periodontal disease, I pay attention to any news about this ailment of the gums. You see, over the past several years, many studies have linked periodontitis to diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.  

Of course, I try to stay up on my oral hygiene -- I brush and floss every day, and, I visit Julie, the awesome hygienist at The Gentle Dentist, several times a year.  But, I am always looking for ways to curb my condition.  

So, when I read that using Listerine can reduce the number of germs from the mouth that travel to the bloodstream, I was very happy.  Happy, because this bodes well for a way to control the impact of PD on the overall health of the body, and happy that I already use Listerine and love it!

Unfortunately, the Listerine study did not test other brands of mouthwash (sorry, Scope users, you know who you are). 

Oprah

If Oprah said it, it must be true, right?

Well, Oprah didn't actually give the advice, but she did devote some time this week to dental health.  Oprah's experts (including Dr. Oz, seen above demonstrating how to use a tongue scraper) shared some good, and interesting, information:

*  Only 10 percent of Americans floss regularly

*  Chew sugar-free gum; sugarless gum actually contains some sugar

*  Grinding your teeth can widen your face (Hmmm, maybe this is the way for me to get that fuller face that I've always wanted!)

Well, since most of us will never get a one-on-one session with Dr. Oz or Oprah, where can we turn for sound dental health advice?  Dr. Oz and Oprah definitely have this one right -- visit your dentist.

Dr. Jergins does give his patients one-on-one time; he listens to their concerns and gladly answers their questions.  He also tries to share his knowledge and expertise to provide his patients with the best care possible.

So, Oprah, the next time you're in Spring Hill, stop by to say hello.   

An Important Reason to Visit Dr. Jergins

Cancer.

The "C" word that no one wants to hear or think about.  Like most of you, I'm sure, I have had loved ones succumb to cancer.  The good news in the fight against cancer is that, if found early, the recovery rate for many cancers can be quite promising.  The same holds true for cancers of the mouth.

Recently, Dr. Jergins said that he had seen a very bad case of oral cancer in one of his patients.  Dr. Jergins took the proper steps and says this patient will likely make a full recovery once treated.

"Cancers of the mouth can be spotted during a routine dental exam," Dr. Jergins says.  "And, if you use any type of tobacco at all -- cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc., being screened for oral cancer is very important to your overall health."

Another risk factor for oral cancer is heavy alcohol consumption.

So, make an appointment soon for your regular cleaning.  If you're at risk for oral cancers, make your appointment today. 

(In today's news, researchers have found a link between head and neck cancers, and advanced periodontal disease.  Speaking as one who has periodontal disease, this finding is another reason to get regular cleanings and dental exams.  Periodontal disease is treatable.

To read more about this research, look at our blog's news section to the right.)

An Artist at Work

A new friend of mine recently went to see Dr. Jergins for a tooth extraction.

"How did it go?"  I asked her husband.

"Great!" he said enthusiastically.  "My wife was so afraid to go to the dentist, but Dr. Jergins made her so comfortable.  She said it went so well, that she won't be afraid to go to the dentist any more--as long as the dentist is Dr. Jergins."

Before his wife made the visit to Dr. Jergins' Spring Hill office, I had shown her husband the paintings Dr. Jergins did of our children (they're posted below, in our second post).  Then I showed him some plastering work Dr. Jergins had done in our family room.  An artist at work.

In fact, the husband told his wife that she had nothing to worry about.  I'm paraphrasing here, but he basically told her that anyone who has the skill to be so finely detailed, and to take such interest in the projects he takes on, will surely apply those skills to his work.  And, Dr. Jergins does.

He is an artist at work and, thankfully for those of us at his home, he's an artist here too.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

PS  The photo at the top of the post was taken on the grounds of the Cà d'Zan Mansion, the Sarasota home built by circus magnate John Ringling.  The house and grounds are works of art.