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Fairfield children from low-income families recently were given a chance to smile thanks to free dental service offered by Dr. Ben Schultz on Give Kids a Smile Day. Dr. Schultz was one of the many local dental practices that provided free oral health care to youngsters who don’t have dental insurance. “We have been part of this program for the past three years,” Schultz said, “and our primary concern is that the lower-income families get access to dental care.”
Encouraging a lifetime of good dental hygiene, and offering urgently-needed dental care to children without dental insurance are the goals of the Give Kids A Smile® program. Dr. Schultz was pleased to once again participate in this program, as he recognizes the need for families to establish good dental habits at an early age.
Studies reveal that dental caries, or tooth decay, is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease, resulting in excruciating pain, infection, difficulty eating, sleeping and speaking. Additionally, dental problems also exacerbate children’s feelings of low self-esteem and contribute to a poor self-image.
Each year, Dr. Schultz awards two scholarships to worthy students. It is his honor and privilege to support young people in their academic goals and to invest in the people of this community who have been wonderful to our team throughout the years. The following letter and picture were sent to us by two winners of the 2008 scholarship.
Dear Dr. Schultz,
I was really excited to receive the Dr. Ben Schultz Physical Science Scholarship. As you know, students are notified that they are receiving an award but they don't tell you in advance what it is. When they called my name for this scholarship, I felt very honored that I had been selected for this particular award.
After awards night, I had given some thought to how generous it is that you provide this scholarship every year. I read your experience with much interest and I realize that you worked very hard for what you have and perhaps that is what inspires you to give something back and help someone else. I really admire you for this, Dr. Schultz, and when I am out of school and successful, I would like the following your footsteps and do the same for someone else.
Thank you very much for the scholarship but also for the example and life lesson you have set for me.
Best regards,
~Harry F.
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Something to Smile About
Tooth loss may be early warning sign of cardiovascular disease - Tooth loss caused by gum disease may be a marker of cardiovascular disease before symptoms appear, researchers report in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care.
Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also
known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your
overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35
years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth
loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable,
people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.
Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease
is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use,
certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like
systemic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy
or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically
susceptible to gum disease.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which
forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the
irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural
fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria
and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or
tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing.
Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss,
gum recession and tooth loss.
 Symptoms
and signs include:
- Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
- Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the gum and tooth
- Persistent bad breath
- Bite changes
- Change in the fit of partial dentures
If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms,
please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle
against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile:
gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about.
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From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile
With Cosmetic Dentistry
Oftentimes the dental profession is considered strictly for more intense
cleaning and hygiene purposes. However, a dentist is actually an artist
who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now practice and perform
cosmetic techniques, not just the run-of-the-mill routine cleanings.
Cosmetic dentistry seeks to create a more aesthetically pleasing and
healthy smile.
Although you may be meticulous about your dental care routine, your teeth still
might not look their very best. Drinking coffee, tea or wine will take a toll
on your teeth, causing them to look dull and
stained. Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored
smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile from these factors is through
teeth whitening.
Plenty of adults are looking towards dentistry to heighten the appearance
and function of their teeth. Cracked, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth
are easily resolved by procedures like bonding or veneers. Severely damaged
teeth can be repaired with crowns, while bridges and dental implants are natural-looking
options used to revitalize your smile. These methods will not only give
you a more beautiful smile, but will also rejuvenate your mouth’s
functionality.
If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to take it a level
up from dull to dazzling, speak with us about the many smile enhancing
options available to you.
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“Bridging” the Gaps and Wearing a “Crown”:
Total Oral Health Renovation
 Face
it, we are rough on our teeth. Sometimes we neglect them, take them for
granted or simply just abuse them. Between physical activities like sports
or chewing hard substances like ice, our teeth can get knocked out, broken,
cracked and worn down. Forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring
proper cleaning tactics can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay
and ultimately tooth loss.
When teeth are missing, your mouth must compensate for the lack of chewing
power in that area in order to function normally. So, the chewing force
may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces
and changes in your smile.
So, how do we mend our mouth’s broken ties? By simple dental procedures.
Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of crowns
and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the
complete visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability
and tooth stability, while restoring your tooth to its natural shape
and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to
metal and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between
two porcelain crowns to fill the gaps left by the original missing tooth.
The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing
your once damaged smile.
The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with
your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard
workers and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already
done, see us immediately. We can decide on the best treatment to restore
your smile. Your teeth will thank you for it.
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