October Kick’s off National Dental Hygiene Month: Dr. Catrise Austin says
“Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™”
There’s no denying that the last 3 years have been tough financially for many Americans nationwide. As a result, the current economic climate is causing many people to either postpone their much needed dental treatment recommended by their dentists, or to put off their dental visits altogether. But here’s what you really need to know, a healthy mouth can not only save you money in future dental bills, but can keep you in good overall health. There are serious long-term health risks associated with postponing oral care which is the reason why I’ve joined a new campaign stressing the fact that “Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™”!
The #1 concern that I’m hearing is “I can’t afford dentistry right now”. Well folks my response to that is you can’t afford NOT to go to the dentist! Some of the risks to ignoring those dental check-up reminder calls and postcards from your dental team and skipping your next dental visit include the following:
* Tooth decay is a progressive disease. Postponing treatment can lead to more complex, more traumatic, and more expensive treatment, such as root canals or extractions.
* Tooth decay is a communicable disease. Your untreated cavities can be spread to your loved ones.
* There are 120 diseases, including early signs of HIV infection, oral herpes virus, and oral cancer that can be detected while sitting in the dental chair. Some of these diseases can be asymptomatic. Postponing your checkup could prevent the opportunity for early detection and treatment.
* Recent studies have linked undiagnosed and untreated gum disease with a negative impact on patients’ heart health, diabetes, pregnancy, and other systemic health conditions.
* Chronic bad breath is usually due to conditions that may be easily prevented by regular oral hygiene appointments and consultation.
If more people realized this, I believe they would prioritize their discretionary spending accordingly. Choosing between undergoing gum disease or cavity treatment versus buying a new cell phone, wireless computer pad, weekly professional hair and nail grooming, or taking expensive vacations would become a no-brainer. I’m going to let you in on a little a secret…..It doesn’t take a million bucks to have a great smile! It’s true. With modern dentistry, today we have more options than ever to care for our smiles. Just stroll down the toothpaste isle of your local grocery store or pharmacy and you’ll be amazed with the tools and products available to give you what I’ve coined as an “A-List” Smile. In my private practice in New York City, I offer affordable options to costly veneers, braces, implants, and 1 hour teeth whitening. I’m encouraging everyone to take charge of their dental health and make it a priority. It’s simple. All you have to do is follow a few simple rules and you’ll be able to boast a smile that will radiate as bright as the stars!
Here are my top 5 tips that can give you a great smile throughout the year:
1. Follow this smile workout at least twice daily:
Brush, Floss, Rinse, and Scrape (or Brush) your tongue to keep your gums and teeth healthy and your breath fresh.
2. Drink fluoridated tap water or use a fluoride mouthwash to fight cavities
3. Read the nutritional facts on packaged food/beverage labels:
Pay special attention to the hidden sugar in your food and drinks to avoid cavities.
4. Need to rejuvenate your dull smile? Try teeth whitening!
Consider refreshing your look using the Crest 3D White Collection (less than $100)! Brush for 2 minutes daily with the Oral B 3D Pulsar Toothbrush and Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste, then rinse daily with the Crest 3D White Multicare Whitening Mouthrinse,
then add that dazzle and by using the Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips (the most effective of all Crest Whitestrips) once daily for 30 minutes (for 3-7 days). If you want to quickly whiten your smile try Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips
($54.99, 4 whitening strips) deliver a noticeably whiter smile in just 2 hours. Apply once for 2 hours and get noticeable results that last for three months. Each kit contains 4 treatments so you can keep your smile bright for a whole year.
5. Never say to yourself, “My teeth don’t hurt. I don’t need to see a dentist.”
You can’t have a great smile without the help of your dental team. Although there are many tools available to maintain your smile in
the comforts of your own home, nothing replaces visiting your dental team every 6 months for your gum evaluation, professional
cleaning, and cavity check.
Mother Teresa once said “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” I agree, your smile is indeed your gift and having great teeth has more benefits than you could ever imagine. A recent study revealed that people who have beautiful smiles are perceived as more successful, intelligent, interesting, wealthy, attractive and popular with the opposite sex. So, if you've been guilty of putting off your next dental exam and professional cleaning, Remember “Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™” and it’s never too late to take charge of your dental health!
For more smile tips and your VIP pass to dental resources, pick up my new book “5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile: How the stars get that perfect smile and how you can too!” today.
About Dr. Catrise Austin
As the first private practice dentist in the nation certified to offer HIV testing to patients while in the dental chair, Dr. Catrise Lynette Austin is a trailblazing expert in the field of dentistry. She is an author, professional speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of VIP Smiles-a modern dental practice in New York City. Notable celebrities such as X-Factor Judge Paula Abdul; Dancing With The Stars dancers Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Apprentice Diva Omarosa; HBO’s Entourage Actor Rex Lee; Songstress Toni Braxton; TV talk show host Wendy Williams; Food Network Chef Sunny Anderson; Dallas Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett, 2010 Olympic gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor, and Grammy Award-winning rapper/actor/author Common (to name a few) have all placed their teeth in her capable hands. Austin is an award-winning dentist and columnist who has solidified her reputation in her field with national radio as well as national TV appearances on The Discovery Health Channel, Today Show, and Good Morning America, among others. Dr. Austin is available for local and national interviews, as well as speaking engagements on dental health, HIV testing in the dental office, entrepreneurship, careers in dentistry, and improving your image with your smile. For more information contact Dr. Catrise Austin at 212-262-6054 or visit www.vipsmiles.com
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