Say “cheese” for a better looking smile in photographs, eat cheese for a good one in real life. It's for real. The May-June edition of General Dentistry published a study about how cheese and other dairy products help the teeth protect themselves against the powerful acids that other foods release when they are chewed.

The study consisted of teenagers who were asked to chew on cheese, finish sugar-free yogurt, and drink milk. Prior to consuming what was given to them, the pH levels of their mouths were taken. The same was done thrice: 10, 20, and 30 minutes after consumption of the dairy products. It turns out that of all the dairy products given to them, it was cheese that enabled their mouths to raise their respective pH levels.

High pH levels are very important in one's oral health because they prevent cavity buildup. Lower pH levels, particularly ones below 5.5, allow acids and bacteria to thrive and cause tooth erosion. Dentists highly discourage the consumption of very acidic drinks like soda because they lower your mouth's pH level. When this happens, it is all the more difficult to protect the teeth from the corrosive properties of acidic food and drinks.

Everyone can aspire to be a dentist, but not anybody can come close to achieving such an ambition. The road to becoming a dentist is long and hard, and only those who have the necessary qualifications will be able to finish the journey and be regarded as one of mankind's unassuming saviors.

Dealing with the teeth is a complex process, so aspiring dentists need to have enough knowledge to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental diseases. To gain a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of dentistry, they should complete a series of training and obtain a dental degree that symbolizes their efforts. A dentist should have no problems when it comes to relaying information to others, as his job entails him to give advice to troubled patients.

An orderly dental office also helps in increasing the credibility of a dentist. He should invest on a roomy clinic that would provide comfort and security to patients. He should also have dental staff who share his goals and know how to interact with people in a professional manner. After all, having an efficient team is a sign that the leader himself is proficient in his craft.

Last but certainly not the least, a dentist should be able to relate with his patients. It's a fact that not everybody is ecstatic when dental appointments are being discussed, so reputable dentists should know how to assuage fears. He should successfully present himself as an ally rather than a big bully behind a sterile mask.

The rigid dental chair, the sharp dental equipment, and the stern-looking dentist behind the sterile mask strike fear in the hearts of some dental patients. For them, the thought of going to dental check-ups is pure torture, when in reality, these appointments are necessary for them to maintain good oral hygiene. Getting over dentophobia or the fear of dentists is easier said than done, but certainly not impossible.

Having a friend or a loved one as a companion during visits to the dentist can be a big help for those who are scared of dentists. Family and friends can be good sources of encouragement and strength, allowing patients to get through dental procedures. Relaxation techniques that involve deep breathing while tensing and releasing the muscles can also provide comfort especially before dental operations commence.

Communication plays a huge role in breaking the ice that separates dentists and patients. Patients can try and strike a conversation with their dentists and vice versa just to brighten up the mood. Lighthearted dialogues shared by both dentist and patient can be the start of a trusting relationship that will leave the latter feeling happy and satisfied after a grueling time at the dental chair.

You should always keep in mind that dentists are not monsters. They exist to help you, not to put you in danger.  

You had no problem going on a ride at a famous Orlando theme park, where you were rocketed high into the air while in a capsule. Yet when you experience tooth pain, the mere thought of going to the dentist causes your hair to stand on end. The tooth pain persists for a week, but you still can't bring yourself to make an appointment. What you have is dental phobia, and as long as this fear continues, achieving optimum oral health will be impossible.

Dental problems don't go away by themselves, so for your benefit, it will be wise to conquer your fear and get the dental treatment you need. The first thing you can do is to head to a dentist who is highly recommended by your family and friends. Simply being aware of the fact that they had a good experience with said dentist can help alleviate your fear of seeking dental services; as a result, you'll feel encouraged to seek dental treatment.

Once you find a dentist based on the recommendations, schedule an appointment. When you are at the dental office, tell the dentist about your fear. There is no reason for you to be embarrassed about your fear of dentists, and it's likely that the dentist has encountered many people who were in the same boat as you. Go over every aspect of your fear and follow his advice; in time, you'll be reassured that there's nothing to fear about visiting a dentist. 

Orlando, Florida (July 4, 2013) – Dr. Sonia Simmonds, DDS, of the Simmonds Dental Center, was hailed as one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country for the year 2013 by the Consumers' Research Council of America. This recent recognition was proof that the good reputation built through the years is a great tool for success. The council hailed Dr. Simmonds and her practice for their exceptional cosmetic dentistry services. Specializing in quality veneers and lumineers that are made to get rid of teeth stains, gaps, and chips. They also offer teeth whitening services that proved to have successful results. Also, the clinic offers Invisalign to correct misaligned teeth, as well as, cosmetic bonding and contouring to effectively repair chips. As an Orlando dentist, Dr. Simmonds make sure to consider the needs, budget, and schedule of her patients to give them an easier time before going through the processes, making her one of the top choices in the area.

http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/press-releases/orlando-dentist-hailed-as-one-of-the-top-cosmetic-dentists-for-2013/

Do you want to greet the summer sun with a bright smile? Then this is good news for you! Your dentist in Orlando, FL is offering three summer specials for new patients! Check out these summer deals! New Patient Bright Smiles ($199) is an in-home process that will make your teeth whiter. New Patient Summer Special ($109) is a more comprehensive dental treatment, which includes adult comprehensive exams, professional cleaning, X-rays, oral hygiene instructions, and oral cancer screenings. Whereas, New Pediatric Patient Summer Special ($99) offers the same services, but specifically made to service the little ones. Save up to $150 dollars from regular prices of these services by availing of this promo! Say bye-bye to yellowish and stained teeth, and say hi to summer with your brightest smile! You can also check out our other services by visiting our clinic or just by browsing our website at http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com!

http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/promotions/smile-as-bright-as-the-sun-summer-specials-from-your-orlando-fl-dentist/

A study conducted by the USC's Ostrow School of Dentistry found that children suffering from toothaches are 400% more likely to perform poorly at school compared to those who don't endure the same pain on a regular basis. The subjects of the study were children who come from disadvantaged families in Los Angeles, California. Though the study was conducted only in one state, dentists believe that the result is reflective to the country's younger citizens' overall dental welfare. The outcome of the study is seen to set local government officials, parents, and other community advocates to focus more on the dental health and total well-being of children. This is a concern a licensed dentist in Orlando, FL must look into. Proper dental care should be accessible to children and parents alike to ensure not only children's improvement in their school performance, but also in their general health.

http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/industry-news/why-a-dentist-in-orlando-fl-should-be-a-parents-best-friend-toothaches-mean-missed-school-days-low-grades-for-kids/

Prevention is always better than cure. And as cliché as this adage might be, it bears more meaning to it than the mouth can speak. This has been the case for a polio and two-time cancer survivor, Hank Deneski. A report by Susan Dalzell of the Dayton Daily News stated that Deneski has been diagnosed with stage-four oral, head, and neck cancer in 2005 and had less than 50% of survival. The Oral Cancer Foundation (OFC) estimated more than 40,000 Americans to be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. And though more than half of that number may still be living after five years, there has been no relative improvement in the figures. However, the OFC argues that the death rate for oral cancer is not because it's difficult to diagnose, but because it's often detected too late for a turnaround. This is why an oral cancer screening from a reliable Orlando dentist is being continuously endorsed by dental organizations.

http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/industry-news/oral-cancer-screening-from-an-orlando-dentist-know-the-disease-before-its-too-late/

Social psychology studies have shown that a person's facial appearance can have a big influence on their success in life. Results from the same studies also reveal that a person's smile factors highly in creating an impression on others. It is a reality that factors such as genes and dental problems can lead to a less-than-perfect smile, which could negatively affect one's facial appearance. Fortunately, everyone can rely on cosmetic dentistry services to bring out their best smiles. Some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures are:

* Veneers and Lumineers – these are porcelain products that are individually layered over existing teeth to create an appearance of even coloration and perfect shapes. These are especially beneficial to those who have healthy teeth but might be suffering from teeth discoloration, tooth chips, or uneven shapes.

* Teeth Whitening– this is typically a bleaching procedure using various products and brands. A bleaching agent is applied to the teeth, which then acts against stains and discolorations that may have been caused by tobacco, alcohol, and aging, among other factors. The application for some bleaching products requires the use of lasers, and the degree to which different brands and products can whiten teeth may vary.

* Invisalign – this are popularly regarded as adult braces. They are transparent and removable teeth appliances that can correct defective teeth alignment in a short period of time.